Scholarships can help make higher education more financially accessible for students. One scholarship option for Indian undergraduate students is the Gopinath Kotecha Scholarship (GKS), awarded by the government of Gujarat.
What is the GKS Scholarship?
The GKS is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the Government of Gujarat to support higher education of meritorious students from the state. It was established in 1996 to honor the contributions of Gopinathbhai Kotecha, a former Chief Minister of Gujarat. The objectives of the GKS program are:
- To encourage academic excellence among students
- To support the pursuit of higher education, especially professional degrees
- To retain talented students in Gujarat and contribute to its development
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a GKS scholarship, applicants must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
Nationality and Domicile
Applicants must be Indian citizens and have a permanent domicile in Gujarat. They should have passed the qualifying examination (10+2 or equivalent) from a recognized board/university located in Gujarat.
Academic Performance
Applicants need to have secured a minimum of 80% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the aggregate of the best four subjects in the qualifying exam. Reserved category students need a minimum of 75% marks.
Course and Institution Eligibility
GKS scholarships can be utilized only for full-time regular Bachelor’s degree programs from recognized and reputed institutions located within India. The course must be of a minimum of three years.
Family Income Ceiling
The yearly family income of applicants should not be more than INR 6 lakhs from all sources. This ceiling is more relaxed for reserved categories and differently-abled candidates.
Key Features of GKS Scholarships
Let’s examine some key aspects of GKS scholarships in more detail:
Amount and Payment Structure
Under GKS, a scholarship amount of INR 20,000 per annum is awarded. It is disbursed in two installments of INR 10,000 each – the first at the start of the academic year and the second after six months on submission of progress report.
Duration and Renewal
The scholarship is initially awarded for one year and is renewable annually up to three years of undergraduate study, subject to satisfactory academic performance. Scholars must secure a minimum of 60% marks annually.
Utilization and Restrictions
The scholarship amount can be used to pay tuition fees to the institute and to procure books, equipment, and living expenses. It cannot be combined with any other governmental scholarship and cannot be used to pursue any agenda/research-based courses.
Selection Process
Merit lists are drawn based on marks obtained in the qualifying exam. Category-wise merit lists are prepared and shortlisted candidates are required to attend counseling rounds and document verification along with parents.
GKS Scholarship Application Process
Let’s now examine the step-by-step process involved in applying for GKS scholarships:
Step 1: Registration
Candidates/applicants need to register online by visiting the GKS website and creating a profile with the required details. Registration starts in January each year.
Step 2: Fill Online Form
After registration, candidates need to fill out the online application form providing personal details, academic details from Class 10 onwards, family income details, etc.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Self-attested scanned copies of required documents like marksheets, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable) need to be uploaded online while filling the application form.
Step 4: Submit by Deadline
The duly filled online form with all documents needs to be submitted online by the published deadline, which is usually the end of March. Late submissions won’t be considered.
Step 5: Shortlist and Counseling
Merit lists are prepared, and candidates are shortlisted category-wise according to merit. Shortlisted candidates are called for counseling rounds with the required documents.
Step 6: Document Verification
Documents of shortlisted candidates are verified during counseling. Scholarship offer letters are issued to successfully verified candidates.
Step 7: Notification of Results
Final results and list of selected candidates is published on the GKS website usually by the end of June. Scholarship disbursal starts from the next academic year.
Renowned Institutes Offering Degree Programs
Now that we understand the GKS scholarship scheme and application process let’s explore some popular institute options in Gujarat where scholars can pursue undergraduate degree programs:
National Institutes of Technology (NIT)
- NIT Surat: Engineering programs of high repute, including Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.
- NIT Ahmedabad: Prestigious institute for programs in Engineering, Sciences, Humanities etc. Offers generous merit-based scholarships.
Other Top Engineering Colleges
- LD College of Engineering Ahmedabad: Well known for disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering.
- Government Engineering College Modasa: Affordable programs mainly include electrical, mechanical, and civil disciplines.
Top Arts, Commerce, and Science Colleges
- H.L College of Commerce Ahmedabad: Reputed for B.Com and BBA programs.
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda: Offers quality programs in Arts, Sciences, and Commerce streams across multiple colleges.
Eligibility Criteria for Top Colleges
Admission to these top institutions is merit-based and has additional eligibility criteria like qualifying entrance exams like JEE Main. GKS alone does not guarantee admission – candidates will need to meet academic entrance requirements as well.
Renewal of GKS Scholarship
As discussed, the GKS scholarship, once awarded, can be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance:
- Scholars must secure a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the annual exam to renew the scholarship for the next year.
- Renewal application needs to be submitted online with scanned copies of mark sheet of the previous year/semester.
- Institutes will verify the academic performance of students and forward renewal applications to the GKS department.
- Timely renewal is important to ensure continuity of scholarship support throughout the undergraduate program without gaps.
- Scholarship may be discontinued if a student fails or is unable to clear the year within the maximum eligible duration of scholarship tenure (3 years).
Post-Completion Employment Bond
There is also a bond connected to GKS after completion of undergraduate education. Selected scholars will have to:
- I worked for three years in a government department/PSU/local self-government, etc., in Gujarat after graduation.
- A monthly stipend of INR 10,000 will be paid during these three years of bond period.
- If unable or unwilling to serve the bond period, the amount received as a scholarship needs to be refunded with interest.
- Bond period can be served in installment also e.g 6 months in an academic program followed by 2.5 years of bond work.
- This bond clause aims to keep the talent and skills of supported scholars within Gujarat to benefit its development.
Frequently Asked Questions about GKS Scholarship
Let’s address some commonly asked questions about GKS scholarships:
1. What are the key eligibility requirements to apply for a GKS scholarship?
The major eligibility criteria are:
- Indian citizenship and permanent domicile of Gujarat
- Minimum 80% (75% for reserved categories) marks in Class 12 board exams
- Annual family income not exceeding INR 6 lakhs
- Admission to eligible UG programs in Gujarat institutions
2. What documents are required for the GKS application?
The key documents required are:
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Family income certificate (latest)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Admission letter of selected UG program
- Aadhaar card
- Passport size photos
3. Can GKS be combined with any other scholarship?
No, the GKS amount cannot be combined with any other governmental scholarship/fellowship offered by central or state governments. One can opt for only one scholarship benefit at a time.
4. What is the selection process of GKS?
Merit lists are drawn based on Class 12 marks. Category-wise lists are created, and shortlisted candidates attend counseling rounds. Document verification is done, and offer letters are issued to selected candidates.
5. What documents are required for scholarship renewal each year?
The key document required is the marksheet/grade report of the previous qualifying year/semester. The marks secured should be equal to or more than the minimum 60% eligibility. A timely online renewal submission with a marksheet scan is needed.
