Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National / International Events

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Sports play an important role in shaping a student's future, but talented sportspersons often face financial difficulties while managing their education alongside sports training and competitions. To support such students and encourage them to continue their higher education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced the Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National / International Events scheme in 2012. The scheme provides financial assistance to sportspersons who have won medals at the National Games or participated in recognised international sporting events. Eligible students can receive up to 100% of their actual tuition fees, hostel expenses, an annual sports kit allowance of up to ₹15,000, and additional monthly assistance for courses such as M.Phil., Ph.D., MBA and other professional programmes, depending on their sports achievements and applicable category.

The scheme is implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its main objective is to help talented athletes continue their academic education without facing unnecessary financial difficulties and encourage them to achieve excellence in sports. The scheme covers eligible students pursuing full-time regular undergraduate, postgraduate, PG Diploma, M.Phil., Ph.D. and professional courses in recognised universities, colleges and eligible institutions.

The financial assistance depends on the level of sports achievement. Students who have won medals at the National Games or participated in international events recognised by the World University Service, International Olympic Committee (IOC) or Olympic Committee of Asia may qualify, subject to the prescribed conditions. The scheme has five performance levels, with different benefits for each level. These include actual tuition fee reimbursement for the first four levels, 75% of eligible tuition fees for the fifth level, actual hostel expenses and sports kit assistance ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 per year. Additional monthly financial assistance is also available for specified higher education and professional courses.

To receive assistance, eligible sportspersons must secure admission to a full-time regular course in an institution covered under the UGC guidelines and submit their sports achievement certificates along with the prescribed application. The original guidelines provide for an online application through the UGC process, with verification of sports certificates by the concerned university or college. However, the old application portal is currently not verified as operational, and no fresh application window for 2026 has been confirmed. Therefore, students should contact their university's scholarship section or UGC to check the current application procedure before applying.

The scheme also supports students throughout their academic journey by providing for progress monitoring, subject to their continued sports performance and submission of the required reports by the educational institution. Students who need information about eligibility, financial assistance or the application procedure can refer to the official UGC website or contact the scholarship section of their respective university or college.

Sportspersons looking for other financial support opportunities can also explore related schemes such as the ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme, which provides monthly financial assistance to selected athletes, and the Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches , which rewards eligible sportspersons and their Coaches for their achievements in national, state and other recognised sporting competitions. These schemes have separate eligibility requirements and benefits.

Five Sports Achievement Levels Under the Scheme

Scheme Benefits

The Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National / International Events scheme helps talented sportspersons continue their higher education while managing their sports careers. Eligible students receive the following financial benefits according to their level of sports achievement:

• Eligible students in the first four performance levels receive 100% reimbursement of actual tuition fees and other eligible institutional charges.
• Students in the fifth performance level receive 75% of actual tuition fees and other eligible institutional charges.
• Students pursuing M.Phil. courses can receive monthly assistance of ₹7,500 under the first four levels and ₹5,000 under the fifth level, along with eligible actual expenses.
• Ph.D. students under the first four levels receive financial assistance as per the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scale, while fifth-level beneficiaries receive ₹7,500 per month along with eligible actual expenses.
• Students pursuing MBA and other professional courses can receive ₹7,500 per month under the first four levels and ₹5,000 per month under the fifth level, along with eligible actual expenses.
• Eligible students receive assistance for actual hostel expenses, including boarding and lodging.
• Students can receive an annual sports kit allowance ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000, depending on their sports achievements.
• Allowances for special courses abroad are provided according to the applicable Government of India norms.
• Students can also accept scholarships from other funding agencies while receiving assistance under this scheme, subject to the respective scholarship conditions.
• Educational institutions are expected to make special arrangements for students who miss classes due to sports competitions, including support for completing the syllabus and meeting attendance requirements.

The amount of assistance depends on the student's sports achievement and the applicable performance level under the UGC guidelines. The above financial benefits are based on the published XII Plan guidelines (2012–2017); a revised 2026 benefit structure has not been verified.

Financial Assistance According to Sports Achievement

The financial benefits are different for each level. Students in the first four levels receive higher assistance, while those in the fifth level receive support at a different rate.

Students pursuing special courses abroad may receive allowances according to the applicable Government of India rules. The financial assistance is provided through the concerned educational institution as per the UGC guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

Students who want to receive benefits under the Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National / International Events scheme must meet the following eligibility conditions:

• The applicant must be an Indian student pursuing a full-time regular course in a recognised educational institution.
• Students who have won medals at the National Games are eligible to apply, subject to the scheme guidelines.
• Students who have participated in international sporting events recognised by the World University Service, International Olympic Committee (IOC) or Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) can also qualify. Winning a medal is not compulsory for this category.
• The applicant must be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate, postgraduate, PG Diploma, M.Phil., Ph.D., MBA or other professional course.
• The student must be studying in a university or college covered under the UGC guidelines, including eligible institutions recognised under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, deemed-to-be universities under Section 3, government-funded institutions and Institutes of National Importance.
• The applicant must provide valid certificates or documents as proof of their sports achievement or participation in the recognised event.

