Khelo India Sports Scholarship Scheme
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India · All India
| Scheme Name | Khelo India Sports Scholarship Scheme |
| Provided By | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 9-12, Graduation (UG), Post-Graduation (PG) · No income limit |
About the Program
The Khelo India Sports Scholarship provides identified talented young athletes with a package worth ₹6.28 Lakh per year, including a ₹1.2 Lakh out-of-pocket annual allowance.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹6.3 Lakh+
The annual scholarship amount is ₹6,28,400 per athlete. This comprises an Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) of ₹1,20,000 (₹10,000 per month), which is directly transferred to the athlete's Aadhaar-seeded bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The remaining ₹5,08,000 covers comprehensive expenses including advanced training, coaching, equipment, sports kits, nutrition, physiotherapy, boarding & lodging, travel support, and competition exposure at certified Khelo India Academies.
Annual support of ₹6.28 Lakh: ₹10,000 monthly out-of-pocket stipend (₹1.2L/yr via DBT) plus fully covered specialized coaching, boarding, lodging, nutrition, kits, and medical insurance at Khelo India Academies.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Class 9-12, Graduation (UG), Post-Graduation (PG) |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, All, Sports |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Aadhaar Card (Aadhaar-linked Bank Account)
- ✓Age Proof Certificate
- ✓Sports Achievement Certificates from recognized National/State Games
- ✓NSRS ID (National Sports Repository System Registration)
- ✓Bonafide Student/School Certificate
Selection Process
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Candidates are selected based on their performance in various national-level competitions and talent identification programs
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This includes open trials, the Khelo India Talent Development Program, and performance in events such as the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) for athletes under 17 and under 21, and the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) for university students under 25
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Talent identification is also conducted through the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) scheme for athletes aged 14 to 17
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A nationwide framework involving Talent Identification Development Committees, Zonal Committees, Talent Scouts, High Performance Directors, and High Performance Managers ensures continuous identification and development of promising athletes.
Renewal Policy
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Annual renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon consistent performance and adherence to specific criteria
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These conditions include maintaining over 75% attendance in sports activities, achieving medals at State, Inter-university, National, or International level events, participating in functions conducted by the Department of Sports/DSW, and successfully clearing an annual fitness test with a minimum score of 50%
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Athletes are typically required to score at least 6 points out of 10 based on their annual performance to be eligible for scholarship continuation
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The scholarship is generally provided for eight consecutive years, subject to these performance reviews.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Talent Identification
Athletes aged 14 to 17 can be scouted or register for KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) talent-search assessments.
- 2Participation in Games
University students under 25 should register through their respective institutions to compete in the Khelo India University Games (KIUG). Young athletes aged under 17 to under 21 must compete in recognized disciplines at Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) qualifiers.
- 3Selection as KIA
Top-performing athletes identified through these competitions and talent development programs are granted 'Khelo India Athlete (KIA)' status, making them eligible for the scholarship package.
- 4Document Submission
Provide necessary documents for selection screening and verification, including an Aadhaar Card, age proof (such as a birth certificate or SSLC), sports performance certificates, and a medical fitness certificate.
- 5Bank Account Details
Ensure a bank account is linked to Aadhaar for the direct benefit transfer (DBT) of the out-of-pocket allowance and scholarship funds. Further details and official application channels are available on the Khelo India official portal.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the annual scholarship amount and what does it cover?
The annual scholarship amount is ₹6,28,400 per athlete. This includes ₹1,20,000 as an out-of-pocket allowance (OPA) transferred directly to the athlete's bank account, while the remaining ₹5,08,000 covers expenses like advanced training, coaching, equipment, nutrition, lodging, and competition exposure.
How are athletes selected for the Khelo India Sports Scholarship?
Athletes are selected through a performance-based system, primarily via open trials, the Khelo India Talent Development Program, and participation in national competitions like the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) and Khelo India University Games (KIUG). Talent identification also occurs through the KIRTI program for younger athletes.
What are the conditions for renewing the scholarship each year?
Scholarship renewal is subject to conditions such as maintaining over 75% attendance in sports activities, achieving medals at State/Inter-university/National/International levels, participating in departmental functions, and clearing an annual fitness test with a minimum of 50% score. Athletes generally need to score 6 out of 10 points based on their annual performance.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India website before final submission.