Education has the power to shape a child’s future and strengthen communities. At Akshaya Patra, we believe that when children are supported consistently, they are better equipped to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to society. While the PM POSHAN initiative (Mid-Day Meal Programme) addresses classroom hunger, our scholarship initiatives focus on enabling deserving students to continue their education without financial constraints. Through Akshaya Patra scholarships, we work to remove barriers that often prevent bright young minds from realising their full potential.

The Importance of Education and the Role of Scholarships

Education extends beyond academic instruction – it builds confidence, nurtures aspirations and equips students with essential life skills. However, for many children from underserved communities, continuing education, particularly beyond school, can become difficult due to economic pressures. Scholarships play a vital role in bridging this gap by offering financial support, stability and encouragement.

As an NGO in India working closely with government schools, we have witnessed how timely educational assistance can prevent dropouts and motivate students to aim higher. Scholarships also recognise merit and perseverance, reinforcing the belief that dedication and hard work are valued and rewarded.

About the Akshaya Patra Scholarship Programme

The Akshaya Patra Scholarship Programme supports students who demonstrate academic commitment but require financial assistance to pursue further education. Building on our long-standing engagement with children through school meals, this initiative extends our support beyond nutrition to education.

Through Akshaya Patra scholarships, students are enabled to pursue higher education that enhances employability and long-term self-reliance. The programme reflects Akshaya Patra’s holistic approach to child development, nourishing both the body and the mind.

Objectives of the Scholarship Programme

The scholarship programme is guided by clearly defined objectives that focus on long-term educational and social impact. These objectives include:

• Supporting young minds in achieving academic and career excellence by reducing financial barriers
• Inspiring a sustained passion for learning by highlighting positive outcomes and role models
• Strengthening access to education and skill development across all levels
• Reducing dropout rates in higher education through consistent academic support
• Contributing to the national vision of “Shikshit Bharat, Viksit Bharat”

These objectives form the foundation of the programme and guide the selection and support of scholars.

Eligibility Criteria and Benefits

The scholarship programme follows a transparent and structured process to ensure that support reaches students who need it most. While specific criteria may vary depending on the scholarship category, general eligibility includes:

• Students who have completed Class 10, PUC, or Graduation from government schools or colleges
• Consistent academic performance with a CGPA of 8 or above, along with regular attendance
• Minimum qualifying marks:
  PUC: 50% in Class 10
  Graduation: 55% in PUC
  Post-Graduation: 60% in Graduation, 55% in Class 12, and 50% in Class 10
• Students residing in Akshaya Patra-operated locations
• Selection based on a merit-cum-need approach

How to Apply for Akshaya Patra Scholarships

The application process is designed to be simple, accessible and student-centric. Eligible students may apply through referrals from government schools and government educational institutions. Each application undergoes careful review to assess academic merit and financial need.

Selected students are guided through the subsequent steps with clarity and ongoing support, ensuring continued engagement throughout their academic journey. The process prioritises transparency and the best interests of the student.

Our Contribution to Education Beyond Meals

As an NGO in India with a Pan-India presence, Akshaya Patra recognises that sustainable impact requires addressing multiple dimensions of a child’s life. Beyond providing meals, our educational initiatives help students remain in school, pursue higher education and work towards long-term independence. Those who wish to support this effort can also donate to help extend educational opportunities to more deserving students, ensuring that aspirations are not limited by circumstance.

As aspirations soar high and challenges run deep, the mid-day meal (MDM) plays a vital role in transforming young lives. At The Akshaya Patra Foundation—a social impact organisation committed to addressing classroom hunger and malnutrition—our kitchens are at the heart of this transformation. These state-of-the-art Akshaya Patra kitchens are more than just culinary spaces, they are centres of innovation, efficiency and compassion, working tirelessly to nourish the dreams of millions of schoolchildren every day.
Scaling Nutrition with Precision

Feeding over 2.25 million children across 16 states and 3 Union Territories every school day is a monumental responsibility. At the core of this mission lies an unshakable commitment to scale with precision. Every Akshaya Patra kitchen is meticulously designed to ensure consistency in quality, hygiene and nutrition.
Some of our centralised kitchens have the capacity to cook up to 1,00,000 meals in under four hours. These kitchens operate combining modern machinery with time-tested processes. From vegetable cutting to steam-cooking in stainless-steel cauldrons, every step is carefully calibrated to retain nutritional value and flavour. The meals are then packed in insulated containers and dispatched in custom-designed vehicles to reach schools in time for lunch.
Ensuring Hygiene and Safety at Every Step

Maintaining hygiene in large-scale food preparation is non-negotiable. We follow strict food safety protocols as per ISO 22000:2018 standards and FSSAI guidelines. Regular tests, pest control, utensil sanitisation and staff training are part of our routine.

In every Akshaya Patra kitchen, the workflow is thoughtfully structured to avoid cross-contamination, from the delivery of raw materials to the dispatch of cooked meals. RO water is used for cooking, while raw ingredients are sourced from FSSAI-certified suppliers. Our kitchen staff are equipped with safety gear, including gloves, headgear and aprons, ensuring both personal safety and food hygiene.

Innovation at the Heart of Every Kitchen

Innovation is not an afterthought; it is built into the core of every Akshaya Patra kitchen. Each facility is tailored to its geographic and logistical context. For instance, our kitchen in Jaipur features gravity-flow mechanisms that minimise human touch, while the Vasanthapura kitchen in Bengaluru integrates biomass briquette boilers to reduce carbon emissions.

We continually adapt and improve our systems, be it route optimisation using GPS-enabled vehicles, data-led inventory management or solar-powered facilities. Our kitchens are examples of how technology can amplify the impact of social good.

A hot, nutritious meal has the power to change the course of a child’s life. For many beneficiaries of the PM POSHAN Programme (MDM Scheme), the meal they receive from Akshaya Patra is often the first meal of their day and sometimes, the only one. It’s not just about feeding children; it’s about enabling children to learn, grow and pursue their dreams without the burden of hunger.

The typical Akshaya Patra menu is designed and varies across regions to reflect local tastes and dietary habits. From khichdi in Gujarat to sambar-rice in Tamil Nadu and roti-subji in Rajasthan, our meals are both culturally relevant and nutritionally balanced.

People Behind the Process
Behind the high-efficiency machinery and streamlined logistics are thousands of individuals, kitchen staff, drivers, nutritionists, quality officers and volunteers, who pour dedication into every meal served. Their commitment exemplifies our values of service, precision and empathy. Each one contributes to a chain of care that begins in the kitchen and ends in the smile of a well-fed child.

The success of our kitchen operations is made possible through robust public-private partnerships. We operate within the framework of the Government of India’s PM POSHAN initiative and supplement this support with contributions from individual donors, corporate CSR initiatives and philanthropic foundations.
These partnerships enable us to upgrade kitchens, pilot innovative technologies and enhance the reach and efficiency of our operations. As a trusted organisation, Akshaya Patra’s kitchen models are frequently showcased as a benchmark for large-scale, high-impact interventions in school nutrition.
Mission we Breathe

Each Akshaya Patra kitchen tells a story of hope, scale and impact. It is here that the invisible threads of planning, compassion and efficiency are woven into tangible acts of service. As we continue to grow and reach more children, we remain anchored in our mission: No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.
Through the heat of the cauldrons, the rhythm of logistics and the dedication of our teams, the heart of Akshaya Patra beats strong in every kitchen, every meal and every child we serve.
As we continue to nourish young minds through our kitchens, your support can help us reach even more children with the promise of a hot, nutritious meal.

Together, we can ensure that every child is brought back to school every day.