If you’ve been procrastinating on your scholarship application, this is your reality check. The JSW Foundation is closing its 2026 window on February 28th. That gives you exactly two days to get your documents onto the Vidyasaarathi portal.
Whether you’re aiming for JSW Udaan (for high scorers) or JSW Umeed (for those in a financial crisis), here is the “no-nonsense” guide to getting your money without getting your application rejected.
1. The Deadline: Don’t Trust the “Extension” Rumors
In 2025, many students missed out because they expected a deadline extension. In 2026, the JSW Foundation has been very strict.
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Final Date: February 28, 2026
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Target: Students living near JSW plant locations (Vijayanagar, Dolvi, Salem, Barmer, etc.)
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Server Peak: Expect the Vidyasaarathi site to slow down significantly on the 27th and 28th. Apply tonight.
2. Which one are you? (Udaan vs. Umeed)
Don’t apply for both; you’ll get flagged as a duplicate. Use this simple logic:
Apply for JSW Udaan IF:
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You have 60% or more in your last exam.
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You are in Degree, Diploma, Engineering, or Medical courses.
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The Reward: Up to ₹50,000 (Engineering/Medical) or ₹30,000 (General UG).
Apply for JSW Umeed IF:
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Your family had a major financial crisis (death of a breadwinner or medical emergency).
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Your marks are low (even 35% passing marks are okay).
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The Reward: Covers School (Class 7) up to Undergraduate level.
3. The “Silent Rejection” Triggers (What to Avoid)
Google searches for “why was my JSW scholarship rejected” are peaking. Here are the human errors that kill your chances:
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The Bank Account Trap: The bank account MUST be in the student’s name. If you use your parent’s account, the system will reject the disbursement even if you’re selected.
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The “Plant Distance” Rule: If your Aadhaar address is more than 20-30km from a JSW plant (like Vijayanagar or Dolvi), your application is at the bottom of the pile.
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The Bonafide Format: Do not upload a simple fee receipt as “proof of study.” You need a Bonafide Certificate signed by your Principal on the college letterhead.
4. How to Calculate Your “Renewal” Amount
If you are already a JSW scholar from last year, your 2026 amount depends on your latest semester marks. It’s a sliding scale:
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65%+ marks: You get 100% of the scholarship.
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60-65% marks: You get 75%.
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Below 55%: You might lose the scholarship entirely for this year.
5. Documents You Need Right Now
Don’t wait until the portal asks. Have these PDFs ready (under 2MB):
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Income Certificate: Must be valid (issued within the last 6-12 months).
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Fee Receipt: Needs to be the current year’s receipt.
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Aadhaar: Clear scan of both sides.
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College ID: For quick verification.
FAQ: What students are asking in 2026
Q: I am from Odisha, can I apply?
A: Yes, if you are near the Jharsuguda or Keonjhar regions where JSW has operations. Check the specific “Scheme” list on Vidyasaarathi for “JSW Odisha.”
Q: Can JSW employees’ children apply?
A: No. This is a CSR initiative for the community, not employees.
Q: My family income is ₹9 Lakhs, can I apply? A
: No. The cut-off is strictly ₹8,00,000 per annum.