If you are a Bangladeshi student searching for the ICCR university list for Bangladeshi students, this is the most detailed guide you will find. We cover the full Suborno Jayanti Scholarship structure, the complete list of 131 empanelled universities, exact stipend amounts, the step-by-step application process, eligibility criteria, and — critically — what to do if you don’t get selected.
What is the ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship?
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), operating under India’s Ministry of External Affairs, administers one of the world’s largest fully-funded scholarship programs for international students. For Bangladeshi students specifically, the scholarship was restructured and elevated in 2021 during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Dhaka marking Bangladesh’s 50th independence anniversary.
The result is the Suborno Jayanti Scholarship (SJS) — a dedicated bilateral initiative offering 1,000 total slots for Bangladeshi nationals each year:
- 500 slots for academic degree programs (UG, PG, and PhD) managed by ICCR
- 500 slots for professional capacity-building and training programs managed by ITEC
This guide focuses on the 500 academic slots that fund full university degrees at India’s top government institutions.
What the Scholarship Covers
| Benefit | UG | PG | PhD | Post-Doctoral |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ₹18,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹22,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Annual Contingent Grant | ₹5,000 | ₹7,000 | ₹12,500 | ₹15,500 |
| Tuition & Exam Fees | 100% covered | 100% covered | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| Hostel Accommodation | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Thesis Allowance | — | ₹7,000 (one-time) | ₹10,000 (one-time) | — |
| Return Airfare | Economy class | Economy class | Economy class | Economy class |
How stipends are paid: Since 2021, ICCR stipends are transferred directly to your Indian bank account via the government’s Public Financial Management System (PFMS) — bypassing university-level processing delays that previously caused serious problems for international students.
Important: You must also purchase private medical insurance with a minimum coverage of ₹5,00,000 (5 Lakh INR) per year. This cost is borne by the student.
Complete ICCR University List for Bangladeshi Students (2026)
As of the 2025–26 academic year, 131 Indian government universities and institutes are empanelled with ICCR. These are grouped into five categories. No private universities are included.
Central Universities
Central Universities are established by an Act of Parliament and directly funded by the Ministry of Education. They are the most prestigious institutions for ICCR scholars.
| University | Location | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| University of Delhi (DU) | New Delhi | India’s top-ranked university; massive program range |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | Social sciences, international relations, languages |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, UP | One of Asia’s largest residential universities; STEM + arts |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh, UP | Engineering, medicine (non-ICCR), arts, sciences |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | Strong in engineering, architecture, social sciences |
| Visva Bharati University | Santiniketan, West Bengal | Founded by Tagore; deep cultural connection for Bangladeshi students |
| University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Telangana | Strong STEM and interdisciplinary research |
| Central University of Punjab | Bathinda, Punjab | Newer central university with modern infrastructure |
| Central University of Gujarat | Gandhinagar, Gujarat | Interdisciplinary focus |
| EFL University (EFLU) | Hyderabad, Telangana | Specialized in languages, linguistics, and culture |
| Tezpur University | Assam | Strong in sciences; North-Eastern region |
| Nalanda University | Bihar | Historical significance; interdisciplinary graduate programs |
| Mizoram University | Mizoram | North-Eastern hub |
| Manipur University | Manipur | North-Eastern hub |
For Bangladeshi students: Visva Bharati (Santiniketan, West Bengal) and University of Calcutta are historically the most popular choices because of geographical proximity, shared Bengali language and culture, and familiar food. These are heavily oversubscribed — apply early with strong credentials.
IITs, NITs & Technical Institutes
This is arguably the most valuable part of the ICCR list. While Indian students must clear brutally competitive entrance exams (JEE) to enter these institutions, ICCR scholars are evaluated on academic transcripts and the English essay — no entrance exam required for most programs.
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Indore, IIT Patna, IIT Ropar, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
National Institutes of Technology (NITs): NIT Calicut, NIT Durgapur, NIT Hamirpur, NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Rourkela, NIT Silchar, NIT Surathkal, NIT Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), NIT Warangal, MNIT Jaipur, SVNIT Surat.
Other Premier Technical Institutes: Delhi Technological University (DTU), IIIT Delhi.
