National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
It’s about the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme, an initiative from the Indian government’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It provides financial aid so talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds can study at top institutions– but not just anywhere. The NOS is for those who want to study outside India too!
Those supported include members of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans: Anyone from one of these groups hoping to undertake postgraduate research or postdoctoral work abroad.
The scheme aims to give these students wider global exposure as part of enhancing educational empowerment– essentially ensuring development benefits all regions regardless of their current economic standing so individuals may take courses at precisely those universities worldwide which have been rated highly by everyone else.
It also encourages them upon completion of their studies overseas to return to India so that thereby its society will feel enhanced owing to what those individuals do post-return.
Objectives of the Scheme
- To offer money to top-performing students from underprivileged communities so they can study abroad.
- It also promotes fairness by giving youngsters from all backgrounds the same opportunity to get a global education– whilst removing financial barriers.
- To improve research as well as new ideas and technical know-how, by helping students gain access to overseas study programs.
- To help create an international workforce that can contribute to India’s economic growth and social development.
Key Features
- National Overseas Scholarship is a shining example of government investment– it’s funded entirely by India’s central government.
- Every year there are 125 brand new scholarships up for grabs! Of these about 115 go to SC candidates six to DNTs and four to landless agricultural laborers as well as traditional artisans.
- Ensuring gender equality is super important, which is why 30% of all places are reserved for women.
- And here’s the really good bit: if you get an award, it will cover ALL your study costs in full- tuition fees, living expenses (including travel back home), plus insurance too! D. or postdoctoral programs… but sorry no undergrad diplomas; online courses of any kind don’t count either.
- Undergraduate, diploma, or part-time/online courses are not covered under this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
| Beneficiary Category | Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Landless Agricultural Labourers, Traditional Artisans |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years as of 1st April of the selection year |
| Family Income Limit | Total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8,00,000 per annum |
| Educational Qualification | – For Master’s: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent in Bachelor’s degree- For Ph.D.: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent in Master’s degree |
| Course Type | Full-time Master’s, Ph.D., or Post-Doctoral programs only |
| Admission Requirement | Applicant must have an unconditional offer of admission from a recognized foreign university/institution |
| Children per Family | Only two children from the same parents/guardians are eligible under the scheme |
| Prior Overseas Study | Candidates who have already studied abroad under any government-funded scholarship are not eligible |
| Nationality | Applicant must be an Indian citizen |
| Reservation for Women | 30% of total awards are reserved for female candidates |
Courses and Areas of Study
National Overseas Scholarship scheme supports study in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Management and Business Administration
- Agriculture and Rural Development
- Pure Sciences and Applied Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Law and International Relations
Priority is often given to programs that have direct relevance to India’s socio-economic development.
Application Process
Students must apply online through the official National Overseas Scholarship portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Registration
- Filling the Application Form
- Upload Documents
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Passport and Aadhaar copy
- Academic mark sheets and certificates
- Offer letter from the foreign university
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Submission
- Verification and Selection
- Award and Notification
Selection Procedure
- The choice is grounded in merit alone and takes into account not only educational achievements but also the standing of overseas institutions— with occasional consideration given to those attending globally renowned universities.
- Indeed preference could lean towards candidates entering top-ranking institutions worldwide.
- Selection may involve several rounds— depending on how many places are available— while the final list is posted on the NOS website as an official announcement.
- As a further step, successful applicants must formally confirm their acceptance alongside any necessary paperwork before making arrangements to travel overseas.
Conditions & Guidelines
- The scholarship cannot be held concurrently with any other government or private scholarship.
- Any change in course or university after selection must be pre-approved by the Ministry.
- Scholars are required to submit regular progress reports during their study.
- Failure to join or complete the course without valid reasons may lead to cancellation of the scholarship.
- Upon completion of the course, scholars must return to India and contribute their skills in the national interest.
Tips for Applicants
- The choice is grounded in merit alone and takes into account not only educational achievements but also the standing of overseas institutions— with occasional consideration given to those attending globally renowned universities.
- Indeed preference could lean towards candidates entering top-ranking institutions worldwide.
- Selection may involve several rounds— depending on how many places are available— while the final list is posted on the NOS website as an official announcement.
- As a further step, successful applicants must formally confirm their acceptance alongside any necessary paperwork before making arrangements to travel overseas.
Importance of the Scheme
The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is doing something pretty important— it’s helping to close the gap between kids in rich and poor communities when it comes to studying abroad.
