UP Cabinet Approves Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship for UK Studies

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a significant new scholarship. It is named the "Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Uttar Pradesh State Government Scholarship Scheme". This scheme supports higher education in the United Kingdom.

Scholarship Overview

Five deserving students from Uttar Pradesh will receive this scholarship yearly. It enables them to pursue a one-year Master's degree at top UK universities. The scheme runs for three academic years, from 2025-26 to 2027-28.

Funding Details

This scholarship is a joint effort. The UP Government partners with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It covers full tuition fees and examination expenses. Scholars also receive a monthly living allowance and round-trip airfare. The UP government contributes approximately ₹23 lakh per student. The FCDO covers the remaining costs. An additional top-up grant of up to ₹3 lakh is also provided by the UP Atal Scholarship. The estimated total cost per student is ₹45-48 lakh.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be Indian citizens and permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh. A strong academic record is essential, typically a UK 2:1 equivalent degree. Candidates need at least two years (2,800 hours) of work experience. Securing an unconditional offer from an eligible UK university is also mandatory. Applicants must commit to returning to India for two years after their studies.

Application Process and Important Dates

Applications for the main Chevening Scholarship typically open in August. The deadline is usually in October. For the 2025-26 academic year, applications opened on August 5, 2025. The last date to apply was October 7, 2025. Interviews will take place from March to April 2026. Results are expected by mid-June 2026. The deadline to submit a UK university offer is usually early July (e.g., July 9, 2026). Studies in the UK generally commence in September or October 2026.

Official Portal

Interested students should apply through the official Chevening website. The portal link is https://www.chevening.org/apply. Further guidelines may be available on the UP Higher Education Department portal.

Required Documents

Prepare necessary documents carefully. These include a valid passport and National ID. Academic transcripts and degree certificates are also required. You will need two reference letters and an updated CV. An unconditional offer letter from a UK university is crucial. Income proof and Caste Certificate, if applicable, are also needed.

Important Reminders for UP Applicants

Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account via NPCI mapping. This facilitates direct benefit transfers. Keep all required documents ready well in advance of deadlines.