Lucknow: In a landmark initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has launched the “Chevening–Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Uttar Pradesh Government Scholarship Scheme.” The agreement was formalized at the official residence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Under the scheme, five meritorious students from Uttar Pradesh will be awarded full scholarships each year to pursue master’s degrees at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom.
Preparing Youth for Global Leadership
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the scholarship program will not only redefine the state’s education ecosystem but also prepare Uttar Pradesh’s youth for global leadership roles. “This initiative is inspired by Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and will provide opportunities for our students to excel in education, research, and leadership at the international level,” he said.
The scheme will be operational for three academic years — 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 — and will be renewed from 2028-29 onwards. The CM urged students to make the most of this opportunity and bring pride to both Uttar Pradesh and India on the global stage.
Comprehensive Coverage of Expenses
The scholarship covers tuition fees, research and examination charges, living expenses, and round-trip airfare to the UK. The total cost per student is estimated between £38,048 and £42,076 (₹45–48 lakh). Of this, the Uttar Pradesh government will contribute around £19,800 (₹23 lakh), while the remaining amount will be borne by the FCDO, UK.
Strengthening Indo-UK Ties
British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, who signed the MoU in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath, praised the initiative, calling it a significant step in strengthening the educational and cultural ties between the two countries. “It is a privilege to sign this new Chevening Scholarship agreement in Lucknow. Over the next three years, five students annually from Uttar Pradesh will have the opportunity to study in the UK on a full scholarship, a symbol of the growing partnership between the United Kingdom and India,” she said.
The scholarship announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent UK visit, during which both nations signed a Trade Agreement and Vision 35 framework, opening doors for deeper collaboration in education, trade, and innovation. Officials noted that this partnership would create extraordinary opportunities for Indian students, particularly those from Uttar Pradesh, to access the global stage.
