Om Yoga Excellence Scholarship
Merit-based. Open to all. Up to 50% off your course — earned through a knowledge exam and a purpose essay.
A scholarship you earn — not one you apply for and hope.
The Om Yoga Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to anyone who wants to train at Om Yoga International. There is no financial need requirement and no minimum experience level. You take a structured assessment on the 25th of each month, and your score determines your scholarship — transparently, with no discretion or negotiation.
The assessment has two parts: a written knowledge exam (70 marks) and a purpose essay (30 marks). Together they measure both your understanding of yoga and the sincerity of your intent. Staff review every essay individually before results are issued.
Five steps from application to scholarship letter.
Apply by the 10th
Fill a short application form — name, country, which course you want to join, your yoga background and a brief note on why you are applying. Applications received after the 10th are moved to the following month's test.
Receive the preparation guide
Once your application is confirmed, we email you a Scholarship Preparation Guide covering exactly what the exam tests — philosophy texts, asana principles, pranayama concepts, Ayurveda basics and anatomy. No surprises.
Sit the exam on the 25th
The online knowledge exam opens at 9 am IST on the 25th and closes at 9 pm. It takes 60 minutes. Multiple-choice and short-answer format, auto-scored immediately after submission.
Submit your essay on the 25th
On the same day, submit a 300–500 word essay answering: "What is your purpose in taking this course, and how do you intend to use what you learn?" The admissions team reads and scores every essay between the 25th and 28th.
Receive results by the 28th
Your combined score (exam + essay) is emailed by the 28th along with your scholarship letter. You have 30 days from the result date to confirm your course batch and pay the reduced deposit.
Two components — knowledge and purpose.
Online, auto-scored. Duration: 60 minutes. Multiple-choice and short-answer. Open book is not permitted — answers are timed.
| Topic | Marks |
|---|---|
| Yoga Philosophy — Patanjali Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs, key concepts | 20 |
| Asana & Alignment — posture names, foundational principles, contraindications | 15 |
| Pranayama & Meditation — techniques, benefits, correct practice | 15 |
| Ayurveda Basics — the three doshas, sattvic diet, daily routine | 10 |
| Yoga Anatomy — major muscle groups, joints and their role in asana | 10 |
| Total — Part 1 | 70 |
A Preparation Guide covering all five topics is emailed to you after your application is confirmed. Complete beginners are equally welcome — the guide levels the playing field.
Submitted on the 25th. Reviewed by the admissions team between the 25th and 28th. Results included with your exam score in the final email.
The Essay Question
"What is your purpose in taking this course — and how do you intend to use what you learn?"
300–500 words. Submitted via the online form on the 25th.
How essays are scored:
| Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Clarity of purpose — why this course, why now | 12 |
| Sincerity and personal connection to the subject | 10 |
| Practical intent — how you plan to apply the training | 8 |
| Total — Part 2 | 30 |
Essays are not graded on writing quality or language. A sincere, direct answer written in plain English scores higher than a polished but hollow one. Non-native English speakers are not disadvantaged.
Your combined score determines your scholarship.
| Combined Score (out of 100) | Scholarship | Award Name |
|---|---|---|
| 85 – 100 | 50% off | Radhika Sharan Foundation Award |
| 70 – 84 | 35% off | Excellence Scholarship |
| 55 – 69 | 20% off | Merit Award |
| 45 – 54 | 10% off | Encouragement Award |
| Below 45 | No award | Retest next month |
The same cycle runs every month, all year.
Applications open
Submit your application form. Applications received after the 10th are registered for the following month's test.
Preparation period
Your application is confirmed and the Scholarship Preparation Guide is emailed to you. Study at your own pace.
Exam & essay day
The 60-minute knowledge exam opens at 9 am IST. Your purpose essay is submitted through the same portal. Both close at 9 pm IST.
Essay review period
The admissions team reads and scores every essay. Exam scores are auto-available immediately after submission.
Results & award letter
Your combined score and scholarship letter are emailed. You have 30 days to confirm your course batch and pay the reduced deposit.
Scholarship FAQs.
Do I need prior yoga experience to apply?
No. The scholarship is open to complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. A Preparation Guide is provided after your application, so you know exactly what to study before the exam.
Can I apply for any course?
Yes. The scholarship is valid for any residential course at Om Yoga International — RYT 100, 200, 300, 500, Kundalini TTC, Prenatal, Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Meditation, Sound Healing or the Retreats.
Can I retake the test if I am not happy with my score?
Yes. You can register for the following month's test. There is no limit on attempts and no fee to sit the exam. Your best score is the one that counts.
Is the essay scored on writing quality or language?
No. Essays are scored on clarity of purpose, sincerity and practical intent — not grammar, vocabulary or writing style. Non-native English speakers are not disadvantaged.
How long is the scholarship valid after I receive it?
Your scholarship offer is valid for 30 days from the date the result is emailed. You must confirm your course batch and pay the reduced deposit within that window. If you cannot travel in 30 days, contact admissions — extensions are considered case by case.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation costs?
The scholarship reduces tuition fees only. Accommodation is separate and charged at the standard room rate you select at booking (private, twin sharing or triple sharing).
Can I apply for a scholarship if I have already enrolled in a course?
The scholarship is for new enrolments only. It cannot be applied retrospectively to a deposit or course fee already paid.
Is there a fee to sit the scholarship exam?
No. The exam and application are completely free. There is no cost at any stage before you confirm your course booking.
Apply before the 10th to sit this month's exam.
Fill the short application form and we will confirm your registration and send the Preparation Guide within 48 hours.