State Universities
State universities are large regional institutions with vast program offerings. Many actively reserve seats for international students.
| University | Location | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune, Maharashtra | Known as the “Oxford of the East”; major hub for foreign scholars |
| Osmania University | Hyderabad, Telangana | One of India’s largest hosts of international students |
| Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) | Kottayam, Kerala | NAAC A++; reserves 25% of seats for foreign students |
| Anna University | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Premier state technical university |
| University of Calcutta | Kolkata, West Bengal | Historic institution; strong Bangladeshi student community |
| Bangalore University | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Tech-adjacent; management and sciences |
| Mumbai University | Mumbai, Maharashtra | India’s largest university by enrollment |
| Panjab University | Chandigarh | Highly prestigious inter-state university |
| Cochin University (CUSAT) | Kochi, Kerala | Applied sciences and marine technology |
| Kerala University | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Comprehensive state university |
| Goa University | Goa | NAAC A+ graded; 49+ programs |
| Gujarat University | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Massive student base |
| Guru Nanak Dev University | Amritsar, Punjab | Strong regional institution |
| Kurukshetra University | Haryana | Comprehensive state university |
| Dibrugarh University | Assam | North-Eastern academic hub |
Additional state universities include: Alagappa University, Andhra University, Bharathiar University, GTU, GGSIPU, JNTU Hyderabad, Mangalore University, Punjabi University (Patiala), Rabindra Bharati University, Sardar Patel University, Shivaji University, University of Lucknow, University of Mysore, and others.
Agricultural & Veterinary Universities
Bangladesh’s agricultural sector directly benefits from scholars trained at India’s advanced agricultural institutions. These offer specialized UG, PG, and PhD programs.
| Institution | State |
|---|---|
| Punjab Agricultural University | Punjab |
| CCS Haryana Agricultural University | Haryana |
| Kerala Agricultural University | Kerala |
| JNKVV (Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya) | Madhya Pradesh |
| CSK HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya | Himachal Pradesh |
| SKUAST Jammu & SKUAST Kashmir | J&K |
| University of Agricultural Sciences (Bangalore & Dharwad) | Karnataka |
| GADVASU (Veterinary) | Punjab |
| Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University | Madhya Pradesh |
AYUSH & Cultural Institutes
Specialized institutions for traditional medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) and performing arts:
- National Institute of Ayurveda (Jaipur)
- National Institute of Unani Medicine (Bengaluru)
- National Institute of Homoeopathy (Kolkata)
- SVYASA Yoga University (Bengaluru)
- National School of Drama (New Delhi)
- Kalakshetra Foundation (Chennai)
- Kathak Kendra (New Delhi)
- Plus 20+ additional state AYUSH and cultural colleges
Eligibility Criteria for Bangladeshi Students
Academic Requirements
| Level | Minimum Qualification | Subject Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | HSC / A-Level completed | B.Tech requires Physics + Chemistry + Math in 11th–12th |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree | Must be in a relevant field |
| PhD | Master’s degree | Research synopsis required (topic must involve data collection within India only) |
Age Limits
- UG and PG: 18–40 years
- PhD: 18–45 years (some guidelines say 50)
- Cultural/Hindi/Sanskrit courses: No upper age limit
English Proficiency
- IELTS/TOEFL are NOT mandatory
- The A2A portal requires a 500-word essay in English as a built-in proficiency test
- You can optionally upload IELTS/TOEFL scores to strengthen your application
Programs NOT Covered
The following are excluded from the ICCR Scholarship:
- ❌ MBBS and BDS (Medical/Dental)
- ❌ Nursing and Paramedical courses
- ❌ Law (LLB, BA-LLB, and all integrated law programs)
- ❌ Fashion Design
- ❌ Integrated dual-degree programs (e.g., 5-year B.Sc-M.Sc)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Bangladeshi students follow a unique dual-portal application system — different from applicants in other countries.
Step 1: Register on the SJS Dhaka Portal (February)
URL: sjsdhaka.gov.in
This is a Bangladesh-specific portal maintained by the High Commission of India in Dhaka. You must register here before you can access the global ICCR portal.
Required information:
- Passport details (must be valid for at least 1 year; 2 years recommended)
- Educational qualifications (SSC/HSC or O/A-Level results)
- Program preference and academic track
Step 2: Complete Application on the ICCR A2A Portal (February–April)
URL: a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in
After SJS registration, migrate to the global A2A portal and complete your full application.
You must upload:
- Certified English translations of all academic transcripts (documents in Bangla without English translation = instant rejection)
- Medical fitness certificate from a registered doctor in Bangladesh
- Character recommendation from your current/last educational institution
- Passport-size photographs
- PhD applicants: detailed research synopsis
- Performing arts applicants: YouTube link with audio-visual portfolio
Select up to 5 universities in your preferred order.
