The Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National and International Events scheme is an empowering initiative launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, to promote academic excellence among talented sportspersons across India. Recognizing that dedicated athletes often struggle to balance sports commitments with education, the scheme ensures complete financial support—covering tuition fees, hostel expenses, allowances, and academic assistance—for sportspersons who have won medals at national events or represented India at international platforms. This initiative not only rewards their sporting achievements but also encourages holistic development, enabling athlete-students to pursue higher education without financial stress and motivating them to excel simultaneously in sporting and academic careers.
Dates / Duration of the Scheme
- The scheme is always open.
- Applications can be submitted throughout the year.
- Universities/colleges must send required reports annually to continue benefits.
Objectives of the Scheme
The scheme has been introduced with multiple student-centric and athlete-centric objectives, ensuring financial relief, academic support, and sports excellence:
1. To Provide Free Higher Education to Sportspersons
The primary aim is to ensure that national medalists and international participants can pursue higher education without worrying about tuition and hostel expenses.
2. To Encourage Excellence in Both Sports and Academics
The scheme motivates medal-winning athletes to continue their academic journey while maintaining sporting performance at national and international levels.
3. To Support International Standard Athletes
Special provisions and higher allowances are offered to athletes who represent India in global competitions like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Championships, etc.
4. To Promote Holistic Development of Youth
By supporting the dual track of education and sports, the scheme fosters discipline, skill development, and long-term career growth.
5. To Strengthen India’s Sports Ecosystem
Encouraging students to continue higher education improves career security, reduces dropout rates, and enhances India’s sports talent pool.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Free Education Scheme for Sportspersons includes several important features that make it a unique and impactful initiative:
1. Complete Tuition Fee Coverage
All eligible students receive reimbursement of tuition fees based on their sports performance level.
2. Support for All Major Academic Courses
The scheme covers:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Postgraduate degree
- Diploma courses
- Professional courses (MBA etc.)
- M.Phil
- Ph.D.
3. Hostel Expenses Covered
Boarding and lodging charges are reimbursed at actual cost.
4. Financial Allowance for Study Abroad Courses
Eligible sportspersons pursuing special courses abroad receive assistance as per Government of India norms.
5. Annual Sports Kit Allowance
Kit allowances range from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 per year, depending on performance.
6. Assistance Linked With Performance
Continued scholarship benefits depend on the student’s:
- Academic performance
- Ongoing sports participation
- Conduct and discipline
7. UGC Reimburses the Institution Directly
All payments are reimbursed by UGC to the concerned university, ensuring transparency and timely support.
8. Special Academic Support for Athletes
Universities must help students complete syllabus and attendance requirements missed due to sports engagements.
Scholarship Amount (Category-Wise Breakdown)
The scholarship amount varies according to the level of sports achievement. Below is the complete structured chart:
A. Category 1 – Olympic & World Championship Medalists (More than 20 Countries)
- Tuition Fee: Actual
- PG/Diploma Fees: Actual
- M.Phil: ₹7,500 per month + Actual fees
- Ph.D.: As per UGC JRF scale
- MBA/Professional Courses: ₹7,500 per month + Actual fees
- Hostel Facilities: Actual
- Allowances Abroad: As per Govt. of India norms
- Sports Kit: ₹15,000 per annum
B. Category 2 – Participants in Olympics / World Championship + Medalists in CWG, Asian, Afro-Asian Games
- Same as Category 1
- Sports Kit: ₹15,000 per annum
C. Category 3 – Participants in World Championship (Less than 20 Countries), CWG, Asian, Afro-Asian Games + Medalists in Asian Championship
- Same fee support as above
- Sports Kit: ₹10,000 per annum
D. Category 4 – Participants in Asian Championship, World University Games + Medalists at SAF Games
- Full academic fee support
- M.Phil: ₹7,500 per month + Actual
- MBA/Professional Courses: ₹7,500 per month + Actual
- Sports Kit: ₹7,500 per annum
E. Category 5 – Participants in SAF Games + Medalists at National-Level Competitions
- Tuition Fee: 75% of actual
- Diploma/PG/Professional Courses: 75%
- M.Phil: ₹5,000 per month + Actual
- Ph.D.: ₹7,500 per month + Actual
- Kit Allowance: ₹6,000 per annum
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, candidates must meet the following conditions:
1. Sports Criteria
The applicant must be:
- Medal winner at National Games OR
- Participant/winner in recognized international sports events including:
- Olympics
- Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
- Afro-Asian Games
- World Championships
- SAF Games
- World University Games
Events must be recognized by:
- International Olympic Committee
- Olympic Committee of Asia
- World University Service
2. Academic Institution Eligibility
The student must be enrolled in:
- Universities/Institutions under Section 2(f) & 12(b) of UGC Act
- Deemed Universities eligible for UGC grants
- Colleges funded by Central/State Government
- Institutes of National Importance
3. Performance Continuity Requirement
- Benefits in subsequent years depend on maintaining:
- Good academic performance
- Continued sports participation
- Good conduct
Exclusions / Scholarship Cancellation Conditions
UGC may cancel the scholarship under the following conditions:
1. Misconduct
Any disciplinary issue reported by the university.
2. Unsatisfactory Academic Progress
Repeated failures or poor academic performance.
3. University Recommendation
If the university recommends cancellation at any point.
Reservation Policy
While the scheme does not explicitly provide reservation categories, it inherently supports inclusion through:
- Equal benefits for all eligible sportspersons
- Coverage across all recognized universities and institutions
- No caste, gender, or income restriction
Thus, the scheme is universally accessible to sports achievers from all backgrounds.
Distribution of Scholarships
1. University’s Role
- Universities select eligible students
- Maintain annual statements of beneficiaries
- Submit utilization certificates
- Provide academic support to athlete-students
2. UGC’s Role
- Reimburses funds directly to the university
- Monitors compliance with guidelines
- Ensures timely release of financial assistance
3. Candidate’s Role
- Submit valid certificates of achievement
- Maintain academic and sports performance
- Submit progress reports when required
Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
The application process for the scheme is completely offline through the student’s respective university or college.
The student must collect the prescribed application form from their institution.
Step 2: Fill Out Accurate Details
Provide details such as:
- Academic information
- Personal details
- Sports achievements
Step 3: Attach Required Certificates
Attach:
- Sports participation/medal certificate
- Signed and attested by Registrar or Principal
Step 4: Cross-Check Information
Verify that:
- All fields are correct
- All documents are attached
- Certificates are attested
Step 5: Submit to the Institution
Submit the completed form and documents to the designated authority within the institution.
Step 6: Institution Forwards to UGC
The university/college will forward:
- List of selected students
- Academic progress report
- Utilization certificate
- Justification for continuance
UGC will then process and release funds.
Documents Required
A. To Be Submitted by Candidate
- Filled application form
- Certificate of participation/medal (attested)
- Academic documents (as required)
B. To Be Submitted by University/College to UGC
- List of selected students
- Progress Report after 1st year
- Utilization certificate
- Continuation justification certificate
