National Overseas Scholarship Scheme

The Union Ministry of Social Justice is seeking additional allocations to better manage and expand the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme. This could indicate increased demand or recognition of the need for more scholarships for marginalized communities, given the growing importance of international education in today’s globalized world.

About NOS

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme (NOS) is an important initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to provide financial assistance to students from marginalized communities to pursue higher education abroad. It aims to open global educational opportunities for low-income students from specific disadvantaged backgrounds, including:

• Scheduled Castes (SC)

• Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes

• Landless Agricultural Labourers

• Traditional Artisans

Key Features of the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme

1. Objective:

   • The scheme is designed to help marginalized students obtain a Master's degree or Ph.D. from foreign institutions by covering part of the cost of their education and living expenses.

2. Administration:

   • The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is responsible for administering the scheme.

3. Scholarship Allocation:

   • 125 fresh scholarships are awarded every year, subject to availability of funds.

     • 115 scholarships are allocated for SC candidates.

     • 6 scholarships are allocated for Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.

     • 4 scholarships are allocated for Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans.

   • 30% of the scholarships are reserved for female candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Age: The applicant should be less than 35 years of age on 1st April of the selection year.

• Admission: The candidate must have secured admission or received an unconditional offer of admission for a Master's degree or Ph.D. at an accredited foreign university.

• Educational Qualifications:

  • For Master's degree: A Bachelor's degree with at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade.

  • For Ph.D.: A Master’s degree with at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade.

• Income: The total family income (from all sources) should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.

Exclusions from the Scheme

Certain candidates are not eligible under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme:

• Bachelors-level courses are not covered by this scheme.

• Siblings: No more than two children from the same parents/guardians can avail of this scholarship. The second child can be considered only if there are remaining slots in the final cycle of the year.

• Previous Overseas Education: Candidates who have already been abroad for studies using other scholarships, or their own funds, are not eligible.

• Previous Qualifications: Candidates cannot apply for the same level of education (Master's/Ph.D.) that they have already completed, either in India or abroad.

Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme plays a crucial role in making higher education abroad accessible to students from marginalized communities in India. By offering financial support, it reduces the barriers posed by cost and allows talented students to study at global institutions, which can positively impact their careers and contribute to socio-economic mobility.