The Rhodes Scholarship is open to citizens of India. The age criteria for determining eligibility is that they should have completed 19 years of age but not 25 years of age as on 1st October of the year of admission. As the scholarships are awarded for postgraduate studies, candidates must have at least a first class degree in Sciences, Humanities, Law, Engineering, Agriculture or Medicine from an Indian University.

Those candidates who are in the final year of their degree course and have an exceptionally bright academic record are also eligible to apply. Candidates who apply for medical studies should consult the Secretary, as well as Medical School Offices at Oxford, before submitting their applications as those wishing to do research in clinical departments may have to face some difficulties.

Marital status is not a bar to applying for, or holding a Rhodes scholarship. However the scholarship stipend is sufficient only for the awardee and married candidates should bear in mind that the Trust will not take any responsibility towards the support of a scholar's spouse. Spouses who are not British citizens will find it difficult to obtain permission to undertake paid work in England.

The Committee of Selection in India is responsible for deciding whether the candidature of the applicants is in accordance with the stipulations of the Trust and for making nominations. The selection of candidates is made subject to ratification by the Rhodes Trustees.