The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It offers ambitious students from marginalized communities a unique chance to study at internationally reputed institutions. This scheme is aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes (SCs), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans by supporting their higher education pursuits abroad.
Join WhatsApp GroupPurpose and Vision
The core mission of the NOS scheme is to promote inclusive development by enabling students from weaker sections to access the best global educational standards. It not only provides financial assistance but also enhances the participants’ global exposure and career prospects. The scheme encourages students to bring back international expertise and contribute meaningfully to India’s development.
Academic Scope
The scholarship is awarded for full-time postgraduate (Master’s) and Doctoral (PhD) courses in key disciplines, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Pure and Applied Sciences
- Agriculture and Medicine
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Management and Finance
- Law and International Trade
Programs must be pursued at accredited foreign universities, primarily in countries like the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia.
Eligibility Guidelines
To apply for the scheme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Category: Must belong to SC, DNT, Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisans.
- Age: Should not exceed 35 years as of April 1 of the application year.
- Income: Annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh.
- Academic Performance: Minimum 60% marks in qualifying degree (Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants, Master’s for PhD applicants).
- University Admission: Admission must be secured in a foreign institution at the time of application.
Scholarship Distribution and Quotas
Each year, a total of 125 scholarships are offered:
- 115 for Scheduled Castes
- 6 for DNT categories
- 4 for Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans
Additionally, 30% of the total slots are reserved for women candidates, promoting gender inclusion.
Financial Coverage
The NOS scheme offers comprehensive financial support, including:
- Tuition fees and educational expenses
- Maintenance allowance (variable by country)
- Visa and travel expenses
- Insurance, thesis charges, and contingency grants
- Airfare (economy class return ticket)
This robust funding ensures that students can focus on their studies without financial stress.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply through the official portal:
🔗 https://nosmsje.gov.in
Applicants must:
- Register online
- Upload required documents: admission letter, marksheets, caste certificate, income proof, passport
- Monitor application status regularly
Selections are made transparently, and preference may be given to those with higher academic merit.
Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship stands as a transformative opportunity for deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds. By offering them a chance to access premier international education, the scheme not only boosts their personal growth but also fosters social equity and national progress. For aspirants dreaming of studying abroad, NOS can be a life-changing platform to turn that dream into reality.
