What this scheme offers
NOS is one of the most comprehensive scholarships the Indian government offers — not a partial waiver, but full funding for the entire programme duration: up to 3 years for a Master's, 4 years for a PhD. It covers complete tuition fees, an annual maintenance allowance of $15,400 in most countries (some country-specific rates vary), a contingency allowance of up to $1,500 (or equivalent) for books, study materials and thesis costs, plus visa fees and approved travel expenses. Of the 125 scholarships awarded each year, 115 slots are reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, 6 for Denotified/Semi-Nomadic Tribe candidates, and 4 for Landless Agricultural Labourer and Traditional Artisan candidates — with 30% of all slots earmarked for women in each selection year.
Who is eligible
- Belongs to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified/Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/SNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisan families, with a valid category certificate.
- Age below 35 (Master's) or below 40 (PhD) as of 1 April of the selection year.
- Minimum 60% marks (or equivalent grade) in the qualifying degree — Bachelor's for Master's applicants, Master's for PhD applicants.
- Family income not exceeding ₹8 lakh per year.
- Holds an unconditional admission offer from a university ranked in the top 500 globally (QS ranking, for the first round of selection).
- No prior study abroad at the same level using another scholarship or self-funding; maximum of two children per family can be selected under NOS.
Documents required
- Category certificate (SC/DNT/SNT/Landless Labourer/Artisan, as applicable)
- Income certificate
- All semester mark sheets and final degree certificate of qualifying course
- Unconditional admission letter from the foreign university
- Passport, and proof of age
How to apply
- Secure an unconditional admission offer from a university meeting the scheme's ranking requirement, in your chosen field.
- Visit nosmsje.gov.in and register as a new applicant.
- Fill in your academic, category, income and admission details, uploading all required documents.
- Submit your application within the notified window — check the portal for the current year's exact dates.
- Selection is based on merit within the reserved category quotas, assessed by the Ministry's selection committee.
- Once selected, funds (tuition, maintenance allowance, travel) are disbursed per the scheme's payment schedule, directly linked to your enrolment at the foreign institution.