Given the increasing cost of higher education, a scholarship has a huge impact on promoting inclusion in higher education. Recognizing this, Cognizant Foundation India initiated a merit-cum-means scholarship program for engineering graduates, in 2008, with a view to increasing access to quality higher education.
Over the years, this program has grown to focus on two key areas: supporting inclusive access to higher education for graduate and undergraduate study across STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) disciplines, social sciences, and teacher education (special needs) and supporting trajectories of inclusion in higher education through scholarships for visually impaired students.
Cognizant Foundation’s Commitment to Inclusive Higher Education
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has established a goal of reaching a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035.[1] Achieving this objective will necessitate substantial institutional, infrastructural, and policy modifications to comply with the directives delineated in the NEP.
As per the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report 2021-22, gender disparity in STEM, especially in engineering and technology, remains significant. Female enrolment stands at just 29.1%, compared to 70.9% for males.[2] This imbalance highlights the urgent need to remove systemic barriers and encourage greater female participation in these fields.
Supporting higher education
Improving gender equity in higher education, in STEM fields, requires targeted efforts to address systemic barriers, provide financial support, and create inclusive learning environments. Promoting access and retention for underrepresented groups is essential to achieving the NEP 2020 goal.
Aligned with this vision, Cognizant Foundation's flagship program, Excellence4All, aims to promote inclusion in higher education across India. The program focuses on supporting students from underserved communities, including women, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals, through various scholarship initiatives like
Graduate study in STEAM: In collaboration with partners such as the Foundation for Excellence (FFE), Bhumi, and Cognizant Outreach, the Foundation offers scholarships for 1–4-year courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The program emphasizes inclusivity, aiming for at least 70% representation from female students, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender individuals. Eligible students are enrolled in NIRF and NAAC-accredited institutions across India.
Graduate Study Support for Visually Impaired Students: Scholarships for visually impaired students pursuing three-year undergraduate programs. The initiative includes the Education, Mobility, and Employability Training (EMET) program, a two-year module starting in the second year of study that focuses on independence, mobility, and digital skills. Additionally, beneficiaries receive Smart Vision Glasses, AI-powered wearable devices, and laptops equipped with accessibility features to enhance learning and employability.
Graduate study in Special Education & Post-graduate study in Social Sciences: Through a direct partnership, Cognizant Foundation provides scholarships to support students pursuing postgraduate courses in Social Sciences, Computer/Data Sciences, and B.Ed. Special Education through select institutions that have a reputation in their respective academic fields.
Our representative partner list includes – Bhumi, Buddy4Study, Christel House India, Foundation for Excellence India, Help the Blind Foundation, National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Madras School of Social Work (MSSW)