Plus, it’s building a massive network of professionals who got their education all over the world– from lots of different backgrounds.
Giving smart individuals the chance to study overseas means they could become global leaders, researchers, or innovators– which also helps promote inclusivity, better representation (and more) back home in India by lifting people out of poverty.
When these students head off to another country for school they soak up so much! New ways of looking at things state-of-the-art research techniques plus ideas from around the globe.
All this knowledge goes back with them; into their work once they’re back in India.
Conclusion
Obtain a transforming offer from the national overseas scholarship scheme if you can’t think of anything else but continuing studies in another country– except maybe not having enough cash and coming from certain backgrounds.
This plan, with government money covering fees, accommodation, and all sorts of other expenses plus extra things too, means learners from backward communities can show how good they really are on an international stage.
If studying abroad has ever been part of your life plan– and if there’s even a chance you might come from one of the eligible groups– then suddenly there are no more hurdles except applying early and obviously doing your best.
You could take advantage of this amazing opportunity: going abroad for the education that will let you come back and serve the nation with pride (and presumably some tales of travels too!).
Brainerrsoverseas – Study Abroad Consultants In Delhi
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
What is the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme?
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme is a flagship program by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, that supports students from marginalized communities to pursue higher education abroad.
It provides full financial assistance for Master’s, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral programs in top foreign universities.
Who can apply for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme?
Students belonging to the following categories are eligible to apply:
- Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)
- Landless Agricultural Labourers
- Traditional Artisans
Applicants must also meet specific age, income, and academic eligibility criteria.
What is the age limit for applying?
Applicants must be 35 years or younger as of 1st April of the selection year.This applies to all categories and levels of study.
What is the family income limit to be eligible?
The total annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8,00,000.
Income certificates must be issued by a competent government authority.
What educational qualifications are required?
- For Master’s programs: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent in Bachelor’s degree.
- For Ph.D. programs: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent in Master’s degree.
Only full-time courses are supported. Online, part-time, or correspondence courses are not eligible.
Which expenses are covered under the scholarship?
The National Overseas Scholarship covers a wide range of expenses, including:
- Full tuition fees (paid directly to the university)
- Annual maintenance allowance for living expenses
- Contingency grant for books and research materials
- Economy airfare (to and from the destination country)
- Visa and insurance costs
- Incidental and equipment allowances
This comprehensive coverage ensures that students can focus solely on their studies.
How can one apply for the National Overseas Scholarship?
The application process is conducted entirely online through the official NOS portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Steps to apply:
- Visit the official NOS portal and register.
- Fill out the online form with personal and academic details.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the form before the specified deadline.
- Wait for verification and selection results.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must upload:
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Proof of age (10th certificate or birth certificate)
- Academic mark sheets and degree certificates
- Offer letter from the foreign university
- Passport and Aadhaar copy
- Passport-sized photograph
How are candidates selected?
Selection is based on academic merit, university ranking, and course relevance.
Candidates admitted to top-ranked international universities are prioritized.
A merit list is prepared, and successful candidates receive a Provisional Award Letter.
What happens after I am selected?
After selection:
- The Ministry issues a Provisional Award Letter.
- Candidates must verify documents and finalize admission.
- Funds are released once the candidate joins the course abroad.
- Scholars are required to submit periodic progress reports during their studies.
Are there special provisions for women applicants?
Yes. 30% of the total scholarships are reserved exclusively for women candidates to promote gender equality in higher education abroad.
Why do applications get rejected?
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Incomplete or incorrect application details
- Missing or invalid documents
- Exceeding age or income limit
- Absence of a valid admission offer
- False or misleading information
How can I stay updated about notifications or deadlines?
All updates, including opening dates, deadlines, and results, are published on the official NOS portal and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment website.
Students should check these portals regularly during the application period.
Can I hold another scholarship along with NOS?
No. Dual scholarships are not allowed. If a candidate is found receiving another scholarship for the same course, the NOS award will be cancelled immediately.
What should I do after completing my studies abroad?
After finishing your program, you must:
- Submit proof of course completion and degree.
- Return to India within the specified time frame.
- Work in India or contribute to research, academia, or social development as per the scheme’s objective.
Whom can I contact for queries or support?
For any technical issues or administrative questions, candidates can contact the Helpdesk on the official NOS portal or reach out to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment directly through their contact page.