CAN Foundation announces 7th Edition of Project Eklavya to support underprivileged NLU students

The Confederation of Alumni for National Law Universities (CAN) Foundation has announced the 7th Edition of Project Eklavya to support undergraduate students in National Law Universities (NLUs).

Project Eklavya aims to facilitate access to higher education for deserving but underprivileged law students pursuing an undergraduate course through the provision of an annual scholarship.

In the 2024-25 academic session, the Foundation awarded scholarships amounting to approximately ₹46 lakh to 48 scholars from 18 NLUs across the country. From 2019 to 2025, the Foundation has disbursed approximately ₹3 crore in scholarships, with the initiative reaching students across 21 NLUs over seven years.

The selection process follows a two-tier system. In the first stage, legal professionals with at least 10 years of experience at the Bar scrutinise applications and shortlist candidates who meet the eligibility requirements. A selection committee then evaluates the shortlisted candidates based on their financial needs and academic merit before making the final selection.

The committee for the 2024 edition was headed by former Supreme Court Justice Indu Malhotra. The committee for the 2026 edition will also be headed by a former Supreme Court judge, said the Foundation.

CAN Foundation Chairman Sriram Parakkat said in a release,

“Each year of Project Eklavya reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of legal education. Reaching approximately Rs. 3 crores in cumulative disbursals across 21 NLUs in 7 years is a milestone we deeply cherish, made possible solely by the faith and generosity of our kind donors from the legal fraternity - comprising current and former Judges, esteemed members of the Bar and law firm partners and associates who contributed to this cause. Their support has enabled us to break down financial barriers and provide deserving students with the opportunity to pursue their legal aspirations without constraint. Our mission remains unwavering to ensure that talent and ambition find their due recognition and that every student receives the encouragement they need to excel in their chosen path. As we move forward we are more determined than ever to expand our reach and continue nurturing talent that will shape the future of the legal profession across the nation.”

Students applying for Project Eklavya 2026-27 must:

1. Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme at any NLU;

2. Be currently in second year or above;

3. Have secured at least 70% aggregate/average marks in the last three semesters, or the last two semesters for second-year students;

4. Have at least 75% attendance in the last three semesters, or the last two semesters for second-year students; and

5. Have an annual cumulative family Income (inclusive of father, mother, unmarried brother or sister) that does not exceed ₹8 lakh per year, including the current financial year.

The application form with the instructions can be accessed at the official website of the CAN Foundation at https://www.canfoundation.in/project-eklavya.

The deadline for sending the duly filled applications is September 11, 2026.