Applications for

Suniti Scholars Program 2.0 are now open

Scroll down to explore the details and apply

Applications for Suniti Scholars Program 2.0 are now open.

Scroll down to explore the details and apply

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

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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

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Courage

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Integrity

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Love for Learning

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Leadership

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Equality for All

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Compassion

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Courage

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Integrity

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Love for Learning

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Leadership

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Equality for All

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Application and Selection Process

Application and Selection Process

Application Form

Application Form

Applications are now open from July 28, 2026. Students apply by clicking the “APPLY” button below or by submitting an offline application through their nearest ART centres or NGOs.

Applications for the Suniti Scholars Programme close on October 14, 2026, Dr. Suniti Solomon's birth anniversary.

Applications are now open from July 28, 2026. Students apply by clicking the “APPLY” button below or by submitting an offline application through their nearest ART centres or NGOs.

Applications for the Suniti Scholars Programme close on October 14, 2026, Dr. Suniti Solomon's birth anniversary.

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

Scholarships will be announced on December 01, 2026, World AIDS Day, a date observed worldwide to raise awareness and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Scholarships will be announced on December 01, 2026, World AIDS Day, a date observed worldwide to raise awareness and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

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 trans women

Young women aged 25 years or younger, including trans 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

Applicant must be indigenous to Northeast India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura) and may currently reside anywhere.

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

Suniti Scholars Program 2026

Applications are now open

Suniti Scholars Program 2026

Applications are now open

Apply Now

Apply Now

Last Date to Apply: October 14, 2026

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.

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