The Khelo India scholarship gives selected young athletes about Rs 6.28 lakh per year, which includes an out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 1.2 lakh (Rs 10,000 per month), plus support for training, coaching, equipment, education and competition exposure. Support can run for up to eight years. There is no direct application form: athletes are identified through Khelo India Games and other recognised talent identification routes.
Key takeaways
- Total support: About Rs 6.28 lakh per athlete per year, as stated in a Rajya Sabha reply.
- Out-of-pocket allowance: Rs 1.2 lakh a year (Rs 10,000 a month) by direct benefit transfer.
- Other support: Training, coaching, equipment, diet, education and competition exposure; sports science help.
- Duration: Up to eight years, subject to yearly performance review.
- Venue: Often at Khelo India accredited academies.
Khelo India Scholarship: what the support covers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total support | About Rs 6.28 lakh per athlete per year, as stated in a Rajya Sabha reply |
| Out-of-pocket allowance | Rs 1.2 lakh a year (Rs 10,000 a month) by direct benefit transfer |
| Other support | Training, coaching, equipment, diet, education and competition exposure; sports science help |
| Duration | Up to eight years, subject to yearly performance review |
| Venue | Often at Khelo India accredited academies |
Earlier descriptions of the scheme speak of Rs 5 lakh a year in annual support plus the allowance. The Rs 6.28 lakh figure is the all-inclusive amount in the official reply, so you may see both numbers in different articles.
How athletes are selected
The scheme looks for athletes who perform at Khelo India School and Youth Games, the University Games, Winter Games and other recognised tournaments, as well as through talent identification programmes. Registration on the National Sports Repository System portal and scouting by trained officials support the process. Reports say around a thousand young athletes are inducted each year, though the exact number depends on the year and the budget. After identification, athletes are confirmed as Khelo India Athletes and map to an academy.
What keeps the support going
- An annual fitness test with a minimum score of 50 percent, as described in guidance for athletes.
- A performance score of around 6 out of 10 across the year to continue.
- Active participation in training and tournaments.
The exact conditions are set by the Sports Authority of India and may change, so rely on official notices.
What a student athlete can do now
- Compete: school, district and state events are where selectors notice you.
- Keep records of results and certificates, and store them safely in DigiLocker along with your academic documents.
- Ask your sports teacher whether your school is registered for Khelo India events.
- Stay on top of studies; many sports admissions and scholarships ask for academic documents too.
Common myths about the scheme
One myth is that you can buy or request a Khelo India scholarship through an agent. You cannot; selection comes from performance. Another is that the whole amount reaches you in cash, whereas only the Rs 10,000 monthly allowance goes to the bank account and the rest pays for training, equipment and similar costs. A third is that it covers only a few sports; the scheme supports many disciplines and the list changes. Parents should also know that continuation depends on yearly review, so a selection is a start, not a lifetime guarantee.
What parents and coaches should check
If you are a parent or coach, start with the official Khelo India and Sports Authority of India notices, not with social media posts. Confirm the sport is part of the Khelo India Games programme this year, that the tournament your child plays in is recognised, and that registration on the official sports portal is done under the correct name and date of birth. Keep proof of age, because age categories decide which event an athlete can enter. Ask coaches to share performance records openly, and be cautious of anyone charging a fee for a guaranteed scholarship.
Khelo India Scholarship: if you are not selected
Many students never reach this level, and that is normal. State sports quotas in colleges, private sports scholarships and fitness habits through the Fit India movement remain open. Do not pay anyone who promises a Khelo India seat; selection is through official competitions.
Rules, dates and amounts for Khelo India Scholarship can change, so confirm the latest official notice before you act.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Khelo India scholarship?
Selected athletes receive about Rs 6.28 lakh per year, including Rs 1.2 lakh as an out-of-pocket allowance.
Can I apply directly?
No. Athletes are identified through recognised competitions and talent identification, then inducted by the sports authorities.
How long does the support last?
Up to eight years, subject to yearly assessments.
What age group does it target?
It targets young athletes identified through school, youth and university level events; check the current scheme notice for age rules for each event.
Who runs the scheme?
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, with the Sports Authority of India implementing it.