How to Get Financial Aid at Ashoka University: Step-by-Step Guide - 2025

Ashoka University is one of India’s most selective and forward-thinking institutions — and also among the most expensive, with an annual cost exceeding INR 12 lakhs. But affordability is not a barrier here. Ashoka offers one of the most transparent and robust financial aid systems in the country.

If you're planning to apply, this guide covers everything you need to know about:

• Need-Based Financial Aid (open to all UG students)

• The exclusive Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Science and Computer Science majors

• Eligibility criteria, documents, timelines, FAQs, and more

Part 1: Need-Based Financial Aid at Ashoka University

Who Can Apply?

Any student applying to Ashoka University’s undergraduate program can apply for need-based financial aid, regardless of academic background or scores.

• Students from families with gross annual income under INR 12–15 lakhs are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Aid ranges from partial fee waivers to full coverage of tuition and residence.

• Over 60% of Ashoka students receive financial aid each year.

Ashoka’s financial aid is need-sensitive but not merit-exclusive. Your application is evaluated independently of your academic scores, and applying for aid has no impact on your admission decision.

When & How to Apply for Need-Based Aid?

You can only apply after receiving an offer of admission. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Ashoka UG application dashboard

2. Access the Financial Aid tab

3. Fill out the form with details on:

   • Household income

   • Number of dependents

   • Expenses (housing, education, medical, etc.)

   • Family assets

4. Upload the required supporting documents (PDF format)

You’ll receive a revised fee structure reflecting the awarded aid within 2–3 weeks of application.

Documents Required

Document Type	Examples
Proof of Income	ITRs (2023–24), salary slips, income certificates
Bank Statements	Last 6 months (all earning family members)
Asset Declaration	Property documents, home loans, investments
Expense Documentation	Medical expenses, rent agreements, sibling tuition, etc.
Other Sources of Income	Pensions, freelance income, rental income, etc.

Tip: If your documents are in regional languages, provide a translated version with an attestation.

Part 2: Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Science & Computer Science

This is a donor-supported, limited-seat scholarship launched to promote academic excellence in pure sciences and Computer Science at Ashoka.

Eligible Majors:

• Computer Science

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Mathematics

What’s Offered?

• 25 total scholarships

  • 5 students receive 100% waiver on Tuition + Residence

  • 20 students receive 100% waiver on Tuition only

These are in addition to any need-based financial aid you may qualify for.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

1. Receive a confirmed offer of admission to Ashoka University for 2025

2. Intend to major in one of the five specified disciplines

3. Have family income less than INR 40 lakhs per annum (pre-tax)

4. Meet at least one academic cut-off listed below

Academic Cut-Offs (Class XII or National Tests)

Pathway	Cut-Off Criteria
CBSE/ISC/State Boards	≥ 98% aggregate in Class XII
IB Diploma	Minimum 41/42 points
Cambridge A Levels	AAA or better
JEE Mains 2025*	≥ 98 percentile (*awaiting NTA approval)
NEET 2025*	Rank ≤ 600 (*awaiting NTA approval)
KVPY Scholarship (2024)	Valid SX or SB category awards accepted

Predicted scores may be used temporarily; final scores must match or exceed predictions to retain the scholarship.

Application Process (Merit-cum-Means)

If shortlisted based on your application and scores:

1. You will receive an invitation to apply

2. You'll be required to submit:

   • A Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining why you want to pursue a Science/CS major at Ashoka

   • Parents’/guardian’s latest ITR

3. A scholarship committee will evaluate:

   • Academic benchmarks

   • SOP quality

   • Income assessment

4. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed

5. Final awards will be announced before seat confirmation deadlines

The application window for the scholarship will remain open for 5 days from invitation.

Renewal Requirements

• Scholarship is valid for up to 4 years (including the ASP year)

• Students must maintain a CGPA of 3.5 or above each semester

• Students must remain enrolled in an eligible major to retain the scholarship

Important FAQs

Q: Can I apply for need-based aid AND the merit scholarship? Yes. In fact, Ashoka strongly recommends applying for both to maximize your financial coverage.

Q: What if I change my major later? If you switch out of Science/CS, the merit scholarship is withdrawn, but your need-based aid continues.

Q: What if my CGPA falls below 3.5 in a semester? The merit component is suspended, but need-based aid remains intact.

Q: Are these scholarships available to current students? No. These scholarships are only for newly admitted students in the 2025 intake.

Q: Are there quotas per round? No. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-reviewed basis in each round.

Q: Can I apply without final scores? Yes. Predicted scores can be used, with the condition that final results meet or exceed the predictions.

Final Word: Affordability Meets Opportunity

Ashoka University’s financial support system is not just generous — it’s transparent, structured, and values-driven.

If you’re academically strong, passionate about the sciences, or simply in need of support to pursue a liberal arts education at India’s top private university, this is your opportunity.

Your background should never be a barrier. If you have the intent, Ashoka has the infrastructure to back you.