Step 3: University Screening (May)
Your application is routed to the universities you selected. Each university independently reviews your profile based on their own eligibility criteria. Decisions are typically made by May 31.
Important: University admission ≠ scholarship award. Admission confirmation is just the first stage.
Step 4: Mission Selection & Scholarship Award (June)
After universities confirm your academic eligibility, the Indian Mission in Dhaka makes the final merit-based selection to award the financial scholarship. This typically happens by June 15.
Step 5: Accept or Decline (7-Day Window)
You have a strict 7-day window (around June 22) to accept or decline the offer on the A2A portal. Declined slots go to a second-round allocation in early July.
Step 6: Visa, Travel & FRRO Registration
After acceptance:
- Apply for the Indian Student Visa through the High Commission
- Arrive in India before the August intake
- Register on the Study in India (SII) portal for your Unique ID
- Complete FRRO registration within 14 days of arrival (mandatory — failure results in fines and visa complications)
Key Timeline for 2026–27 Applications
| Stage | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| SJS Dhaka portal opens | Late February |
| A2A portal opens for applications | Late February |
| Student application deadline | April 30 |
| University admission decisions | By May 31 |
| Mission scholarship selection | By June 15 |
| Accept/decline deadline | ~June 22 (7 days) |
| Second-round allocations | Early July |
| Academic session starts | July/August |
⚠️ Warning: Beware of Fake ICCR Agents
The High Commission of India in Dhaka has issued explicit warnings about fraudulent organizations claiming to be ICCR agents. One entity, “GEE Bangladesh,” set up fake offices across Dhaka, Khulna, Chittagong, Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, and Rajshahi — extorting money from students by falsely promising ICCR admission.
The facts:
- The Government of India uses zero external agents for ICCR scholarships
- The application process is entirely online, entirely free
- Paying any agent results in immediate cancellation of your application and potential permanent visa blacklisting
If anyone asks you for money to “process” an ICCR application, they are committing fraud.
What if You Don’t Get the ICCR Scholarship?
The ICCR Suborno Jayanti Scholarship is extremely competitive — 500 academic slots for the entire country. The reality is that the vast majority of applicants will not be selected.
But you still have excellent options to study in India affordably.
At Western Bangla Education (WBE), we help Bangladeshi students secure 25%–60% merit-based scholarships at top-ranked NAAC A+ private universities — the category of institutions that ICCR does not cover.
ICCR vs. WBE Private University Scholarships
| Factor | ICCR Scholarship | WBE Partner Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | 100% fully funded | 25–60% tuition scholarship |
| Competition | Extremely high (500 slots for all of Bangladesh) | Based on your HSC GPA — more accessible |
| Universities | Government only (131 institutions) | 8 NAAC A+ private universities |
| Programs | No MBBS, Law, Nursing, Fashion Design | MBBS, Law, Nursing, and all programs available |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹18,000–₹25,000 | Not included (you cover living costs) |
| WBE Service Fee | N/A | Zero — WBE charges nothing |
| Application Timeline | February–April only | Rolling admissions (July & January intakes) |
WBE Partner Universities
- Sharda University — Up to 50% scholarship
- Galgotias University — Up to 60% scholarship
- Noida International University — Flat 50% for all Bangladeshi students
- Parul University — Merit-based scholarship
- Chandigarh University — CUCET-based scholarship
- Amity University — Merit-based scholarship
- Bahra University — Up to 50% scholarship
- CGC Landran — Merit-based scholarship
The key advantage: WBE scholarships are confirmed in your official Offer Letter before you pay anything. No verbal promises. No hidden fees. And WBE charges zero service fees — you pay tuition directly to the university.
Recommended Strategy for Bangladeshi Students
- Apply for ICCR (February–April): It’s free, fully funded, and there’s nothing to lose. Register on the SJS portal as soon as it opens.
- Simultaneously contact WBE: While waiting for ICCR results (which come in June), begin your WBE profile assessment. This ensures you have a confirmed backup offer with a locked-in scholarship before the July/August intake.
- Compare your options: If you receive both an ICCR offer and a WBE scholarship offer, compare the total package — ICCR covers living costs but limits you to government universities; WBE gives you access to modern private campuses with massive facilities.
- Don’t wait for ICCR results to act: The July/August intake fills up fast. Students who start late miss the best programs and seat availability.
Ready to explore your scholarship options?
Contact WBE for a Free Profile Assessment →
We’ll evaluate your HSC results, recommend the best-fit universities, and confirm your maximum scholarship — all at zero cost.