Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence 2026–27: Eligibility, Amount and University Criteria
Who qualifies, which Indian and foreign universities count, how much funding each income category receives, and the documents you'll need — explained for students and parents.
In this guide
Studying at a leading university in India or abroad can be a significant financial commitment for students and their families. For eligible students from Rajasthan, the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence (SVS) offers financial assistance towards higher education at specified high-ranking institutions.
The scheme covers both Indian and foreign universities, but the eligibility criteria, income categories and financial benefits differ between the two pathways.
In this guide, One Degree Advisory explains the scheme's eligibility requirements, qualifying universities, scholarship amounts, required documents and important conditions for the 2026–27 academic cycle.
Important: The scholarship supports eligible students who secure admission to qualifying institutions. It does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.
Swami Vivekananda Scholarship 2026–27: At a glance
- Administered by
- Government of Rajasthan
- Eligible applicants
- Students meeting the Rajasthan domicile, age, academic, income and admission requirements
- Foreign pathway
- Top 50 Times Higher Education (THE) universities, with E1, E2 and E3 income categories
- Indian pathway
- Prescribed NIRF-ranked universities and institutions, with E1 and E2 income categories
- Official information
- Rajasthan SVS Scholarship Portal
1.Who is eligible for the scholarship?
According to the Rajasthan government's 2026–27 SVS FAQ, applicants must satisfy the following broad requirements.
- Rajasthan domicile: Applicants must be residents of Rajasthan and provide the prescribed domicile or bonafide certificate.
- Age limit: Applicants must be below 35 years of age as of 1 July 2026.
- Minimum academic marks: At least 75% in the qualifying examination for foreign universities, and at least 65% for Indian universities and institutions.
- Admission offer: Applicants need the relevant offer, allotment or admission letter from an institution included in the applicable government-approved university list.
The last qualifying examination depends on the level of study:
| Intended study | Qualifying examination |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | Class 12 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | Undergraduate degree |
| PhD | Postgraduate degree |
| Postdoctoral study | PhD |
The government FAQ states that an application cannot be completed while the qualifying examination result is awaited.
Meeting these basic criteria does not guarantee selection. The application must also satisfy the scheme's detailed conditions and selection requirements.
2.Which universities qualify?
The SVS scheme has separate eligibility criteria for foreign and Indian institutions. Students should verify the exact university and institution against the official list adopted by the Rajasthan government for 2026–27.
Foreign universities: THE Top 50
- Top 1–50 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings list adopted by the government
- Based on rankings available as of 1 April 2026; fixed for that financial year
- Income categories: E1, E2 and E3
Indian institutions: NIRF criteria
- Prescribed NIRF Top 1–50 universities and institutions
- Plus five streams at NIRF Top 1–10 institutes
- Income categories: E1 and E2
Foreign universities
For overseas study, the scheme covers universities included in the Top 1–50 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings list adopted by the government. The applicable list is based on the rankings available as of 1 April 2026 and remains fixed for that financial year.
A university appearing in another ranking system, such as QS, does not automatically qualify. Check the exact institution against the official Rajasthan list before making financial plans.
Indian universities and institutions
For study within India, the scheme covers prescribed NIRF Top 1–50 universities and institutions. The government FAQ also identifies five streams at NIRF Top 1–10 institutes:
- Medical
- Management
- Law
- Agriculture and Allied Sectors
- Architecture and Planning
These are specific eligibility provisions. Students should confirm whether their intended institution and programme fall within the applicable government list.
Check the official list: Rajasthan SVS portal — guidelines and university list
3.Which courses are covered?
The 2026–27 government FAQ specifies the following maximum scholarship durations:
| Course level | Maximum supported duration |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 4 years |
| Postgraduate | 2 years |
| PhD | 3 years |
| Postdoctoral | 1.5 years |
| MBBS | 4.5 years |
M.Phil. is not permitted under the scheme. Course eligibility is also subject to the relevant institution and pathway rules, so students should verify the applicable provisions before assuming that a particular programme qualifies.
4.How much financial assistance can students receive?
The scheme classifies applicants according to annual gross family income.
The government's published FAQ provides the following assistance schedule for 2026–27.
| Benefit | E1 | E2 | E3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual family income | Below ₹8 lakh | ₹8–25 lakh | Above ₹25 lakh |
| Foreign tuition and bench fees | 100%, up to ₹50 lakh | 85%, up to ₹42.5 lakh | 70%, up to ₹35 lakh |
| Foreign living allowance | ₹12 lakh | ₹6 lakh | Not provided |
| Indian living allowance | ₹3 lakh | ₹1.8 lakh | Not eligible for Indian pathway |
Source: Rajasthan government SVS FAQ 2026–27. Published assistance limits, subject to scheme rules.
The foreign tuition percentages are subject to the applicable caps and scheme rules. E2 students must fund the remaining 15% of eligible tuition fees themselves, while E3 students must fund the remaining 30%.
These figures are the published assistance limits, not a guarantee that every applicant will receive the maximum amount or that every university expense will be covered.
What does living-expense assistance include?
The government FAQ identifies expenses that may include accommodation, flights, visa, medical insurance, equipment, contingency allowance and TCS. These categories are indicative, and the detailed scheme guidelines determine the applicable payment provisions.
Students should budget separately for any costs outside the approved assistance, fee amounts above the applicable cap and expenses they must pay before disbursement.
The ₹3 lakh advance for E1 foreign students
Eligible E1 students studying abroad may receive a one-time advance of ₹3 lakh before their course begins, subject to submission of a valid visa.
This advance is adjusted against the student's living-expense assistance. It is not additional funding on top of the annual allowance.
What if a student receives another scholarship?
