Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Financial aid for Master's or PhD abroad, including tuition, travel and living costs |
| Who can apply | Low-income students from SC, DNT and semi-nomadic tribes, landless labourers and traditional artisans |
| How it is paid | Financial assistance released for approved foreign study |
| Apply at | nosmsje.gov.in |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- About 125 fresh scholarships are given each year, subject to funds.
- You need at least 60 percent marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying exam.
- 30 percent of the awards are reserved for women candidates.
- The application window is usually short, so check the portal early.
So what does a selected student get?
Selected students get financial assistance to pursue a Master's or PhD at an accredited foreign institution.
The scholarship covers a major part of the cost of study abroad, including tuition, travel and living expenses, as per the scheme guidelines.
Each year, about 125 fresh awards are given, subject to availability of funds.
Amounts and components can change, so please confirm the current figures on the official site.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The scholarship is for students from low-income families belonging to Scheduled Castes, Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers, and traditional artisans.
You need at least 60 percent marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying exam.
For a PhD, the qualifying exam is a Master's degree. For a Master's, it is a Bachelor's degree.
If you did a Bachelor of Engineering after a diploma with lateral entry, the marks in the Bachelor's degree count.
Check the scheme guidelines on the portal for income limits, age and other conditions before you apply.
Why was this scheme started, and what has changed?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs the scheme to help students from marginalised communities improve their social and economic status through advanced education.
Registration for the 2023 round opened in February 2023, with a deadline at the end of March. Each year's round has its own dates, so check the current notification.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your marksheets and certificates of the qualifying examination ready.
Keep your caste certificate, income certificate and Aadhaar card.
You will also need your admission or offer letter from the foreign university, and your passport details.
Scan all documents in the format the portal asks for before you start.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Go to nosmsje.gov.in and read the scheme guidelines for the current year carefully.
Register on the portal, fill in the application form accurately, and upload the required documents.
Check every detail before you submit, because no changes are allowed after submission.
Save the application number and a copy of the form for your records.
- 1Read the scheme guidelinesGo to nosmsje.gov.in and read the guidelines for the current year carefully.
- 2Register and fill the formRegister on the portal, fill in the application form accurately, and upload the required documents.
- 3Check details and submitCheck every detail before you submit, because no changes are allowed after submission.
- 4Save your application numberSave the application number and a copy of the form for your records.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How can you check your status, and what if something is stuck?
Log in to the portal with your application details to check the status of your application.
If your application seems stuck, check the portal notices first, since most issues are shared there.
For queries, use the contact details given on the official portal.
What important tips should you keep in mind?
Apply early, because the window is usually short and the portal can slow down near the deadline.
Never pay any agent or person who promises a scholarship. The official process is free to apply.
Make sure the university you choose is an accredited foreign institution, as the scheme requires.
Frequently asked questions
Can women apply for this scholarship?
Yes. Around 30 percent of the awards are reserved for women candidates.
Is there a last date to apply?
Yes. Each year's round has a deadline, and in 2023 it was March 31. Check nosmsje.gov.in for the current date.
Does it cover only one country?
No. You can study at any accredited foreign institution in any field, subject to the scheme rules.
Is there any fee to apply?
No. Apply only through the official portal, nosmsje.gov.in, and never pay an agent.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
