Eiffel Excellence Scholar, Monash Taneja from India, Pursues a Double Master’s in Quantitative Economics at HEC Paris and École Polytechnique

My name is Monash Taneja, and I grew up in a beautiful small town called Panchkula in India. From an early age, I was passionate about economics; an interest nurtured by my grandfather, who was an economics professor. After completing my undergraduate studies at IIT Kharagpur, I worked at BlackRock for 1.5 years, where I gained firsthand exposure to global financial systems. However, I realized I wanted to go beyond markets and contribute to policies that drive broader economic development. That aspiration led me to France, where I pursued a double degree in Quantitative Economics from HEC Paris and École Polytechnique, to build the analytical and policy skills needed to make a real impact

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Details

I am really grateful to have been awarded the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship by the French government. The scholarship provides a monthly living allowance of around €1,200, along with support for administrative expenses and a round-trip airfare to my home country. It is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by France to international students

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

In addition to the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, I was also awarded the HEC Foundation Scholarship, amounting to up to €8,000, which helped reduce part of my tuition fees. This merit-based scholarship is granted directly by HEC Paris upon admission and is awarded to candidates based on academic and professional profiles.

Educational Background

I believe what truly strengthened my profile was my engineering/ analytical background from a top-tier institution and my 1.5 years of professional experience at BlackRock

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

How Did You Find Information About the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and Institutions?

The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship was communicated to me by HEC Paris after I received my admission offer. However, detailed information about the scholarship is also available on the official website of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and through Indian embassies

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I had taken the GRE and TOEFL in my final year of undergraduate studies and scored 328/340 and 118/120, respectively

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

There were several essay questions similar in nature to a cover letter, but the one that stood out most asked how I would contribute to the French economy if I were to receive the scholarship.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing French?

Yes, I believe it is a definite advantage to learn French, especially for those who wish to work in France.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it combined a rigorous quantitative background with relevant professional experience and a clear motivation to work at the intersection of economics and public policy. My engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills, while my experience at BlackRock showcased my ability to apply those skills in a global financial context. Beyond academics and work, my genuine interest in using economics as a tool for development helped present a coherent and purposeful narrative that aligned closely with the values of both HEC Paris and the Eiffel Scholarship

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would invest more time in learning French early on and in networking with current students and alumni to gain deeper insights into the program and scholarship expectations.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice would be to present a coherent and authentic narrative that connects your academic background, professional experience, and long-term goals to the values of the scholarship and the host country. Focus on clarity of purpose—why you want to study in France, how the program aligns with your ambitions, and how you intend to contribute afterward. Strengthen your application with strong academic performance, relevant work experience, and well-crafted essays that reflect both competence and commitment.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that the final decision is subjective and not a reflection of your abilities, achievements, or academic journey. Each selection committee looks for a specific mix of profiles and priorities, so focus on putting forth your best, most authentic application