The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme is an initiative focused on the economically depressed sections of people relating to the Scheduled Castes ( SC), Landless Agricultural Labourers, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT), and Traditional Artisans of India. Students can receive scholarships to study abroad and improve academically and personally while working towards better economic and social positions.
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The objective of the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
The NOS scheme aims to assist students wishing to pursue Master’s and PhD programs at premier institutions abroad. It enhances the chance to lead successful lives, productive employment opportunities, and broaden their social horizons.
Scholarship Award Distribution
Every year, the government gives 125 scholarships to students from various parts of India.
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 115 spots
- Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT): 6 spots
- Landless Agricultural Laborers and Traditional Artisans: 4 spots
Who Can Apply?
The candidates need to qualify for the NOS as per the student’s educational background and family background:
- Qualification bar: In any necessary previous qualification (60% for bachelor’s if applying for master’s degree; 75% for master’s if applying for PhD).
- Age Restriction: The applying candidates must be less than 35 years of age as of April 1 of the year they are applying.
- Family earnings: The family’s annual earnings must not be above Rs.8 lakhs. Incomes must come with a Tehsildar or higher officer certificate.
National Overseas Scholarship Awards
| Type of Assistance | USA & Other Countries (except UK) | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Annual Maintenance Allowance | USD 15,400 | GBP 9,900 |
| Annual Contingency Allowance | USD 1,500 | GBP 1,100 |
| Tuition Fees | Actual as charged | Actual as charged |
| Visa Fees | Actual amount in INR | Actual amount in INR |
| Medical Insurance Premium | Actual as charged | Actual as charged |
| Incidental & Equipment Allowance | USD 20 or INR equivalent | GBP 20 or INR equivalent |
| Air Passage | Economy class | Same as other countries |
Additional Advantages: The contingency allowance encompasses the cost of books, equipment, attendance at conferences and reimbursement for second-class travel from the port of arrival to the place of study.
Important Award Conditions
There are a few limitations:
- No selection more than once: The student cannot receive a second NOS award.
- Family Restrictions: Only two children can receive the scholarship from one family.
Required Documents
- 10th Board Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Photograph and Signature
- Address Proof (current and permanent)
- Qualifying Degree/Provisional Certificate and Mark Sheets
- Admission documents for foreign universities
- Family income documents
- Employer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC), if employed
- Income Tax Return document
- Aadhaar Card.
Documents Required Upon Selection
- Attestation form
- Income declaration
- Non-conviction declaration
- Passport copy
Additional Documents After Verification
- Two bonds on ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper
- Solvency certificates for guarantors
- Health certificate
- Passport and Visa copies
- Declaration of non-receipt of other scholarships
- Tentative air travel date
Notice: Candidates attend in-person identity verification and must submit all necessary documents physically and electronically (via email).
How to Apply for the NOS
Completing the application process is not a difficult task. Here is a simple outline of the procedure:
- Official Website: Visit the official website.
- Registration: Go to the Candidate Registration section and fill out the required forms. Please note that once you enter the information, you cannot change it.
- Upload Documents: As instructed, submit the required documents.
- Complete Personal Information: Complete your designation, your state, the date of your birth, and your phone number.
- Program Details: Indicate the name and level of the degree, the title of the research in the case of a PhD, and the dates of commencing and completing the program.
- Emergency Contact: Name somebody in India in case of an emergency.
Selection Process
The selection relies heavily on academic performance and the ranking of universities:
Eligibility Check: Candidates must provide an Aadhaar Number and an offer letter from the university.
Merit Ranking: University rankings, particularly those from QS, hold the most weight in determining candidate placement. Academic scores are a supplementary factor to ensure accuracy in the ranking process.
Provisional Awards: The candidate who succeeds will receive a voucher scholarship on a provisional basis within time up to one year at the prospective university.
Documentation for Confirmation: Award winners must submit the documents required by the university within six months after the date of the award.
Scholarship Terms and Conditions
To retain the funding, scholarship recipients have to follow certain guidelines.
- No Repeat Awards
- Employment NOC
- J-1 Visa
- Bond and Surety
- Commitment to Return: Return to India on completion of their respective course
How Long Does Funding Last?
- Ph.D. programs: Financial Assistance is available for 4 years.
- Master’s Programs: Students receive financial support for three to four years.
- Extensions: Extensions may be approved with the same conditions as institutional and Indian Mission approval but will cover only a return ticket.
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Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme offers a life-changing opportunity to the economically weaker section students, enabling them to access global education from the best institutes. With a systematic process of selection, continuous monitoring, and adequate financial resources, the scholarship scheme transforms targeted Indian students into capable students who contribute positively to both personal and national development.
FAQs
Who can apply for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme?
The NOS is for Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT), Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans.
How many such scholarships are there under the NOS scheme every year?
The National Overseas Scholarship scheme awards at least 125 scholarships every year and has different quotas for different states for better fairness in the distribution of the funds.
What type of expenses is available for the National Overseas Scholarship?
Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, visa fees, medical insurance, and travel expenditures depending the country of destination.
What are the conditions that I should fulfil for the maintenance of a National Overseas Scholarship?
The beneficiary must perform academically, consistently report on his/her progress and return to India after completion of the course. Otherwise, the person may incur penalties or repay the amount.
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