Financing college education can be very difficult for brilliant students from poor families. Financial problems often force smart students to drop out of school. The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation (SDF) runs the Vidyadhan Scholarship Program to solve this problem. This scholarship helps bright students continue their studies without any financial stress.
This article explains everything about the Vidyadhan Scholarship 2026. You will learn about eligibility rules, scholarship amounts, key dates, required documents, and the online application steps.
What is the Vidyadhan Scholarship Program?
The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation created the Vidyadhan Scholarship. This program supports meritorious students from economically challenged backgrounds. The selection process starts right after students pass their 10th-grade exams.
Vidyadhan does not offer a one-time cash prize. Instead, it provides a long-term support system:
- Higher Secondary School Support: Selected scholars get a two-year scholarship for 11th and 12th grades (Intermediate or Plus-2).
- Undergraduate Degree Support: If students maintain good marks, the foundation extends the scholarship. This helps students finish degree courses like Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, Arts, or Commerce. External sponsors also fund many students through this network.
Today, the Vidyadhan program supports nearly 13,000 active students. It operates in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi, Ladakh, Chandigarh, and Puducherry.
Vidyadhan Scholarship Amount and Benefits
The foundation designs the scholarship amount to cover tuition fees, books, and basic school expenses.
- For 11th and 12th Grades: Students receive a maximum amount of Rs. 10,000 per year.
- For Graduation Degree Courses: The scholarship amount increases significantly. Students receive between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 75,000 per year. The final amount depends on your state, your course type, and course duration.
- Mentoring Programs: The foundation does more than send money. It organizes compulsory mentoring programs for all selected students. These classes teach life skills, career planning, and confidence.
AYUSH Scholarship Scheme 2026-27
State-Wise Eligibility Criteria & Important Dates for 2026
The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation sets different criteria and cut-off scores for each state. This method accounts for the varying grading systems of state boards. Below is the full state-wise data for the 2026 academic year.
1. Andhra Pradesh Vidyadhan Intermediate Program 2026
- Academic Rules: You must score at least 90% marks or 9 CGPA in your 10th Grade/SSC exam in 2026. Students with disabilities need 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA.
- Family Income Limit: Your annual family income must be less than Rs. 2 Lakhs.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 20th June 2026
- Screening Test Date: 5th July 2026
- Interview Dates: 15th July to 15th August 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.andhra@sdfoundationindia.com
2. Telangana Vidyadhan Intermediate Program 2026
- Academic Rules: You need a minimum of 90% marks or 9 CGPA in your 10th Grade/SSC exam in 2026. Students with physical disabilities need 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA.
- Family Income Limit: Your total parental income must stay below Rs. 2 Lakhs per year.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 20th June 2026
- Screening Test Date: 5th July 2026
- Interview Dates: 25th July to 25th August 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.telangana@sdfoundationindia.com
3. Bihar Vidyadhan Plus-2 Program 2026
- Academic Rules: You must achieve 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the 10th Grade/BSEB exam in 2026. Disabled students require a minimum of 65% marks or 6.5 CGPA.
- Family Income Limit: Annual household income must be less than Rs. 2 Lakhs.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 7th July 2026
- Screening Test Date: 19th July 2026
- Interview Dates: 1st August to 31st August 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.bihar@sdfoundationindia.com
4. Jharkhand Vidyadhan Intermediate Program 2026
- Academic Rules: General applicants must secure at least 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the 10th Grade/SSC exam in 2026. The cut-off mark for disabled students is 60%.
- Family Income Limit: The annual income of your family must be under Rs. 2 Lakhs.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 5th July 2026
- Screening Test Date: 19th July 2026
- Interview Dates: 10th August to 31st August 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.jharkhand@sdfoundationindia.com
5. Karnataka Vidyadhan 11th Program 2026
- Academic Rules: You must score at least 90% marks or 9 CGPA in your 10th Grade/SSLC exam in 2026. Students with a disability must score at least 75%.
- Family Income Limit: The absolute limit for family income is Rs. 2 Lakhs annually.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 5th July 2026
- Screening Test Date: 19th July 2026
- Interview Dates: 8th August to 30th August 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.karnataka@sdfoundationindia.com
6. West Bengal Vidyadhan Madhyamik Program 2026
- Academic Rules: You need at least 80% marks or 8 CGPA in your 10th Grade/Madhyamik/Secondary exam in 2026. Students with disabilities need a minimum of 65%.
- Family Income Limit: Your total household income must be under Rs. 2 Lakhs per year.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 20th July 2026
- Screening Test Date: 2nd August 2026
- Interview Dates: 25th August to 10th September 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.bengal@sdfoundationindia.com
7. Odisha Vidyadhan Plus-2 Program 2026
- Academic Rules: You must obtain 80% marks or 8 CGPA in your 10th Grade/HSC exam in 2026. Disabled candidates must score a minimum of 65% marks or 6.5 CGPA.
- Family Income Limit: The parental income cap stands at Rs. 2 Lakhs per year.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 10th July 2026
- Screening Test Date: 19th July 2026
- Interview Dates: 16th August to 25th August 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.odisha@sdfoundationindia.com
8. Goa Vidyadhan 11th Program 2026
- Academic Rules: You need 75% marks or 7 CGPA in your 10th Grade/SSC exam in 2026. For candidates with disabilities, the cutoff mark drops to 60% or 6 CGPA.
