Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship Scheme (Bangladesh)
Edit ScholarshipICCR scheme for Bangladeshi nationals to study UG, PG and PhD programmes in India, commemorating 50 years of India-Bangladesh ties; fully funded by the Government of India.
Overview
The Suborno Jayanti Scholarship Scheme is ICCR's fully funded programme for Bangladeshi nationals who want to study in India. ICCR is an autonomous body under India's Ministry of External Affairs. "Suborno Jayanti" means Golden Jubilee, and the scheme marks fifty years of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, so it carries a clear commemorative meaning alongside its practical value.
The scheme supports undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral study at Indian universities and institutions across many disciplines. It is administered through the High Commission of India in Dhaka, and applications are submitted on ICCR's online A2A portal. For students in Bangladesh, it offers a path to a recognised Indian degree without the cost normally attached to overseas study.
Funding follows the standard ICCR scale, which covers tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing support, a contingency grant and medical cover. Because the two countries share strong educational and cultural links, demand is high, so a strong academic record and a clear study plan help your application.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India |
| Host Country | India |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's, Master's and PhD |
| Value | Full tuition plus monthly stipend, house rent allowance, contingency grant and medical cover on the standard ICCR scale |
| Deadline | Annual window via the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the A2A portal |
| Eligible Nationalities | Bangladesh (foreign nationals only) |
| Official Website | a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements
You must be a citizen of Bangladesh. The scheme is for foreign nationals only, so Indian passport holders are not eligible, and you should not already be in India under another scholarship.
Academic Requirements
You need the qualification that comes before your target level: school completion for undergraduate study, a Bachelor's for a Master's, and a Master's for a PhD. Indian institutions set the minimum marks for each programme, and your previous results must meet that standard.
Language Requirements
Programmes are taught in English, so you should be able to study and write in English. The application usually includes an English essay, and TOEFL or IELTS scores can be added as supporting proof where you have them.
Age & Other Requirements
ICCR applies age ceilings that vary by level, with a higher limit for doctoral applicants. The exact ages appear in the official call for the cycle. You also need a valid passport, medical fitness to study abroad and personal medical insurance at the level ICCR requires.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees for your programme
- A monthly living stipend on the ICCR scale (around ₹18,000 UG, ₹20,000 PG, ₹22,000 PhD)
- House rent allowance when hostel accommodation is not provided
- An annual contingency grant for books and study materials
- A one-time thesis or dissertation grant for PhD scholars
- Medical cover during your studies
How to Apply
- Register on the A2A portal. Create an account and select the Suborno Jayanti scheme for Bangladesh.
- Choose programmes and universities. List your preferred courses and institutions in priority order.
- Complete the online form. Enter your personal and academic details accurately and consistently.
- Upload documents. Add transcripts, certificates, passport, photo, medical fitness certificate and your essay or study plan, with English translations where needed.
- Submit before the deadline. Review and submit. The High Commission of India in Dhaka verifies and forwards eligible applications.
- Respond to follow-ups. Reply promptly to any request for an interview or further documents.
- Accept and travel. If selected, confirm your offer, complete visa steps and arrange travel.
Required Documents
- Completed A2A online application
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Statement of purpose or study/research plan
- English translations of any non-English documents
- Medical fitness certificate
- TOEFL or IELTS scores, where available
- For PhD applicants, a research proposal
Key Dates & Deadlines
The scheme runs on the Indian academic year, which usually starts around July or August. The application window typically opens in the first part of the year and is announced by the High Commission of India in Dhaka and on the A2A portal. Because the dates change each year, confirm them on the portal and through the High Commission rather than relying on a previous cycle.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Apply early to allow time for document checks
- Write a clear study or research plan tied to specific Indian programmes
- Choose a realistic mix of universities
- Keep your documents consistent, complete and legible
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting documents without English translations
- Leaving the application to the final days
- Applying for courses that do not match your background
- Missing messages from the High Commission during selection
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship Scheme?
Bangladeshi nationals who want to study an undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD programme in India and meet ICCR's academic, age and language requirements.
What does the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition plus a monthly stipend, house rent allowance, an annual contingency grant, a PhD thesis grant and medical cover on the ICCR scale.
What is the deadline for the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
There is an annual window announced by the High Commission of India in Dhaka and on the A2A portal. The exact dates change each cycle.
What does Suborno Jayanti mean in the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
It means Golden Jubilee, marking fifty years of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
Which degree levels does the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship support?
Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral study across many disciplines.
How do I apply for the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
Register on the A2A portal, select the Bangladesh scheme, complete the form, upload your documents and submit before the deadline. The High Commission then shortlists applicants.
Is there an age limit for the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
Yes, ICCR applies age ceilings that vary by level, with a higher limit for PhD applicants. The exact figures are in the official call.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
It is not always mandatory, but you must be able to study in English. A TOEFL or IELTS score strengthens your application.
Does the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship include airfare?
ICCR schemes generally provide return economy airfare. Confirm the airfare terms in the current call.
Can I pursue a PhD under the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
Yes. PhD study is supported, and PhD scholars also receive a one-time thesis or dissertation grant.