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How to Study in a Deemed University as a Student from a Poor Family?
Introduction
Education is a gateway to opportunities, but the rising cost of higher education, especially in deemed universities, can be a significant barrier for students from poor families.
These universities often have advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge programs, and access to top-tier resources, which can make them more expensive.
However, students from financially constrained backgrounds shouldn’t feel discouraged, as there are numerous ways to overcome these challenges and secure a spot in these prestigious institutions.
This article outlines ten practical solutions for poor family students who aspire to study in a deemed university.
1. Scholarships: The Golden Key
Scholarships are one of the best ways for poor family students to fund their education in deemed universities.
Many universities, government bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) offer merit-based or need-based scholarships that can help students cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
Students must research various scholarship options available at the deemed universities they are targeting.
Popular Scholarship Programs for Financially Disadvantaged Students:
Government-funded Scholarships:
The Central and State governments in India offer scholarships like the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which provides financial aid to students from economically weaker sections.
Private and NGO Scholarships:
Many private organisations like the *Reliance Foundation Scholarship and NGOs like *Pragati Scholarship also provides financial assistance to deserving students.
By applying early and thoroughly understanding eligibility criteria, students can unlock funds that significantly reduce their financial burden.
2. Education Loans: Strategic Borrowing
Taking an education loan is a viable option for poor family students looking to enrol in deemed universities.
Several banks and financial institutions offer education loans at low-interest rates, especially for courses that promise good career prospects.
Indian banks like the State Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) provide special schemes for students who come from economically weaker sections (EWS).
Features of Education Loans for EWS Students:
Low or zero collateral requirement:
Many banks offer loans up to a certain amount without the need for collateral.
Interest Subsidy Schemes:
The government offers interest subsidies for students from EWS backgrounds under schemes like the Central Scheme for Interest Subsidy (CSIS).
Flexible Repayment Options:
Repayment usually starts six months to a year after completing the course, giving students time to secure employment.
While loans do involve repayment, they provide the immediate financial means to access higher education.
3. Part-Time Jobs and Freelancing
Working part-time while studying can help students manage their expenses, making deemed university education more affordable.
Many students from poor families successfully balance part-time work with their studies, particularly through flexible job opportunities.
Common Job Options for Students:
Tutoring:
Students can offer tutoring services to peers or younger students, either online or in-person.
Freelancing:
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer students the chance to earn by providing services like writing, graphic design, and coding.
Campus Jobs:
Many deemed universities offer campus-based jobs, such as research assistantships, library work, or administration support.
While working part-time requires careful time management, it provides financial independence and useful experience.
4. Government Quotas and Reservations
Leveraging government quotas and reservation policies is another effective way for students from poor families to access deemed universities.
In India, there are specific quotas and seat reservations for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
These categories often benefit from reduced fees, lower cut-offs, and reserved seats in universities.
Understanding Reservation Benefits:
Fee Concessions:
Deemed universities often offer fee waivers or reductions for students under reserved categories.
Lower Admission Cut-Offs:
Students from reserved categories may be eligible for admission with slightly lower entrance exam scores.
Special Grants and Aid:
Additional financial grants may be available for SC/ST students to cover living and educational costs.
By staying informed about reservation policies, students from marginalised and economically weaker backgrounds can secure better chances of admission.
5. Grants and Financial Aid Programs
Several deemed universities offer grants and financial aid programs specifically designed for poor students.
These programs are often need-based and are aimed at students who demonstrate academic merit but lack the financial resources to pay for their education.
Students should actively seek out and apply for such programs when applying to universities.
Examples of University-Based Financial Aid:
Fee Waivers:
Some universities waive the tuition fee completely or partially for students from economically weaker sections.
Stipends and Living Grants:
In addition to tuition support, some financial aid programs cover living expenses, including accommodation and meal plans.
Students should check each university’s website for detailed information about financial aid policies and apply early to ensure they meet the deadlines.