- Family Income Limit: Goa has a higher income cap. Your family income must be less than Rs. 4 Lakhs per year.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 15th June 2026
- Screening Test Date: 5th July 2026
- Interview Dates: 1st August to 9th August 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.goa@sdfoundationindia.com
9. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Vidyadhan Programs 2026
- Academic Rules: * Jammu & Kashmir: You need 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA (General) or 60% or 6 CGPA (Disabled).
- Ladakh: You need 65% marks or 6.5 CGPA (General) or 60% or 6 CGPA (Disabled).
- Family Income Limit: Annual family earnings must be under Rs. 2 Lakhs.
- Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 31st July 2026
- Ladakh Interview Window: 1st October to 31st October 2026
- J&K Interview Window: 1st November to 30th November 2026
- Official Email: vidyadhan.ladakh@sdfoundationindia.com
10. Meghalaya and Nagaland Plus-1 Programs 2026
- Academic Rules: You need 75% marks in your State Board 10th standard exam. CBSE students need 85% marks or 9+ CGPA. Students with disabilities require 60%.
- Family Income Limit: The annual income ceiling is Rs. 3 Lakhs.
- Important Dates:
- Meghalaya Last Date: 21st June 2026 (Screening Test: 5th July 2026)
- Nagaland Last Date: 31st July 2026 (Screening Test: 9th August 2026)
- Official Email: vidyadhan.meghalaya@sdfoundationindia.com / vidyadhan.nagaland@sdfoundationindia.com
Required Documents for Online Application
Keep your documents ready before you fill out the registration form. You must scan these documents clearly. Poor scans will lead to application rejection.
- 10th Class Marksheet: You can upload an online provisional marksheet if you do not have your original board report card yet. Secure this copy from your board’s website.
- Income Certificate: Get an official income certificate from an authorized government office (like a Tehsildar or Revenue Officer). The foundation does not accept ration cards as proof of income.
- Recent Passport Size Photograph: Upload a clear, bright picture of yourself.
- Disability Certificate: Upload a medical certificate from a competent authority if you are applying under the disability quota.
Detailed Selection Process
The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation uses a strict selection plan. They pick the most deserving students using three key phases:
- Phase 1: Shortlisting: The foundation checks your application forms and academic marks. They filter out applications that do not meet the minimum requirements.
- Phase 2: Screening Test: Shortlisted candidates must take an online screening test. This test evaluates basic logic, mathematics, and science knowledge.
- Phase 3: Interview: Candidates who pass the test receive an invitation for an interview. The panel checks your actual family need and subject interest during this interaction. The foundation informs you about the exact date, time, and venue via email.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online for Vidyadhan Scholarship 2026
Students can complete the entire application process for free. The foundation does not charge any hidden fees. They have not authorized any external cyber cafes or third-party agencies to run this selection process.
Follow these simple steps to complete your registration successfully:
Step 1: Prepare Your Personal Email ID
You must use your own personal email address. Do not use the email ID of a cyber cafe or a friend. The foundation sends all future updates to this registered account. If you do not have an email account, create a new one on Gmail before you begin.
Step 2: Register on the Official Website
- Open your internet browser and visit the official link: www.vidyadhan.org/apply
- Look for the registration section.
- Enter your First Name and Last Name exactly as they appear on your school board documents.
- Type your current Email ID.
- Create a new Vidyadhan Password. Choose a strong password with at least 8 characters. Do not use your actual email inbox password here.
- Click the submit button to register.
Step 3: Activate Your Account
- Open your personal email inbox in a separate window.
- Open the account activation email from the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation.
- Click the activation link inside that email.
- This link redirects you to the Vidyadhan homepage with a success message.
Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Form
- Log into the system using your registered email address and your new Vidyadhan password.
- Click the Help tab on the main menu to read the full system instructions.
- Select your home state’s specific scholarship program from the active list.
- Click the Apply Now button to open the blank application form.
- Fill in your family background, personal info, and 10th-grade exam scores.
- Click the Edit Application button if you need to correct any typing mistakes.
Step 5: Upload Files and Submit
- Upload your scanned photograph, provisional marksheet, and income certificate.
- Review every text field one last time.
- Press the final Submit button. The portal will show a unique registration summary on your screen. Save this confirmation for future use.
Tips for Screening Process
Follow these tips to avoid rejection and improve your rank in the selection list:
- Check the Income Proof: Double-check your income certificate. Ensure it bears a valid signature and stamp from the Revenue Department.
- Do Not Wait for the Last Date: Internet networks experience high traffic on the final day. Submit your details early to avoid server issues.
- Watch Your Inbox: Check your email spam folder regularly. The foundation sends test links and interview venue locations exclusively through email.
- Prepare for the Test: Revise your core 9th and 10th-grade textbooks. Focus on basic math, reasoning puzzles, and general science questions.
Vidyadhan Central Helpdesk Contacts
If you experience technical issues while uploading your files, contact the national team directly:
- Central Phone Helpline: +91 9663517131 / +91 8068333500
- Official Mobile Application: Search and download the SDF Vidya App on the Google Play Store to check your current application status.
Official Portal Links
- Official Website: www.vidyadhan.org
- Direct Application Portal: www.vidyadhan.org/apply
- Official Mobile Application: Download SDF Vidya App (Google Play Store)