Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil) has invited online applications for the IndianOil Acers Sports Scholarship Scheme, offering 300 scholarships across 25 sports disciplines — explicitly including Tennis. Open to Indian tennis players aged up to 25 years as on 25 November 2026, the 3-year programme provides annual financial support ranging from ₹3.6 lakh to ₹12 lakh per annum alongside an additional grant of up to ₹88,000 per annum towards sports training, tournament travel, equipment, and insurance expenses. Eligible players can apply online at http://www.iocl.com on or before 25 November 2026.
Tiered annual financial support across Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior categories for Scholar and Elite Scholar inductees.
Covers up to ₹80,000 for tournament travel and tennis equipment, ₹3,000 for medical insurance, and ₹5,000 for kit attire.
Applicants must be aged up to 25 years as on 25 November 2026, with scholarships awarded for a 3-year cycle subject to performance.
300 total scholarships across 25 sports (50% reserved for female athletes); apply online via http://www.iocl.com on or before 25.11.2026.
Bridging the Junior-to-Pro Transition with 3-Year Stipends and Travel Support
For upcoming Indian tennis players competing on the AITA national circuit, the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors, and the entry-level ITF M15/M25 and W15/W35 pro circuits, international travel, coaching, racquet stringing, and physiotherapy represent the steepest recurring expenses on the pathway to the ATP and WTA tours. By expanding the age ceiling up to 25 years as on 25 November 2026, the IndianOil Acers Sports Scholarship Scheme supports not only rising U-14, U-16, and U-18 juniors, but also collegiate and young professional players aged 19 to 25 navigating the transition into the top 500 of the professional rankings.
In addition to the core annual scholarship of ₹3.6 lakh to ₹12 lakh per annum (disbursed as monthly stipends across the Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior brackets), every selected player receives up to ₹88,000 per annum specifically earmarked for sports training-related expenses. Under IndianOil’s framework for individual sports, that ₹88,000 annual training allowance includes up to ₹80,000 per year towards tournament participation and tennis equipment, up to ₹3,000 per year for medical insurance premiums, and up to ₹5,000 per year towards official kit attire upon submission of bills and documentary proof.
| Parameter | Scheme Provision | Key Details for Tennis Players |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Scholarship | ₹3.6 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh / Year | Tiered monthly stipend based on Sub-Junior, Junior, or Senior category and Scholar / Elite Scholar classification |
| Training Expenses | Up to ₹88,000 / Year | Up to ₹80,000 for tournament travel & tennis equipment + ₹3,000 medical insurance + ₹5,000 kit allowance |
| Age Criteria | Up to 25 Years | Age calculated as on 25 November 2026 (25.11.2026) across Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior categories |
| Scholarship Period | 3 Years | 3-year support cycle subject to annual performance review and competitive progression |
| Elite Scholar Benchmark | National Rank 1–5 / SF / F | National Ranking 1 to 5, or Semifinalist/Finalist at a National Championship, or official Indian team member internationally |
| Scholar Benchmark | National Rank 6–10 / QF | National Ranking 6 to 10 (Sub-Junior, Junior, or Senior) or Quarterfinalist at a recognized National Championship |
| Online Deadline | 25 November 2026 | Submit online applications on or before 25.11.2026 via the official IndianOil portal at http://www.iocl.com |
300 Scholarships Across 25 Sports Disciplines With 50% Reserved for Women Athletes
Under the IndianOil Acers programme, 300 scholarships are awarded across 25 sports disciplines: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Billiards and Snooker, Boxing, Carrom, Chess, Cricket, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Rowing, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling. In line with IndianOil’s push for gender parity in Indian sport, 50% of the scholar seats are reserved for female sportspersons.
How to Apply Online at http://www.iocl.com Before 25 November 2026
Verify Age & National Ranking / Tournament Certificates
Confirm that the applicant’s date of birth meets the up-to-25-years age limit as on 25 November 2026, and gather official AITA / National Championship ranking or result certificates (Rank 1–5, National SF/F, or India representation for Elite Scholar; Rank 6–10 or National QF for Scholar).
Prepare Supporting Documents & No-Dual-Scholarship Declaration
Keep scanned copies of birth proof, Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, official tournament/ranking certificates attested by the federation/association, and bank account details ready for upload.
Submit Online at http://www.iocl.com on or Before 25.11.2026
Visit the official IndianOil website (www.iocl.com), navigate to the IndianOil Acers Sports Scholarship Scheme portal, select Tennis as the discipline, complete the online form, and save the acknowledgement number before the 25 November 2026 cutoff.