The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship is the Indian Government’s flagship educational exchange programme for international students. Nepal receives one of the largest allocations globally — approximately 1,783 scholarships annually — making this one of the most accessible fully funded study abroad opportunities for Nepali students. The 2026 Round 2 applications are open until 10 June 2026.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | ICCR Scholarship Scheme 2026 |
| Host Country | India |
| Study Level | Undergraduate & Postgraduate (Master’s, PhD) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Round 1 Deadline | 15 May 2026 |
| Round 2 Deadline | 10 June 2026 (if slots remain) |
| Apply Through | Embassy of India, Kathmandu |
| Official Website | indembkathmandu.gov.in |
What Does the ICCR Scholarship Cover?
- Tuition: Fully waived at participating Indian universities
- Monthly Stipend: INR 4,500–6,000/month for undergraduate; INR 6,500–8,000/month for postgraduate and PhD
- Accommodation: University hostel accommodation at subsidised rates
- Medical Insurance: Coverage under a group insurance policy
- Annual Book Grant: Allowance for academic books and materials
- Warm Clothing Allowance: One-time grant for students going to colder regions of India
Available Programmes
ICCR scholarships are available for a wide range of programmes, including:
- Engineering and technology (B.Tech, M.Tech)
- Medicine and dentistry (MBBS, BDS)
- Agriculture and veterinary science
- Business administration (MBA)
- Education (B.Ed, M.Ed)
- Fine arts, music, and performing arts
- AYUSH programmes (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy)
- Law and social sciences
- PhD research across all disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- Nepali citizen
- Undergraduate: Completed SEE/SLC with minimum Grade B or equivalent; age 17–23
- Postgraduate: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with minimum second division (50%+)
- PhD: Master’s degree with strong academic record and a research proposal
- Good health (medical examination required after selection)
Top Indian Universities for ICCR Scholars
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) — Engineering, Sciences
- University of Delhi — Arts, Commerce, Sciences
- Jawaharlal Nehru University — Social Sciences, International Studies
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) — Medicine
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute — Agriculture
How to Apply
- Register on the ICCR A2A (A2A Scholarship) portal — link available on the Embassy of India website
- Fill in the online application with personal details, academic history, and programme preference
- Upload documents: transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy, medical certificate, and recent photographs
- Submit and download your application reference number
- The Embassy of India in Kathmandu shortlists candidates and sends nominations to ICCR in New Delhi
- Selected candidates receive admission offers from Indian universities
Tips for Nepali Applicants
- ICCR allocates more seats for Nepal than most countries. This gives you a statistically higher chance compared to students from smaller ICCR-eligible nations — take advantage of it.
- MBBS seats are competitive. If applying for medicine, ensure your CGPA is high and your English test scores are strong. SEE science marks are scrutinised closely.
- Apply in Round 1. Seats are distributed on a first-come, competitive basis. Round 2 only opens if Round 1 does not fill all allocated slots.
- List multiple programme preferences. The portal allows multiple choices. Listing 3–4 realistic options increases your chances of placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a Hindi language certificate?
- No. Most programmes at top Indian universities are taught in English. However, basic Hindi knowledge will make your daily life in India significantly easier.
- Can I choose my university?
- You can state preferences, but final university placement is decided by ICCR based on seat availability and your academic profile.
- Is the scholarship renewable each year?
- Yes. The ICCR scholarship renews annually provided you pass your examinations and maintain satisfactory attendance (minimum 75%).
With nearly 1,800 scholarships a year specifically for Nepal and one of the fastest application processes among major scholarship programmes, ICCR is the most accessible route to a fully funded degree in India. Apply before 10 June 2026 on the ICCR A2A portal.