The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially announced the AAI Sports Scholarship Scheme for the year 2026-27. This initiative aims to support promising young athletes by providing financial assistance to enhance sporting standards. The application process opened on 10th February 2026, and eligible sportspersons can submit their applications until 18th March 2026.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) Sports Control Board has released the notification for the Sports Scholarship Scheme 2026-27. The scheme is designed to award scholarships to young, talented players to encourage excellence in sports. Interested candidates between the ages of 14 and 24 who have represented at National or Inter-University levels from the 2024-25 season onwards are invited to apply.
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AAI Sports Scholarship Scheme 2026-27- Summary
Candidates must send their completed application forms in the prescribed format via post to the AAI Sports Control Board in New Delhi. No other means of application will be accepted, and only specific sports disciplines are included under the open category.
| Organization | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Scheme Name | Sports Scholarship Scheme for Outstanding Sportspersons |
| Total Scholarships | 117 (97 Open Category + 20 Ward Category) |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs. 20,000/- per month |
| Duration | Approximately one year |
| Age Limit | 14 to 24 years (as on 31.03.2026) |
| Application Mode | Offline (By Post) |
| Selection Process | Committee Review based on Merit/Achievements |
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AAI Sports Scholarship 2026-27- Important Dates
The timeline for the AAI Sports Scholarship application is strictly defined. Late applications will not be considered by the selection committee.
| Events | Dates |
| Date of Opening of Application | 10th February 2026 |
| Last Date of Receiving Application | 18th March 2026 |
| Age Reckoning Date | 31st March 2026 |
AAI Sports Scholarship Vacancy (Open Category)
The following games are eligible for scholarships under the open category for the 2026-27 cycle:
| Game | Category |
| Archery (Recurve) | Boys & Girls |
| Carrom | Boys & Girls |
| Chess | Boys & Girls |
| Hockey | Boys |
| Kho-Kho | Girls |
| Table Tennis | Boys & Girls |
| Cricket | Boys |
| Football | Boys |
| Volley Ball | Boys |
Note: No other games will be entertained under the open category of this scheme.
AAI Sports Scholarship 2026-27 Eligibility
To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must meet specific age and performance criteria:
- Age: Candidates must be between 14 and 24 years of age as of 31.03.2026.
- Performance: Players must have represented in Sub-Junior/Junior/Senior National Championships, All India Inter-University Tournaments, or National School Games in 2024-25 and onwards.
- Selection Priority: Selection will be based on the highest achievers in the respective sports.
- Wards of AAI Employees: A separate quota of 20 scholarships is reserved for wards of AAI employees, covering all recognized games.
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Steps to Apply for AAI Sports Scholarship 2026-27
- Download Form: Obtain the prescribed application format from the AAI notification.
- Fill Details: Complete the form in capital letters, including sports achievements and academic records.
- Attestation: Get the application routed and recommended by the Head/Principal of your institution or the Secretary of the State/National Sports Federation.
- Enclosures: Attach certified copies of sports achievements and a latest passport-size photograph.
- Undertaking: Sign the required undertaking and obtain the signature of a parent/guardian.
- Submission: Place the form in an envelope ($13.5 \times 9.5$ inches) super-scribed with “AAI SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME 2026-27”.
- Address: Send the envelope to Shri Suneel Dutt, Vice President, AAI Sports Control Board, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi-110003.
FAQs
What is the monthly scholarship amount?
Selected candidates will receive Rs. 20,000/- per month for approximately one year.
Is there a limit on how many times a “Ward” can apply?
Yes, the AAI Sports Scholarship for the Ward category is available to a sportsperson for a maximum of five times.
Can non-students apply for this scholarship?
Yes, cases of talented sportspersons who are not students may be considered, subject to verification by the concerned State or National Federation.
