Study in India (SII) Scheme 2026: Complete Guide for UG Admission & Scholarships

For decades, students have looked West for higher education. But for the 2026 Undergraduate Admission cycle, a massive shift is happening. Students from the Middle East, Africa, and SAARC nations are looking East to India.

Why? Because the Government of India has rolled out the red carpet with the Study in India (SII) program.

Imagine securing an undergraduate admission in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence at a globally ranked institute, but paying $0 in tuition fees. This is not a scam; it is a diplomatic initiative. The SII scheme offers over 100,000 seats with massive tuition waivers to attract global talent.

If you are an international student (or an NRI in the Gulf) preparing for university, this guide breaks down the SII scheme, compares the entrance test with the SAT/ACT, and explains how to secure your seat for the 2026 intake.

Highlights: The Study in India (SII) Snapshot (2026)

Here is the quick data matrix for international applicants seeking UG admission.

Feature	Details
Program Name	Study in India (SII)
Managed By	Ministry of Education (Govt. of India)
Top Benefit	100% Tuition Fee Waivers for meritorious students.
Participating Institutes	160+ (Includes IITs, NITs, and top Private Universities).
Entrance Exam	PRAGATII (Comparable to SAT/ACT difficulty).
Target Audience	Students looking for Undergraduate Admission (B.Tech, BBA, B.Sc).
Application Cycle	Usually opens April/May for the ensuing academic year.
Approx. Living Cost	$300 – $500 per month (₹25,000 – ₹40,000).

1. How the Financial Aid Works: The "G-Categories"

The SII scheme does not just hand out money randomly. It uses a structured "Fee Waiver" system based on merit. When you apply for UG admission through the SII portal, you are competing for one of four categories:

• G1 (100% Tuition Waiver): You pay Zero Tuition Fees for the entire duration of your undergraduate degree. You only pay for accommodation and food.

• G2 (50% Tuition Waiver): You pay half the standard international tuition fee.

• G3 (25% Tuition Waiver): You get a 25% discount.

• G4 (No Waiver): You pay the full international student fee.

Consultant's Note: Even the "Full Fee" (G4) in India is often 70% cheaper than a comparable degree in the UAE or UK. For example, a 4-year B.Tech in a top private university might cost $2,500 – $4,000 per year.

2. The Entrance Test: PRAGATII vs. SAT/ACT

To secure the G1 waiver or the full scholarship, you must take the PRAGATII exam (formerly Ind-SAT). Many students ask: "Is this harder than the SAT or ACT?"

• The Comparison: The PRAGATII is designed to be similar to the SAT in terms of logic and aptitude, rather than the deep subject knowledge required for JEE.

  • SAT/ACT: Expensive to take ($100+), accepted globally.

  • PRAGATII: Low cost/Free under the scheme, accepted specifically for SII scholarships.

• Format: 90 Minutes covering Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Logical Reasoning.

• Alternative Scores: While PRAGATII is the main route for government scholarships, many top private universities in India (like Shiv Nadar or Ashoka) also accept SAT or ACT scores for their own direct undergraduate admission channels. If you already have a high SAT score (1350+), check if the university accepts it directly outside the SII quota.

3. The "SII Scholarship": The Holy Grail

Beyond the tuition waivers (G1-G4), there is the "Study in India Scholarship." This is the highest tier of reward for UG admission seekers.

• Who gets it? Only the top 2,000–3,000 rankers in the PRAGATII exam.

• What does it cover? It covers everything:

  • Tuition Fees

  • Accommodation (Hostel)

  • Mess (Food)

• The Cap: The scholarship amount is capped at approximately $3,500 per year. In most Indian cities, this amount easily covers tuition plus living expenses, effectively making your undergraduate degree completely free.

4. Where Can You Study? (Participating Institutes)

The SII scheme is not for low-tier colleges. The government has only empanelled institutes with high NAAC scores and NIRF rankings.

• National Institutes of Technology (NITs): Premier government engineering colleges.

• Institutes of National Importance: Like SPAs (School of Planning and Architecture).

• Top Private Universities: Symbiosis, Amity, SRM, and VIT.

Note for IIT Aspirants: Admission to the Bachelors (B.Tech) program at IITs usually requires clearing the JEE Advanced exam. However, if you are looking for UG admission in other premier government colleges (NITs/IIITs), the SII scheme acts as a direct gateway without the intense pressure of JEE, provided you are an international student.

5. Why Choose India for UG Admission in 2026?

• English-Medium Education: Unlike China or Russia, 100% of higher education in India is taught in English.

• Global Recognition: Degrees from Indian universities are recognized by WES (World Education Services). A 4-year B.Tech from India is a valid prerequisite for a Master's in the USA or Canada.

• SAT/ACT Familiarity: Indian universities are becoming increasingly global. Many private institutions now model their undergraduate admission processes on the US system, accepting SAT/ACT scores and personal essays.

FAQs regarding UG Admission via SII

Q1: Can I use my SAT score for the SII Scholarship?

No. To get the specific Government of India SII Scholarship, you generally must take the PRAGATII exam. However, you can use your SAT score to apply directly to private Indian universities for their own internal scholarships.

Q2: Is the PRAGATII exam mandatory for all UG admissions?

It is mandatory only if you want the SII Scholarship. You can still get UG admission and Tuition Waivers (G1-G3) based on your Grade 12 merit in many universities without the exam.

Q3: How strictly is the "International" status checked?

Very strictly. You must hold a foreign passport or be an NRI with valid documentation to qualify for the international UG admission quota. OCI cardholders are also eligible under specific categories.

Q4: Is the curriculum the same for international students?

Yes. Whether you enter via SAT, ACT, or PRAGATII, once you secure your undergraduate admission, you study the exact same curriculum and sit in the same classes as domestic Indian students.

Q5: When does the 2026 application open?

Typically, the SII portal opens for registration in April or May 2026.

Conclusion

The Study in India (SII) Scheme is one of the most undervalued opportunities in the global education market for undergraduate admission.

• The Verdict: If you can score well in the PRAGATII exam (or leverage your SAT/ACT for private colleges), you are essentially getting a $20,000 education for free.

• The ROI: Even if you pay full fees, the cost is a fraction of Western universities, and the degree holds strong value in the global STEM market.

Your Action Plan for Today:

1. Visit the Portal: Bookmark the official website (studyinindia.gov.in) and search for "Undergraduate Admission" courses.

2. Mock Tests: If you are preparing for the SAT, you are already prepared for PRAGATII. The logic and math sections are very similar.

3. Check Documents: Ensure your Grade 12 transcripts are attested and ready for the 2026 application cycle.