There are several ways to fund higher education in India, and most students use a combination of them, so financial worry should never be the only reason to give up on a course you truly want.
The first and best source is scholarships and grants, since this is money you do not repay. Government, private, and college scholarships based on merit, need, or category can cover a large part of your costs if you search and apply seriously.
The second is education loans. Banks offer education loans for recognised courses, and they can make an expensive but valuable course possible. The key is to borrow sensibly, choosing a course whose likely income can comfortably repay the loan.
The third is part time work and internships. Many students support themselves through part time jobs, freelancing, tutoring, or paid internships, especially with the rise of flexible and online work.
Family support, fee instalment options offered by colleges, and fee concessions for deserving students are additional routes worth exploring.
Example: A student funded her degree through a mix of a partial scholarship, a small education loan, and weekend tutoring, and graduated without heavy financial strain.
One practical tip: Do not rely on a single source. Combine scholarships, sensible loans if needed, and part time earning, and always exhaust free options like scholarships before taking on debt.