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ICCR Scholarships- Bridging Indo-German Cultural

IGS Team

March 3, 2025
3 min read

ICCR Scholarships: Bridging Indo-German Cultural and Educational Ties

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) plays a pivotal role in promoting India’s cultural heritage and strengthening international relations through educational and cultural exchange programs. For decades, ICCR has been offering scholarships to foreign students, enabling them to pursue various courses in Indian universities and institutions. This initiative not only fosters academic growth but also deepens cultural understanding between nations.

ICCR Scholarship Programs: An Overview

ICCR offers a diverse range of scholarship schemes tailored to the educational aspirations of international students:

Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme (A1201): Formerly known as the General Scholarship Scheme, this program offers 638 scholarships globally for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies across various disciplines, excluding medicine.
Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme (A1209): This scheme provides 100 scholarships worldwide for students keen on studying Indian culture, including dance, music, theatre, performing arts, sculpture, Indian languages, and cuisine.
AYUSH Scholarship Scheme: Dedicated to students from specific countries, this program focuses on traditional Indian medical systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

ICCR’s Presence in Berlin

The Embassy of India in Berlin actively promotes ICCR’s scholarship programs, encouraging German students to explore educational opportunities in India. For instance, the embassy announced 100 global scholarship slots under the Lata Mangeshkar Dance & Music Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2023-24, inviting applications from German nationals interested in Indian cultural studies.

Application Process and Key Dates

Prospective students can apply for ICCR scholarships through the Admission to Alumni (A2A) Portal, a digital platform designed to streamline the application process. The portal provides comprehensive information about available scholarship schemes, participating Indian universities, and the courses they offer.

Important Dates for 2025-26

Opening of Portal: February 20, 2025
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Applicants are advised to regularly check the A2A Portal and the official website of the Indian Embassy in Berlin for updates and detailed guidelines.

Diverse Course Offerings

ICCR scholarships encompass a wide array of courses across multiple disciplines, including:

Humanities and Social Sciences: History, political science, sociology, and economics.
Sciences: Physics, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science.
Engineering and Technology: Various branches of engineering and information technology.
Performing and Visual Arts: Indian classical music, dance, theatre, and fine arts.
Traditional Medicine: Courses in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

Applicants should thoroughly research and select courses aligning with their academic backgrounds and career aspirations.

Enhancing Indo-German Relations through Education

ICCR’s scholarship programs represent more than academic opportunities—they are a living bridge between India and the world, fostering shared learning, cultural exchange, and international friendship. For German students, these scholarships offer a unique window into India’s diverse traditions, intellectual heritage, and evolving educational landscape. As more young minds engage with one another across borders, initiatives like these play a vital role in shaping future global citizens—rooted in respect, understanding, and collaboration.

Indo-German Spectrum remains committed to highlighting such pathways that strengthen cultural and educational ties between nations.