Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has been a steadfast champion of accessible education, significantly transforming the lives of over 10,000 underprivileged students through its comprehensive scholarship programs. Chancellor G. Viswanathan proudly revealed this on October 14, 2025, highlighting that these students have collectively benefited from scholarships totaling ₹12 crore over the past 15 years.
During a press briefing at the Vellore campus, Mr. Viswanathan emphasized the critical role of these initiatives, such as “Support the Advancement of Rural Students (STARS)” and “Higher Education for All.” He pointed out that while Tamil Nadu boasts a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 47%, surpassing the national average of 28%, enrollment rates in the state’s northern districts remain concerningly low. This disparity in higher education access directly hinders regional economic progress.
To address this crucial gap, VIT established the “Higher Education for All Foundation.” This foundation, alongside programs like STARS, specifically targets the upliftment of rural students in economically and educationally disadvantaged areas, including the erstwhile North Arcot districts.
Mr. Viswanathan powerfully illustrated the link between education and economic prosperity. He cited the example of Kerala, which, despite being smaller in population and area than Bihar, enjoys a per capita income of $3,800 compared to Bihar’s $810. This striking contrast, he explained, vividly demonstrates education’s immense power to drive transformative change—a principle that Tamil Nadu is determined to embody.
Further underscoring VIT’s academic excellence, Vice President Sekar Viswanathan shared insights into the institute’s robust research environment. Currently, over 4,000 students are engaged in PhD programs, supported by generous monthly stipends ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹50,000. VIT Vellore’s consistent ranking among India’s top 20 universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) since 2016 further solidifies its reputation as a leading institution committed to both academic rigor and social impact.