[Published: 28 October 2026 | Last updated: 28 October 2026]
TL;DR
- The ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarship is a fully funded Indian government scholarship for international students to study in India (The Daily Star, 2026).
- For 2026-27, 541 Bangladeshi students were selected from more than 7,700 applications, which is about 6% (BSS, 2026).
- You apply online through ICCR's A2A (Admissions to Alumni) portal only (High Commission of India in Wellington, 2026).
- In 2026, the A2A portal opened on 27 February, and the student deadline was later extended to 22 April (ICCR, 2026).
- Bangladeshi applicants are selected through a proficiency test and an interview by the High Commission of India and its Assistant High Commissions (BSS, 2026).
What Is the ICCR Scholarship?
The ICCR scholarship is a fully funded scholarship from the Government of India for international students to study undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes at Indian universities. The High Commission of India in Dhaka announced two fully funded ICCR scholarship schemes for Bangladeshi students for 2026-27 (The Daily Star, 2026).
For Bangladeshi students, ICCR is one of the largest scholarship programmes available. India is close to home, the cost of living is lower than in Europe, and many Indian universities teach in English.
How Competitive Is the ICCR Scholarship in Bangladesh?
The ICCR scholarship is highly competitive in Bangladesh. For 2026-27, more than 7,700 Bangladeshi students applied, and 541 were selected (BSS, 2026). The Indian High Commissioner noted that only about 6% of applicants received the scholarship (UNB, 2026).
| ICCR 2026-27 (Bangladesh) | Number |
|---|---|
| Applications received | More than 7,700 |
| Scholarships awarded | 541 |
| Success rate | About 6% |
Source: BSS (2026).
ICCR Scholarship Timeline: What Happened in 2026
ICCR uses the same yearly cycle for most countries. Use the 2026 timeline to plan for the 2027-28 round:
| Stage | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| A2A portal opens for students | 27 February 2026 |
| Original student deadline | 15 April 2026 |
| Extended student deadline | 22 April 2026 |
| Universities review applications | 27 February to 15 May 2026 |
| Send-off for Bangladeshi scholars | 4 August 2026 |
Sources: ICCR (2026), BSS (2026).
Expect the 2027-28 portal to open around February 2027. Prepare your documents before then.
How to Apply for the ICCR Scholarship from Bangladesh
Step 1: Register on the A2A Portal
Applications are accepted only through the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal at a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in (High Commission of India in Wellington, 2026). Applications sent by any other method are not accepted.
Step 2: Fill In Your Details Carefully
Enter your information exactly as it appears in your documents. ICCR is not responsible for mismatches between what you enter on the portal and your documents (High Commission of India in Wellington, 2026).
Step 3: Choose Your Universities and Courses
Choose your preferred universities and courses on the portal. Universities review applications and upload provisional admission decisions (ICCR, 2026).
Step 4: Take the Proficiency Test and Interview
Bangladeshi applicants are selected through a proficiency test and an interview conducted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka and its Assistant High Commissions (BSS, 2026). Prepare for English questions about your study plans.
How to Prepare a Strong ICCR Application
A strong ICCR application has good academic results, a clear course choice and confident English for the test and interview. Since only about 6% of applicants succeed (UNB, 2026), small details matter.
Use these tips:
- Choose courses that match your previous studies and career plans.
- Practise answering interview questions in English about why you chose India and your course.
- Prepare clear scans of all certificates, transcripts and your passport before the portal opens.
The free AI interview practice and speaking tools on EnglishPreps can help you practise interview answers before your ICCR interview.
Common Mistakes ICCR Applicants Make
The most common mistake is entering details on the A2A portal that do not match your documents. A mismatch can cost you your application.
Avoid these other mistakes:
- Applying through agents or by email instead of the A2A portal.
- Waiting until the last week, when the portal can be slow.
- Choosing courses unrelated to your academic background.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ICCR Scholarship
What is the ICCR scholarship?
The ICCR scholarship is a fully funded Indian government scholarship for international students to study at Indian universities. The High Commission of India in Dhaka announces it for Bangladeshi students each year (The Daily Star, 2026).
How many Bangladeshi students get the ICCR scholarship?
For 2026-27, 541 Bangladeshi students were selected from more than 7,700 applications (BSS, 2026).
How do I apply for the ICCR scholarship?
Apply online through the ICCR A2A Scholarship Portal at a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in. Applications through any other channel are not accepted (High Commission of India in Wellington, 2026).
When is the ICCR scholarship deadline?
In 2026, the A2A portal opened on 27 February and the student deadline was extended to 22 April (ICCR, 2026). Expect a similar window in 2027.
Is there an exam for the ICCR scholarship in Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladeshi applicants take a proficiency test and an interview conducted by the High Commission of India and its Assistant High Commissions (BSS, 2026).
Can I apply for a PhD with the ICCR scholarship?
Yes. ICCR scholarships cover diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes (High Commission of India in Wellington, 2026).
What to Remember Before You Apply for ICCR
- Apply only through the A2A portal, and enter details exactly as in your documents.
- Expect the 2027-28 portal to open around February 2027.
- Prepare for a proficiency test and an English interview.
- Only about 6% of Bangladeshi applicants succeed, so prepare early.