Required Documents

Students applying for financial assistance under the Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National / International Events scheme need to submit documents to verify their sports achievements, educational details and eligibility. The following documents may be required as per the UGC guidelines:

• Completed application form in the prescribed format.
• Sports achievement certificate showing the medal won at the National Games or participation in a recognised international sporting event.
• Admission or enrolment proof from the university or college where the student is pursuing a full-time regular course.
• Academic records or marksheets, wherever required by the institution.
• Aadhaar card and bank account details for identity verification and transfer of financial assistance, as applicable.
• Any other documents requested by the university or college for verifying the student's eligibility.

The sports achievement certificate must be verified and attested by the Registrar, Principal or Director of the concerned institution, as specified in the UGC guidelines. Students should confirm the latest document requirements with their university or college before submitting the application.

Steps to Apply

Students who wish to receive financial assistance under the Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National / International Events scheme must apply through their university or college. The UGC guidelines provide a prescribed application form for this purpose. Follow these steps to complete the application:

• First, contact the scholarship section or administration office of your university or college and ask about the application process for this scheme.
• Download the UGC XII Plan Guidelines and Application Form. The prescribed student application form is provided on page 5 of the PDF.
• Fill in the application form with the required details, including your name, date of birth, course, university or college name, academic year, sports category and details of the competition in which you won a medal or participated.
• Attach a certificate as proof of your medal or participation in the eligible sporting event. The certificate must be attested by the Registrar or Principal of your university or college.
• Submit the completed application form and supporting certificate to your university or college. The original guidelines require candidates to submit these documents through their institution.
• The university or college will verify your details and prepare the required proposal for reimbursement of the eligible financial assistance from the UGC.

After selecting eligible students, the university or college must submit the required documents to the UGC. These include the list of selected students, details of scholarship payments, the student's academic and sports progress report, and the utilisation certificate for the previous grant. The institution must also provide a certificate justifying the continuation of financial assistance, forwarded by the Registrar or Principal.

Renewal of Financial Assistance

Students cannot assume that the financial assistance will continue automatically every year. To continue receiving support, they must maintain their sports performance and make satisfactory progress in their studies. Their university or college must also submit the required reports to the UGC.

The following conditions apply for the continuation of financial assistance:

• Students must continue to show the required level of performance in sports competitions.
• The university or college must submit a progress report showing the student's sports performance.
• The institution must send an annual report on the student's progress at the end of each academic year.
• The institution must submit a utilisation certificate confirming that the previous year's financial assistance was used properly.
• Financial assistance for the next year is released after the UGC receives the required utilisation certificate for the previous year.
• Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and continue meeting their course requirements.

Students should stay in touch with their university or college to make sure that all required reports and documents are submitted on time. The institution is responsible for sending these records to the UGC.

Conditions for Cancellation of Financial Assistance

Receiving financial assistance under this scheme also comes with certain responsibilities. If a student does not follow the scheme rules or fails to maintain the required progress, the UGC may stop the financial assistance.

The assistance may be cancelled in the following situations:

• Misconduct: If a student is involved in misconduct and the concerned university or college reports it to the UGC, the financial assistance may be stopped.
• Poor academic performance: Students who frequently fail their examinations or do not make satisfactory progress in their studies may lose their financial assistance.
• Recommendation by the institution: The UGC may cancel the assistance based on a recommendation from the concerned university or educational institution.
• Discontinuing the course: According to the scheme information on the myScheme portal, students who leave their studies without obtaining prior approval from the UGC may have to return the financial assistance they have received.

The final decision regarding cancellation of financial assistance rests with the UGC. Therefore, students should inform their university or college and obtain the required approval before discontinuing their course.

Relevant Links

• University Grants Commission (UGC) – Official Website
• Free Education for Sports Medal Winners Participants of National International Events Guidelines
• India Science, Technology & Innovation Portal – Scheme Page
• Application Form / Online Portal – Confirm with your university/college or UGC (no dedicated active 2026 portal verified)

Contact Information

For information, application status, or queries regarding the Free Education for Sports Medal Winners / Participants of National / International Events scheme, students should first contact the Scholarship / Student Welfare section of their university or college. The institution verifies and forwards applications to UGC.

• Nodal Agency: University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Address: University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002
• Phone (General Enquiries): 011-23604446, 011-23604200
• Email (General): [email protected]
• UGC Contact Page: https://www.ugc.gov.in/Home/contact

Note: There is no dedicated scheme helpline. Always verify the current application procedure and any updates with your institution's scholarship cell or the official UGC website before applying. The scheme is administered through the university/college, which submits claims and reports to UGC for reimbursement.