This award recognizes institutions that demonstrate robust financial health while actively fostering access to education through inclusive, sustainable, and innovative financing models. These institutions reduce financial barriers through scholarships, fee waivers, EMI options, income-share agreements, and partnerships with financial or EdTech platforms. Their commitment to affordability and responsible financial planning enables long-term stability and ensures education remains accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Submission Guidelines

Showcase one specific initiative, project, or model implemented by your institution that improves student affordability and access, while maintaining financial sustainability.
The case study must clearly address the following:

• The problem being addressed, such as affordability gaps or barriers to access
  
• The target beneficiaries (type and scale of students impacted)
  
• The structure of financial support, including scholarships, fee waivers, EMI options, income-share agreements, or similar mechanisms
  
• The eligibility criteria and selection approach
  
• Any partners involved (e.g., banks, NBFCs, donors, EdTech platforms)
  
• How the initiative reduces financial burden and improves access to education
  
• Any innovative elements in the design or delivery of the model
  

Applicants must also present measurable outcomes, supported by data, such as:

• Increase in access to education, especially for underserved groups
  
• Impact on student retention and continuation
• Changes in affordability for beneficiaries
• Trends or improvements observed over time
• Scale and reach of the initiative

Submissions should also highlight why the institution deserves recognition, focusing on:

• Strength of financial sustainability alongside access
  
• Distinctiveness of the approach compared to peers
  
• Innovation in financing models
  
• Potential for replication and scalability
  
• Long-term value for both students and the institution

All claims must be supported with relevant documentation such as audited financial statements, scholarship records, fee concessions, loan/EMI agreements, and CSR/donor reports, as required in the form.

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Illustrations

Financial Sustainability & Student Access

• Institutional approach to balancing financial health with affordability
  
• Policies or frameworks supporting student financial aid and access
  
• Systems for implementing structured financing mechanisms (EMI, loans, ISAs)
  
• Mechanisms to support students from marginalized or economically weaker backgrounds
  
• Institutional efforts toward diversified revenue streams beyond tuition
  
• Engagement with financial partners, donors, or external stakeholders
  
• Any other

Initiative / Project / Service

The initiative/project/service may include:

• Scholarships (merit-based, need-based, targeted support)
  
• Fee waivers or structured fee reductions
  
• EMI/payment plans or institutional financing mechanisms
  
• Income-share agreements or deferred payment models
  
• Loan facilitation through banks/NBFCs
  
• CSR/donor-funded financial aid programs
  
• Any structured model that improves affordability and access while being financially sustainable

Process and Outcome Metrics

Participants are encouraged to provide measurable data aligned with the operational matrix, including:

• % of students receiving financial support
  
• Average % fee reduction
  
• % of students using structured financing
  
• % of students from marginalized communities receiving aid
  
• Total amount disbursed for student aid
  
• Operating surplus/deficit
  
• Number of revenue streams contributing to sustainability
  

Technology and Collaboration

Technology

• Use of systems/platforms to manage financial aid, scholarships, and financing
  
• Tools to track and report financial and access-related outcomes

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Collaboration

• Partnerships with banks, NBFCs, donors, or other funding entities
  
• External collaborations supporting student financing and access initiatives

Future Plans

• Steps to sustain or expand the initiative
  
• Plans to improve financial sustainability and student access
  
• Any planned enhancements in financing models or partnerships

Apply Now For more details, please read the Terms & Conditions