ICCR Scholarship for Bangladeshi Students: What It Covers and How to Apply (2026)

The ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarship is a fully-funded government scholarship for international students wishing to study at public universities in India. Around 550 Bangladeshi students receive it each year. Here is what you need to know.

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What ICCR Covers

Benefit	Amount
Tuition	100% — paid directly to the university
Monthly stipend (Undergraduate)	₹18,000
Monthly stipend (Postgraduate)	₹20,000
Monthly stipend (MPhil / PhD)	₹22,000
House Rent Allowance — Grade 1 cities	₹6,500/month
House Rent Allowance — other cities	₹5,500/month
Book/materials grant	₹5,000–12,500/year (depending on level)
Medical insurance	Required; minimum ₹5 lakh cover
Return economy airfare	Included in most schemes

Is the stipend enough to live on?

Based on realistic cost estimates for Indian cities:

• A PhD student in Delhi: ₹22,000 stipend + ₹6,500 HRA = ₹28,500/month. Realistic monthly costs in Greater Noida are roughly ₹25,000. Adequate for a frugal lifestyle.
• An undergraduate in a smaller city: ₹18,000 + ₹5,500 = ₹23,500/month. Works in lower-cost university towns; tighter in metros.

Students in expensive cities or who need medical or personal extras may still need modest family support.

Important: ICCR scholars are not permitted to work part-time or full-time during their studies. The stipend is the only income.

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Who Is Eligible

ICCR scholarships are open to Bangladeshi nationals with strong academic records who wish to study at Indian public universities. Specific academic criteria depend on the scheme and level of study.

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What Programs Are NOT Eligible

ICCR scholarships cannot be used for:

• MBBS, BDS, and paramedical courses
• Law programs
• Fashion design
• Some integrated programs

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Which Types of Institutions Are Eligible

This is the most important restriction: ICCR scholarships apply only to government and public institutions — central universities, state universities, and UGC-recognised affiliated colleges.

They do not apply to private universities, most deemed universities, or private liberal arts colleges, regardless of their reputation or ranking.

If your chosen university is private, check whether it offers its own merit-based or SAARC-category scholarships separately — those are determined by each institution, not ICCR.

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How to Apply

1. Watch the annual announcement — ICCR scholarships are announced each year, typically January to March for the upcoming academic year. Check the ICCR A2A portal and the Indian High Commission Dhaka website.

2. Register on the A2A portal at a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in

3. Choose a scheme and list up to 5 program/university preferences

4. Upload documents:

   • Academic certificates (SSC, HSC or equivalent) with transcripts
   • Valid passport
   • Statement of purpose
   • Medical fitness certificate

5. Wait for shortlisting — successful candidates may be called for an interview before final allocation

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ICCR vs University Scholarships: Key Differences

	ICCR	University merit/SAARC scholarships
Institution type	Public only	Private (varies by university)
Tuition coverage	100%	Typically 20–50%
Monthly stipend	Yes	Usually no
Airfare	Included	Usually no
Part-time work	Not allowed	No formal restriction
Application portal	ICCR A2A portal	Each university directly

Neither is better in every situation. The right choice depends on which institution and program you are applying to.

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After Arrival: FRRO Registration

If you arrive on a student visa valid for more than 180 days, you must register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) online at frro.gov.in within 14 days of arrival — or within 24 hours if your visa specifically states that (check the sticker carefully).

Required documents for FRRO:

• Passport and visa page
• Arrival immigration stamp
• University bonafide letter
• Proof of address in India (hostel allotment letter, etc.)

Registration is fully online. Most universities provide dedicated support for this process through their international office.

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Useful Links

• ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal: a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in
• ICCR official website: iccr.gov.in
• Indian High Commission, Dhaka: hcidhaka.gov.in
• e-FRRO portal: frro.gov.in

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Scholarship terms are based on ICCR official guidelines for AY 2024–2026 as of April 2026. Terms may change — always verify current conditions at the official ICCR website before applying.