Scholarship

Scholarship

Suniti Scholars Program

Suniti Scholars Program

Dr. Suniti Solomon, a pioneer who transformed India’s response to HIV/AIDS, founded the Y. R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRGCARE) under the Y. R. Gaitonde Medical Educational and Research Foundation (YRG MERF), building a lasting legacy of empowerment and hope. Guided by her vision, YRG MERF carries forward the Suniti Scholars Program, an initiative that supports vulnerable girls in India impacted by HIV

Read more

Purpose

Inspired by Dr. Suniti Solomon’s work on HIV and dedication to girls, the Suniti Scholars Program supports women aged 25 or younger, facing stigma and hardship, enabling them to pursue higher education and thrive.

Purpose

Inspired by Dr. Suniti Solomon’s work on HIV and dedication to girls, the Suniti Scholars Program supports women aged 25 or younger, facing stigma and hardship, enabling them to pursue higher education and thrive.

Scholarship Overview

Scholarship Overview

The program empowers young women from Northeast India, honouring Dr. Suniti Solomon’s age at the time of the program’s inception. To sustain and grow her legacy, one additional scholarship is added each year, expanding the program’s reach over time.


Each scholar receives:

  • Up to ₹1,00,000 annually on actual receipt submission basis to support tuition, books, and living expenses (up to three years for undergraduate studies and two years for postgraduate studies)

  • A one-time grant of up to ₹50,000 for digital tools such as laptops and internet access

  • Ongoing mentorship and counselling to support academic success and personal growth

Scholarship Values

Scholarship Values

Compassion

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Courage

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Integrity

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Love for Learning

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Leadership

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Equality for All

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Compassion

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Courage

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Integrity

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Love for Learning

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Leadership

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Equality for All

Framer is a design tool that allows you to design websites on a freeform canvas, and then publish them as websites with a single click.

Application and Selection Process

Application and Selection Process

Application Form

Application Form

The application form is released annually on 28 July (subject to change). Students apply by clicking the “APPLY” button below or by submitting an offline application through their nearest ART centres or NGOs.

The application form is released annually on 28 July (subject to change). Students apply by clicking the “APPLY” button below or by submitting an offline application through their nearest ART centres or NGOs.

Applicant Profile - Required Documents

  • Personal and Contact Information

  • Academic Information

  • Achievement and Awards

  • Personal and Contact Information

  • Academic Information

  • Achievement and Awards

  • 500-word Statement of Purpose

  • Supporting Documents

  • Additional Jury Requirements, if any

  • 500-word Statement of Purpose

  • Supporting Documents

  • Additional Jury Requirements, if any

Initial Selection

Initial Selection

An independent committee reviews applications, engages with candidates as part of the assessment process, and selects the scholarship recipients. The process is conducted without the involvement of YRG MERF staff, ensuring fairness and impartiality.

An independent committee reviews applications, engages with candidates as part of the assessment process, and selects the scholarship recipients. The process is conducted without the involvement of YRG MERF staff, ensuring fairness and impartiality.

Announcement

Announcement

Beneficiaries are announced on Dr. Suniti Solomon’s birth anniversary (14 October), and scholarships are disbursed on World AIDS Day (1 December) each year.

Beneficiaries are announced on Dr. Suniti Solomon’s birth anniversary (14 October), and scholarships are disbursed on World AIDS Day (1 December) each year.

View the list of 2025 Suniti Scholars

view list of 2025 Suniti Scholars

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply

Young women aged 25 years or younger, including transgender women

Young women aged 25 years or younger, including transgender women

HIV status: Applicants must be either

Living with HIV (verified confidentially through ART centres)

Living with HIV (verified confidentially through ART centres)

or

Affected by HIV (e.g., children of HIV-positive parents/guardians, verified by NGOs)

Affected by HIV (e.g., children of HIV-positive parents/guardians, verified by NGOs)

Location

Must be a resident of Northeast India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura)

Educational Requirements

  1. Completed Grade XII for undergraduate applicants

  1. Holds a Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate applicants

  1. Must have secured admission in an accredited educational program

Financial and Personal Commitment

Must demonstrate financial need and submit a 500-word essay explaining their goals and commitment to education

Please Note

Please Note

  • All processes involved in the selection will be published on our website for transparency, with a commitment to fairness: “The Suniti Scholars Program ensures equity through an independent committee and confidential verification.” Anonymized outcomes (e.g., state-wise representation) will foster trust.

  • All processes involved in the selection will be published on our website for transparency, with a commitment to fairness: “The Suniti Scholars Program ensures equity through an independent committee and confidential verification.” Anonymized outcomes (e.g., state-wise representation) will foster trust.

  • For any additional questions, please contact our helpline on (044) 33125000 or email us info@yrgcare.org

  • Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before applying.

  • Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before applying.