French Ambassador Thierry Mathou Honours LFID Graduates; First Indian Student Wins Prestigious France Excellence Major Scholarship
IBG NEWS | New Delhi | July 1, 2026
The Lycée Français International de Delhi (LFID) celebrated a landmark moment during its annual graduation ceremony as French Ambassador to India, H.E. Thierry Mathou, presented graduation certificates to the Class of 2026 and felicitated Antara Agarwal, the first Indian student to receive the prestigious France Excellence Major (FEM) Scholarship.
The ceremony marked a historic achievement for the French international school, with Antara becoming the first Indian recipient of one of France’s most competitive scholarships for outstanding international students from the global French education network.
Historic Milestone for Indian Students
The France Excellence Major Scholarship, awarded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and administered by AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) and Campus France, is reserved for exceptional non-French students graduating from more than 612 French schools across 138 countries.
Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, higher education plans, and admission to a university in France. The scholarship provides financial assistance and academic support throughout five years of higher education.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, LFID Principal Valérie Beaubeau said the award reflects Antara’s outstanding academic record and dedication, adding that the school is proud to see an Indian student receive the honour for the first time.
100% Success in French Baccalauréat
The graduating Class of 2026 continued LFID’s tradition of academic excellence by achieving a 100% pass rate in the prestigious French Baccalauréat examination.
Congratulating the graduating students, Ambassador Thierry Mathou praised their dedication and discipline.
“Education remains one of the strongest bridges between France and India. France aims to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030, and today’s graduates represent the next generation of global leaders who will contribute to strengthening this partnership,” he said.
The Ambassador encouraged students to continue pursuing excellence with curiosity, resilience and an international outlook as they prepare for higher education.
Antara Agarwal: A Proud First
Expressing her gratitude, Antara Agarwal described the scholarship as the result of years of hard work, guidance from teachers, unwavering support from her parents and encouragement from her classmates.
She said she hoped her achievement would inspire more Indian students to consider France as a destination for higher education, noting the country’s world-renowned universities and academic opportunities.
Parents Appreciate LFID’s Global Education
Antara’s father, Arpit Agarwal, thanked the school’s management and faculty for their continuous support throughout his daughter’s academic journey.
He described LFID as an institution that offers a truly international education, helping students develop critical thinking, creativity and global perspectives while opening doors to leading universities around the world.
A Global Centre for International Education
Established in 1960, the Lycée Français International de Delhi has emerged as one of India’s leading international schools.
Located in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, LFID is part of the AEFE global network, which includes over 612 schools in more than 138 countries.
The school offers a predominantly French curriculum while providing strong multilingual education in English, Hindi and additional foreign languages. Students benefit from an internationally recognised curriculum, small class sizes, career guidance and opportunities for global academic exchanges.
With students representing over 35 nationalities, LFID continues to promote academic excellence, cultural diversity and global citizenship.
Strengthening India-France Educational Ties
The graduation ceremony highlighted the growing educational partnership between India and France. Antara Agarwal’s historic scholarship not only recognises her exceptional academic achievement but also reflects the expanding opportunities available to Indian students seeking world-class education in France.
The event reaffirmed LFID’s commitment to nurturing globally competent students capable of succeeding at leading universities and contributing to international collaboration in the years ahead.
