Ashoka University has initiated its undergraduate admissions for the 2026 academic year. The university announced a comprehensive scholarship program, offering 500 merit and need-based financial aid opportunities. The application window is open until May 31, 2026 .
Ashoka University’s undergraduate curriculum covers four broad academic divisions: Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Students can pursue a variety of majors and interdisciplinary programs within these fields. The university conducts multiple rounds of admissions to accommodate various application timelines.
Application Process
Prospective students must submit their applications through the university’s official website. For Indian residents, admission assessments will take place at 37 designated physical centers across the nation. Applicants residing outside India will utilize online assessment options.
Ashoka University states it will grant special consideration to applicants with physical disabilities. This includes those with mobility or locomotor issues and other impairments.
Scholarship Opportunities
The 2026 admissions cycle features a significant update to its scholarship offerings, totaling 500 awards. These scholarships fall into three primary categories: Special Merit Scholarships, Achievers’ Merit Scholarships, and general Need-Based Scholarships. All categories aim to provide substantial financial assistance, with some offering up to 100% tuition fee waivers.
Special Merit Scholarships
This category targets students demonstrating exceptional academic performance in national-level examinations. Fifty students will receive a 100% tuition fee waiver, covering the full cost of their education at Ashoka University. Eligibility is tied to high achievement in specific aptitude tests or competitive olympiads.
Eligibility for Special Merit Scholarships:
- JEE Mains: Candidates must have scored at least 98 percentile in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains.
- IISER Aptitude Test (IAT): Applicants need a rank within the top 2000 in the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Aptitude Test.
- CMI Entrance Examination: A top 100 rank in the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) Entrance Examination is required.
- Indian National Olympiads (INO): Students who have qualified for the Training Camp stage of the Indian National Olympiads in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Astronomy, Linguistics, or Informatics are also eligible.
Achievers’ Merit Scholarships
This scholarship stream recognizes students with consistently strong academic records from school and excellent performance during Ashoka’s admission evaluations. One hundred fifty admitted students can qualify for these scholarships, which offer up to 100% tuition fee waivers.
Eligibility for Achievers’ Merit Scholarships:
- School Board Examinations: Candidates must have scored 98% or above in both Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education/Indian School Certificate (ICSE/ISC).
- Ashoka Admissions Process: Applicants must also demonstrate strong overall performance throughout the Ashoka University admissions evaluations.
Need-Based Assistance
Financial need is a crucial consideration for many prospective students. All recipients of the Special Merit and Achievers’ Merit Scholarships are additionally eligible to apply for further need-based assistance. Beyond these merit-based awards, separate need-based scholarships are available, providing up to 100% tuition fee coverage for admitted students who require financial support.
The university conducts a thorough assessment of a family’s financial resources. This evaluation considers various factors, including annual income, savings, existing investments, and any education loans. The purpose is to accurately determine a student’s ability to pay and to provide financial aid that bridges the gap between the program’s cost and the family’s financial capacity.