Dr.Ravi Pillai Academic Excellence Scholarship
GUIDELINES
1. Introduction
The Ravi Pillai Academic Excellence Scholarship is an initiative to financially support meritorious students from Kerala to pursue higher education.
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Organizers: NORKA Roots & RP Foundation
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Objectives:
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Provide financial assistance to economically weaker but academically outstanding students.
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Encourage academic excellence by recognizing and rewarding high performance.
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2. Scholarship Category
|
Type |
No. of Scholarships |
Amount per Student (₹) |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Higher Secondary |
1100 |
50,000/- |
State: 950, CBSE: 100, ICSE: 50 |
|
Degree |
200 |
1,00,000/- |
Selection based on 12th mark |
|
Post-Graduation |
200 |
1,25,000/- |
Selection based on Degree Final Marks |
|
Total |
1500 |
10,00,00,000/- |
|
3. Terms and Conditions
(i) Academic Eligibility
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Students must be of Kerala origin and enrolled in recognized institutions within India.
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Annual family income must be ₹2.5 lakh or below.
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Higher Secondary Scholarship → for students currently in Plus One (Class 11).
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Degree Scholarship → for students in 1st & 2nd year UG.
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PG Scholarship → for students in 2nd year PG only.
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Not Eligible: Open/distance/correspondence, private or part-time PG programmes.
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(ii) General Eligibility
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Students from Govt/Aided/Private Schools (State/CBSE/ICSE) in Kerala OR colleges recognized by Universities in Kerala/UGC recognized deemed universities are eligible.
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Students studying outside Kerala through all-India competitive exams can also apply.
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Scholarship can be availed only once during academic career.
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Funds will be transferred directly to the student’s savings bank account (Aadhaar-linked).
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Maximum two children per family can benefit.
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Incomplete applications = rejected (without notice).
(iii) Selection Procedure
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Higher Secondary (HSS) → A+ in all SSLC subjects OR >90% in CBSE/ICSE.
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Degree → Minimum 85% marks (State/CBSE/ISC).
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PG → Minimum 80% (Science), 75% (Arts, Commerce, Law, Management, Medical, Technical).
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Scholarships will be strictly based on marks in qualifying examination.
Tie-breaker Criteria
|
Sl. No |
Criteria |
Documents Required |
Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Orphan |
Certificate from Social Justice Department |
9 |
|
2 |
Single parent + bedridden/terminally ill |
Death/Divorce Certificate + Medical Certificate |
8 |
|
3 |
Both parents bedridden/terminally ill |
Medical Certificate (Govt Doctor) |
7 |
|
4 |
Outstanding achievements in Sports/Arts (State level) |
Relevant Certificate |
6 |
|
5 |
Single parent |
Death/Divorce Certificate |
5 |
👉 If tie still exists, scholarship amount will be shared equally.
(iv) Exclusion
-
Students who already received scholarships ≥ ₹50,000 from other sources are not eligible.
(v) Quota
|
Category |
Quota |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|
|
NRK Quota |
20% |
Reserved for eligible wards of NRK parents (Norka Pravasi ID required). If not filled → goes to general category. |
|
Differently Abled Quota |
5% (State-wise, all levels) |
Disability Certificate (Medical Board) required. If not filled → goes to general category. |
(vi) Aadhaar Seeding
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Bank account must be Aadhaar-linked for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
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Aadhaar is mandatory as an identifier.
4. Procedure for Availing the Scholarship
a. Apply through official website (profile creation via OTP on mobile).
b. No physical submission of documents required.
c. Ensure document accuracy before submission.
5. Documents to be Uploaded
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Aadhaar Card (Student)
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Nativity Certificate (Birth Certificate/School Leaving Certificate/Passport/Certificate from Village Officer/Tahsildar)
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Family Income Certificate (Parent’s name, issued within 1 year)
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SSLC/Matriculation Certificate
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Minimum Educational Qualification Certificate:
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10th/12th Marksheet / Degree Certificate + Consolidated UG Mark Sheets
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Bonafide Certificate (Annexure format, signed by Institution Head)
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Bank Passbook (1st page with name, A/c number, IFSC)
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Tie-breaker supporting documents (if applicable)
6. Application Window
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Application Period: July–August (every year)
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Scholarship Distribution: September–October
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Dates announced via Press Release & NORKA website
7. Disbursement
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Disbursed by RP Foundation through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) directly to student’s bank account.
8. Important Dates
|
Event |
Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Application Opens |
July / August |
|
Scholarship Disbursal |
September / October |
⚠️ Note: If false information/forged documents are submitted → Scholarship (with 15% interest) will be recovered.
Disclaimer: RP Foundation = Funding Partner. NORKA Roots = Implementing Partner. Approval Committee’s decision is final.
The deadline for submitting applications: 30th September 2025.
Schemes list
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* What is the Ravi Pillai Academic Excellence Scholarship
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* Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
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* How many scholarships are available, and what is the amount?
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* What is the selection process?
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* Can a student apply more than once?
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* What are the documents required?
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* How do I apply?
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* Can students studying outside Kerala apply?
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NORKA ROOTS, established in 2002 as a field agency under NORKA, holds a prominent role as the nodal agency for all matters concerning Non Resident Keralites (NRKs). With a mission to create a robust institutional framework, NORKA ROOTS actively supports the Government of Kerala in addressing NRK grievances, safeguarding their rights, and facilitating the rehabilitation of return emigrants. It serves as a conduit for NRKs to invest in and capitalize on opportunities within Kerala. This dynamic agency implements welfare schemes for NRKs, harnessing their expertise and resources for their overall benefit. Since its inception, NORKA ROOTS has been a cornerstone in empowering and connecting the global NRK community with the opportunities and support they deserve.