ONGC merit scholarship 2026: ONGC Merit Scholarship Scheme 2025-26 is now open for application and provides financial aid to the students belonging to the economically weaker category to pursue professional studies. The online application process was initiated on April 1, 2026, and would continue until May 15, 2026, till 6:00 PM.Being operated through the ONGC Foundation, this scholarship scheme will provide benefits to the citizens of India who are currently studying or planning to study in the first year of a full-time professional course like Engineering, MBBS, MBA, Geology, and Geophysics. As many as 2,000 scholarships will be distributed among eligible candidates.Eligibility criteria and quotaThe applicants need to have obtained a minimum score of 60 marks or 6.0 CGPA in their last qualifying examination. The maximum age of the candidate should not cross 30 years when applying for the scholarship program. There are income restrictions too in the scholarship scheme where the annual family income of Rs 4.5 lakhs and Rs 2 lakhs per year is applicable for SC/ST and OBC/GEN/EWS categories, respectively.Half the quota of the total number of scholarships is reserved for the girl candidates.Courses offered and procedure for applyingThe scholarship is available to students studying Engineering, MBBS, MBA, Geology, and Geophysics courses. The eligible applicants must be registered and apply via the National Scholarship Portal, which is scholarships.gov.in.It includes submitting one’s academic records, income proof, and other necessary documentation. However, only those students who have been admitted into the first year of these courses can apply for it.Financial assistance and conditions for renewalEach of the chosen applicants will get Rs 48,000 per year. The funds will be remitted annually via direct bank transfer facility. The scholarships are renewable every year, given that the students perform satisfactorily, earning 60 marks or better.According to the ONGC Foundation, for any student to remain eligible for the scholarship program, the criteria must be met every year.Timeline and key datesThe application portal opened on April 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The final date to submit applications is May 15, 2026. Candidates are required to complete the application process within this period to be considered for selection. Students have been advised to review eligibility conditions carefully and submit accurate information on the portal before the closing date.