6. Entrance Exams and Merit-Based Admissions
Performing well in competitive entrance exams can significantly increase the chances of getting scholarships and fee waivers at deemed universities.
Many deemed universities conduct their own entrance exams, and merit-based admissions often come with financial incentives.
Key Entrance Exams for Deemed Universities:
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test):
For students aiming to study medicine or related courses in deemed universities.
JEE Main/Advanced (Joint Entrance Examination):
For those aspiring to join engineering programs in top institutions.
University-Specific Entrance Exams:
Many deemed universities like BITS (Birla Institute of Technology and Science) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education have their own entrance exams.
By preparing diligently and securing top ranks, students can qualify for fee reductions and other forms of merit-based financial assistance.
7. Crowdfunding and Social Platforms
Crowdfunding has emerged as an effective way for poor students to fund their education at deemed universities.
Platforms like Ketto and GoFundMe enable students to share their stories and seek financial help from the public.
Often, students with inspiring life stories or those pursuing socially impactful education find it easier to raise funds through crowdfunding campaigns.
Tips for a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign:
Tell a Compelling Story:
Sharing personal experiences and outlining future goals can make the campaign more relatable and increase donations.
Use Social Media:
Leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote the campaign and reach a wider audience.
Follow Up and Update Donors:
Regular updates on the academic journey and achievements can help build trust and encourage more donations.
With the right approach, crowdfunding can help bridge financial gaps and make higher education accessible.
8. Charity Organizations and Educational Trusts
Several charitable organisations and educational trusts in India provide financial support to students from poor families.
These organisations are often focused on promoting education for underprivileged students and provide grants, scholarships, or even full sponsorships for tuition and living expenses.
Examples of Charity-Based Educational Support:
The Tata Trusts Scholarships:
Tata Trusts offers financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, particularly in professional and technical fields.
Azim Premji Foundation Scholarships:
This foundation provides scholarships to meritorious students from low-income backgrounds.
Sahu Jain Trust:
This trust offers educational scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
By reaching out to these organisations, students can explore various financial assistance options to fund their education.
9. Savings and Investment Plans
Poor family students, with the help of their parents, can plan their education finances through savings and investment plans.
While this requires long-term planning, parents can start saving early using government schemes like the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana or investing in fixed deposits and mutual funds to grow their savings.
Saving Schemes to Consider:
Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a tax-saving scheme that provides high returns with low risk, ideal for parents to save for their child’s education.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIP):
SIPs in mutual funds allow parents to invest a fixed amount regularly, which grows over time and can be used to fund education.
Recurring Deposits:
A recurring deposit account allows parents to save a small amount of money monthly, which can accumulate and provide a financial cushion for future educational expenses.
Although these methods require early planning, they can reduce the need for external financial aid when it’s time to pay for higher education.
10. Fee Instalments and Payment Plans
Many deemed universities offer instalment payment options to make education more affordable for students from poor families.
Instead of paying the entire tuition fee upfront, students can opt to pay in smaller, more manageable instalments over the course of the academic year.
Benefits of Fee Instalment Plans:
Reduced Financial Stress:
Paying fees in instalments prevents a large one-time financial burden.
Flexible Payment Schedules:
Some universities offer flexible schedules, allowing students to pay based on their family’s financial situation.
Low or No Interest:
Many universities don’t charge interest on fee instalments, making it a cost-effective solution.
Students should inquire about instalment plans during the admission process and choose a plan that suits their financial needs.
Conclusion
While the cost of studying in a deemed university may seem daunting for students from poor families, there are numerous solutions available to bridge the financial gap.
Scholarships, education loans, part-time work, and government quotas are just a few of the many options that students can explore.
Additionally, crowdfunding, charity organisations, and fee instalment plans offer innovative ways to finance education without falling into heavy debt.
With careful planning, research, and perseverance, students from poor families can overcome financial barriers and unlock the doors to quality education at deemed universities. Education is a
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