The Central Government’s Free Education scheme is for players who have won a medal in National or international games. It is run by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Ministry of Education and was launched in 2012. Under it, a medal-winning player gets up to 100% tuition fee waiver, hostel expenses and up to ₹15,000 a year for a sports kit.
How much help is given
Under this scheme the player gets up to 100% tuition fee waiver — so almost the entire tuition fee is waived. Hostel expenses are also covered, so a player studying away from home does not have to worry about stay. Up to ₹15,000 a year is given for the sports kit. Players in higher courses — M.Phil, Ph.D, MBA and professional courses — also get monthly assistance: ₹7,500 a month in the first category and ₹5,000 a month in the second. The amount depends on the player’s sports level and the course.
Who can apply
The applicant must be a medal winner in the National Games, or must have taken part in a recognised international competition — events linked to the World University Service, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The player must be studying in a recognised university or college under Section 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act. Proof of the sports achievement, such as a medal certificate or participation record, has to be given.
Which courses are covered
The scheme is for students of undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), PG Diploma, M.Phil, Ph.D and professional courses. A player in any of these full-time regular courses is eligible. The aim is that a player who brings glory to the country in sports should not fall behind in studies because of the cost — sports and studies should go together. The help is given for the course duration, and the player must remain a regular student with good performance in studies.
How to apply
The application is sent to the UGC through the player’s university or college — the player does not apply directly. Get the form from the scholarship or sports branch of your institution and submit the sports achievement certificates, proof of admission, bank account details and other documents. The institution sends the application to the UGC and the help comes directly into the player’s bank account. Check the latest dates and process on your university’s website or ugc.gov.in — never pay anyone for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much help does a sports medal winner get? A: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver, hostel expenses and up to ₹15,000 a year for the sports kit.
Q2: How much monthly help do M.Phil or PhD players get? A: The first category gets ₹7,500 a month and the second category gets ₹5,000 a month.
Q3: Which players can apply? A: Medal winners of the National Games and players who took part in recognised international competitions can apply.
Q4: Where do I apply? A: Through your university or college — the institution sends the application to the UGC; check the process on ugc.gov.in.
Useful links
- University Grants Commission (UGC): https://www.ugc.gov.in/
- Free Education for Sports Medal Winners on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/fesmwpnie
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