Other scholarships, grants, fellowships, awards and financial assistance must be declared. The government FAQ states that such assistance is deducted from the benefits payable under SVS. Selected students must also update information about other financial support as required by the scheme.
5.How are scholarship applications prioritised?
For 2026–27, the government has allocated 700 new awards: 100 for foreign universities and 600 for Indian universities and institutions.
- Income order: E1 applications are considered first, followed by E2. E3 applicants for foreign universities are considered only if seats remain.
- Seats for female students: 30% of the total 700 seats are earmarked for female students in the E1 and E2 categories, with E1 female applicants receiving preference over E2 female applicants within these seats.
- Tie-breakers: Where merit is equal, the preference order is postdoctoral, PhD, postgraduate and undergraduate applicants. If applicants remain tied, preference goes to the older applicant.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Awards are subject to the applicable evaluation process, available seats and scheme conditions.
6.What documents are required?
Students should prepare the documents specified in the current government checklist. The 2026–27 FAQ identifies the following core requirements.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Jan Aadhaar and Aadhaar details | Identity and online application requirements |
| Rajasthan domicile or bonafide certificate | Proof of Rajasthan residency |
| Class 10 marksheet | Academic and identity verification |
| Last qualifying examination marksheet and degree/certificate | Verification of academic eligibility |
| Offer, allotment or admission letter | Evidence of admission to an eligible institution |
| Gross family income affidavit | Verification of the applicable income category |
| ITR, AIS and TIS records | Family income assessment, where applicable |
| Prescribed non-filing and revised-ITR affidavits | Required where relevant |
| Declaration of other scholarships or financial aid | Disclosure of other financial assistance |
| Other-income affidavit | Disclosure of relevant business, directorship or shareholding income |
The FAQ lists income-tax records for FY 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25 for the student, mother and father, where applicable. It also specifies a family-income affidavit provision for E3 applicants in place of ITRs.
The prescribed gross family income affidavit must be notarised, authenticated by an Executive Magistrate and witnessed by two Gazetted Officers, according to the FAQ.
Download the latest prescribed formats from the official portal rather than using generic affidavit templates.
7.How does the application process work?
Applications are submitted online through the official Rajasthan SVS portal. Students need their Jan Aadhaar number and SSOID to access the application system. The broad process involves:
- Confirming eligibility and checking the official university list.
- Securing the relevant admission or offer letter.
- Preparing academic, identity, income and tax documents.
- Completing the online application and uploading the requested information.
- Monitoring application status and responding to any scrutiny requirements.
- Completing post-selection formalities if provisionally selected.
The government FAQ states that documents do not need to be submitted offline with the initial online application. After selection, offline submission may be required as specified in the applicable guidelines.
A conditional offer letter may be accepted at the application stage, but an unconditional offer or admission letter must be submitted within two months of provisional selection, according to the FAQ.
For foreign study, a passport and visa are not required to fill in the initial application, but are required after selection to access the financial benefits.
8.Important conditions students should understand
Before relying on the scholarship to finance a university place, students and families should be aware of the following:
- Benefits do not necessarily cover earlier periods. For students already enrolled, assistance does not cover the period before the application date. For students starting later, tuition support begins from the course start date and living support from joining, subject to the scheme rules.
- Income category is fixed. The income category determined at selection remains the same during the course under the FAQ.
- Family income includes relevant sources. Income earned abroad and applicable family income, including HUF and relevant business interests, must be disclosed as required.
- Academic progress matters. Subsequent instalments depend on satisfactory academic progress. The FAQ states that tuition payments stop if a student fails more than 50% of subjects in two consecutive semesters, terms or years; living assistance remains subject to the applicable rules.
- The award is limited. A student can receive the scheme only once in their lifetime, and only one award is allowed per family.
- Misrepresentation has consequences. False or misleading information can result in recovery of funds, penalties and legal action.
The scheme also places responsibilities on selected students, including compliance with its guidelines and submission of required academic or research outputs.
9.Frequently asked questions
Does the SVS scholarship help students secure admission?
No. Students must apply to universities independently and obtain admission. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible selected students.
Can students apply without a passport or visa?
Yes, for the initial application. For foreign study, passport and visa documents are required after selection to access financial benefits.
Can students apply if their qualifying examination result is awaited?
The government FAQ states that they cannot complete the application while the qualifying result is awaited.
Is M.Phil. covered?
No. M.Phil. is excluded under the scheme.
Can the university eligibility list change during the application window?
The government FAQ states that the list available as of 1 April of the financial year, as adopted by the government, applies throughout that financial year.
Can students combine SVS with another scholarship?
Other financial assistance must be declared and is deducted from the benefits payable under the scheme.
Where can students check application status?
Students can check the official portal. The FAQ also states that updates may be communicated through registered mobile numbers and email addresses.
10.Where can students find the official guidelines?
The Rajasthan government's SVS portal provides the applicable scheme guidelines, university list, document checklist, annexures, application link and FAQs.
Official portal: Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence
The 2026–27 application cycle has progressed to published selection notices. Check the latest official notices for current application status, further evaluation phases or any new instructions before acting.
Need help planning your university applications?
Understanding scholarship eligibility alongside university selection, admission requirements, costs and deadlines can be challenging. One Degree Advisory helps students make informed decisions about university applications and education planning.
If you are considering universities in India or abroad, start by checking the official eligibility requirements and institution list. For personalised admissions guidance, connect with us to discuss your academic profile, university options and application plans.
Disclaimer: This article summarises the Rajasthan government's 2026–27 SVS FAQ for general informational purposes. The applicable scheme guidelines, official university list and department decisions take precedence in case of any discrepancy. Eligibility and scholarship selection are not guaranteed.