Azim Premji Foundation to Support 20,000 Girls in Delhi

Azim Premji Foundation launches its Delhi scholarship programme to support up to 20,000 girls pursuing undergraduate degrees or diplomas. Selected students will receive ₹30,000 annually, with total support reaching ₹1.5 lakh over two to five years.

The Azim Premji Foundation has launched the Azim Premji Scholarship for Delhi (NCT), aiming to support up to 20,000 girls pursuing undergraduate degree or diploma programmes in 2026. The initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers that can prevent girls from continuing their education after school.

Under the scholarship programme, each selected student will receive ₹30,000 annually, starting from the first year of college and continuing until completion of the undergraduate degree or diploma. Depending on the duration of the programme, a student can receive up to ₹1.5 lakh over two to five years. The financial assistance can be used for college fees and other education-related expenses.

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The Delhi expansion is part of the Foundation's broader scholarship programme, which was launched in 2024. The scheme is now available to girls who completed their schooling in 21 States and Union Territories, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana.

To qualify, applicants must have completed Classes 10 and 12 in a government school in one of the eligible states or Union Territories. They must also have secured admission to the first year of an undergraduate degree or diploma course at a recognised institution anywhere in India.

The Foundation's initiative focuses on supporting girls at a critical transition point between school and higher education. Financial constraints can affect students' ability to enrol in or continue undergraduate programmes, particularly when families have limited resources. By providing recurring financial support throughout the course, the scholarship seeks to improve access and continuity in higher education.

The programme has already reached a substantial number of students since its launch. According to the Foundation, more than 1.9 lakh girls have received support since 2024. The organisation aims to eventually support up to five lakh girls across India every year, which could translate into nearly 15 lakh girls having active scholarships at any given time because undergraduate programmes generally last around three years.

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Anurag Behar, CEO of the Azim Premji Foundation, emphasises the role of higher education in improving girls' long-term social and economic opportunities. The Foundation views financial assistance as one mechanism for addressing the societal and economic barriers that continue to influence girls' access to higher education.

The scholarship programme also reflects the growing role of philanthropic organisations in supporting higher education access alongside government initiatives. By targeting students from government schools and providing assistance through the duration of their courses, the Foundation is seeking to strengthen the transition from school education to higher education.