Reliance Foundation supports up to 5,000 meritorious undergraduate students from underprivileged sections of society studying any stream of their choice through the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships, and 100 of India's brightest postgraduate students studying eligible subjects in new technologies through the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships.

As the Lead of the Scholarships Programme at Reliance Foundation, I have the privilege of being part of these pathbreaking initiatives, that have the potential to shape the futures of these meritorious scholars.

Beyond its generous financial support, these scholarships aim to nurture and empower meritorious students and work together to generate robust, vibrant and engaged alumni networks, enabling scholars to pursue higher education, emerge as young professionals, and drive India’s growth.

From sifting through applications to witnessing the transformative impact of education as each scholar progresses on their academic journey, the journey is both rewarding and inspiring.

Behind the scenes, the process of selecting scholarship recipients is thorough and meticulous and as you can imagine, an immense responsibility – as our aim is to ensure that the process is fair and extremely thorough.

First, however, is the base:

To ensure that students in their educational journey connect with the work we do, we build strong relationships with educational institutions. We also engage with non-profit organizations and individuals who share our vision of empowering youth to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Together, we amplify our effort to reach more individuals and communities in need – so they may benefit from this initiative for potential long-lasting positive impact on their life.

We review countless applications, each representing a unique story and journey. From academic transcripts to essays, recommendation letters to extracurricular activities, every aspect of an applicant's profile is carefully evaluated to ensure that the most deserving candidates are chosen. This is often a very tough call as there are many exceptional students who apply. While academic achievements are important, we also recognise the significance of being an all-rounded individual. We seek individuals who possess not only intellectual prowess but also values of Excellence, Leadership Potential, Integrity, Community Commitment, Growth mindset and Courage.

The process for selecting recipients of the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is meticulous and rigorous. An expert panel, comprising individuals with extensive experience and expertise in relevant fields, works to identify the best candidates. This panel meticulously evaluates each application submitted by students, considering factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and essays submitted by the student. Following the initial evaluation, a select group of candidates are invited to participate in an interview round. This interview serves as an opportunity for the panel to interact directly with the candidates, delve deeper into their academic and career aspirations, and assess their suitability for the scholarship. The interview process enables the panel to gain valuable insights into the candidates' personal qualities, different skills, and potential for leadership.

Through this comprehensive screening process, we aim to identify the most outstanding and promising talent in India for the prestigious Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship.

The process of awarding the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive, considering both academic achievements and financial needs of the candidates. With this merit and means-based criteria, we consider also scores obtained by candidates in the Scholarship Aptitude Test for the selection process. The Scholarship Aptitude tests assess a candidate's verbal ability, analytical and logical ability and numerical ability. These scores provide valuable insights into the candidates. This holistic approach ensures that meritorious students, especially from difficult socioeconomic backgrounds, have access to educational opportunities and can fulfill their potential.

The Reliance Foundation Scholarships extend beyond financial support, as our objective is also to look at how we can empower students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

Through the year for instance, we conduct activities such as:

Capacity Building with various elements such as skill-building trainings, leadership training, personality development sessions, etc. to ensure overall growth and success.

Expert Interactions so students engage directly with experts from various fields relevant to their academic or career interests, through seminars or workshops.

Internship opportunities offering exposure to real-world industry scenarios, for practical knowledge and insights into chosen fields, also bridging the academic – industry gap.·

Volunteering opportunities for a sense of social responsibility, to develop empathy, teamwork, and communication along with an avenue for self-discovery.

Committed to continuous learning and improvement, we reflect on our processes, engage with stakeholders and adapt to changing needs. By staying agile and responsive, we aim to ensure that our scholarships remain relevant and impactful.

There are a lot of aspects of my work that bring me contentment and joy. Every scholarship awarded represents an investment in the future, a future where opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

One particularly interesting part is observing the interviews for the Reliance Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships, which are conducted by an expert panel. It offers an insight into the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations of the candidates. Each interview brings a unique perspective shedding light on their personal journey, challenges overcome and dreams for the future. These interviews uplift and reinforce my belief in the limitless potential of every individual to make a positive impact on themselves, their community and the world at large.

Another fulfilling aspect is celebrating scholar successes. Whether hearing they have landed their dream job or institution for further studies, witnessing the transformative impact of these scholarships is a testament to the power of our efforts. Most of all, however, meeting the scholars in-person is by far the most enjoyable part of my work. It allows that moving personal connect with students impacted by the scholarships. It also helps me build a meaningful relationship and a sense of camaraderie as we together share in the journey towards success and personal growth. As I continue on this journey, I remain inspired by the resilience and determination of our scholars, knowing that together, we are shaping a brighter tomorrow.