The Maulana Azad Scholarship: A Guide for Minority Students in India
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship for students in India who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship is named after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, an Indian scholar, independence activist, and the first Education Minister of India. This scholarship is aimed at providing financial support to underprivileged students who have a strong academic record and are in need of financial assistance to continue their studies. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, required documents for application, the application process, and the benefits of receiving the scholarship.
1. Introduction to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship
– Who is Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and the first Education Minister of independent India. He was an eminent scholar, writer, and journalist who played a significant role in shaping the education system of India.
– What is the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship?
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship was initiated by the Government of West Bengal to provide financial aid to students from minority communities pursuing higher education. The scholarship is awarded to eligible students based on merit and financial need.
2. Scholarship Amount and Eligibility Criteria
– What is the scholarship amount?
The scholarship amount for Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship varies based on the level of education. For undergraduate courses, the amount is up to Rs.12,000 per year, while for postgraduate courses, the scholarship amount goes up to Rs.24,000 per year.
– Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must belong to a minority community (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi) and be a permanent resident of West Bengal. The applicant must have secured at least 50% marks in the previous qualifying examination and must be enrolled in a recognized institution for higher education.
Types pf Scholarship
- Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship: This category is available for students pursuing professional and technical courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It covers both course fee and maintenance allowances.
- Girls’ Scholarship: This category is specifically for minority girl students studying in classes 9th to 12th. It aims to promote education among girls and covers both tuition fees and other allowances.
- Pre-Matric Scholarship: This category is for minority students studying in classes 1st to 10th. It provides financial assistance to cover admission fees, tuition fees, maintenance allowances, etc.
- Post-Matric Scholarship: This category is for minority students studying in classes 11th and 12th, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It covers admission fees, tuition fees, maintenance allowances, etc.
3. Required Documents for Application
– List of documents required for application
The documents required for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship application are:
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
- Proof of residence (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Ration card, etc.)
- Income certificate of the applicant’s parents or guardian
- Mark sheet of the last qualifying examination
- Admission receipt or fee receipt of the course the applicant is pursuing
- Bank account details of the applicant
– Detailed explanation of each document
The proof of identity and residence documents are required to verify the authenticity of the applicant’s identity and confirm their permanent residence in West Bengal. The income certificate is needed to assess the economic status of the applicant’s family. The mark sheet of the last qualifying examination is used to determine the applicant’s eligibility for the scholarship. The admission receipt or fee receipt is proof that the applicant is a bonafide student of the institution and pursuing the course. The bank account details are required for the scholarship amount to be credited to the applicant’s account.
4. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply
– How to register for the scholarship
To apply for the scholarship, a student needs to register on the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation website ( www.wbmdfc.org ). After registration, the applicant can log in and fill in the application form.
Students may also apply through National Scholarship Portal
– Detailed explanation of the application process
The applicant needs to fill in the personal, academic, and financial details in the application form. They also need to upload the required documents and submit the form online. After the submission, a unique application ID will be generated, which the applicant needs to note down for future reference. The application will be verified by the concerned authorities, and if approved, the scholarship amount will be credited to the applicant’s bank account. In case of any queries or issues, the applicant can contact the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation through their website or helpline numbers.
5. Evaluation and Selection Process
– How are the applications evaluated?
The applications for Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship are evaluated by a selection committee appointed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The selection committee considers all the applications and evaluates them based on the eligibility criteria and selection criteria.
– Selection criteria for the scholarship
The selection criteria for the scholarship include academic merit, financial need, and the overall profile of the applicant. The applicant’s academic performance is given significant importance in the selection process. Financial need is also taken into account, and preference is given to economically weaker sections of the minority communities. Additionally, the selection committee also considers other factors such as family background, extracurricular activities, and any other achievements of the applicant.
6. Contact Details for Further Inquiries
– Who to contact for more information on the scholarship
For further details regarding the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship, interested students can visit the official website of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
They can also contact the National Scholarship Division of the Ministry at the following address:
National Scholarship Division
Ministry of Minority Affairs,
1st Floor, P-Block, ITI Building,
New Delhi - 110025
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 011-23445123, 23445132
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship?
To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must be a resident of India and must have secured at least 55% marks in the last qualifying examination. Additionally, the applicant’s family income should not exceed INR 2 lakh per year.
2. What is the scholarship amount for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship?
The scholarship amount varies from INR 12,000 to INR 48,000 per annum, depending on the level of education and the course being pursued.
3. What documents are required for the application process?
The following documents need to be submitted along with the application:- Proof of residence- Photo ID proof- Income certificate- Mark sheet of the last qualifying examination- Admission letter from the institute where the applicant is enrolled
4. How can I apply for the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Scholarship?
Interested candidates can apply for the scholarship online through the National Scholarship Portal. The application process typically opens in the month of August or September each year.
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