The Financial Assistance Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad, launched by the Government of NCT of Delhi in 2020, offers significant financial aid to meritorious SC students for pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. programs at accredited foreign universities. Administered by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, the scheme empowers up to 100 selected students each year to study in premier international institutions with financial support up to ₹20 lakhs.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Financial Assistance to SC Students for Higher Studies Abroad
• Launched By: Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of NCT of Delhi
• Launched In: 2020
• Target Group: Scheduled Caste students of Delhi
• Financial Support: Up to ₹10,00,000 for Master’s and ₹20,00,000 for Ph.D.
• Application Mode: Offline
• Selection Limit: 100 students per year
• Study Fields Covered: Engineering, Pure Sciences, Humanities, and other approved subjects
Benefits
| Course Level | Maximum Assistance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s | ₹10,00,000 | 2 years |
| Ph.D. | ₹20,00,000 | 4 years |
• ₹5,00,000 per annum disbursed in installments
• First installment released after confirmation of admission
• Subsequent installments based on academic progress reports
• Assistance covers tuition fees and living expenses
• Candidate must return to India and stay at least 5 years post-study
Eligibility Criteria
• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India
• Residency: Must be a domicile of Delhi and a bona fide resident for at least 5 years
• Category: Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC)
• Age: Must be below 30 years as of the application deadline
• Academic Qualifications:
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Master’s: Minimum 55% in Bachelor’s degree
-
Ph.D.: Minimum 55% in Master’s degree
• Income Limit: Family income must not exceed ₹8,00,000 per annum
• Must be the only child applying under this scheme from the family
• Employed applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer
• Must not have completed the same level of education in India or abroad
• Not eligible if already studying abroad at the time of application
Exclusions
• Already enrolled abroad before application notification
• Already completed Master’s or Ph.D. in India or abroad
• Not fulfilling age, income, or category criteria
• Submission of false documents or information
Application Process
Offline Process
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Download or collect the prescribed application form
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Fill in all required details in block letters (English/Hindi)
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Paste a recent passport-size photo and self-attest required documents
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Send the completed form to:
Department for Welfare of SC/ST/OBC
Vikas Bhavan, New Delhi
Post-Application Process
• Applications are screened and shortlisted
• Shortlisted candidates may be called for interview
• In case of a tie, preference is given to the older applicant
• Final selection approved by the department
• Funds released in installments via Direct Bank Transfer (DBT)
Documents Required
• Matriculation certificate (Date of Birth proof)
• Degree/Diploma mark sheets and certificates (UG/PG)
• Aadhaar card (mandatory)
• Income certificate (valid & issued by competent authority)
• SC caste certificate
• Offer/admission letter from accredited foreign university
• Course and fee details
• Self-declaration (Annexure-I)
• NOC from employer (if employed)
• Bank passbook copy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the maximum age limit for applicants to be eligible for the financial assistance?
The applicant must be below 30 years of age as on the cut-off date of the respective year. - What is the minimum qualification required for a candidate applying for a Master’s degree?
The candidate must have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in the relevant Bachelor’s degree. - What is the minimum qualification required for a candidate applying for a Ph.D. program?
The candidate must have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in the relevant Master’s degree. - What is the maximum annual family income allowed for eligibility under this scheme?
The total family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8,00,000 per annum. - What is the citizenship requirement for applicants under this scheme?
The candidate must be a citizen of India to be eligible for the financial assistance. - What are the residency requirements for applicants from Delhi?
The candidate must be a domicile of Delhi or a bonafide resident with documentary proof of residence for at least the last five years. - How many children from the same parents or guardians are eligible for this financial assistance?
Only one child from the same parents or guardians is eligible, and a self-certification is required to confirm this. - What is required from employed candidates applying for this financial assistance?
Employed candidates must submit their applications through their employer along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC). - Can a candidate apply for financial assistance for a course they have already completed?
No, candidates cannot apply for the same level of course (Master’s or Ph.D.) they have already completed, whether in India or abroad. - What happens if a candidate discontinues their studies after receiving financial assistance?
The candidate must repay the disbursed amount unless discontinuation is due to genuine circumstances, which will be reviewed by the selection committee. - Can a candidate change their university or course after receiving the financial assistance?
No, changes are not allowed unless under extraordinary circumstances and approved by the selection committee. - What is the requirement for candidates after completing their studies abroad?
Candidates must return to India, inform the government in writing, and submit their course completion certificate. - How long must a candidate stay in India after returning from studies abroad?
The candidate must remain in India for at least five years after returning. - What is the financial assistance amount provided for a Ph.D. program?
The assistance is ₹5,00,000 per annum, up to a maximum of ₹20,00,000 for the entire course duration. - What is the financial assistance amount provided for a Master’s degree?
The assistance is ₹5,00,000 per annum, up to a maximum of ₹10,00,000 for the entire course duration. - What documents are required to confirm admission before receiving financial assistance?
The candidate must submit admission confirmation, visa, passport, bank details, and other relevant documents. - Is an Aadhaar card mandatory for applying under this scheme?
Yes, the candidate must provide a self-attested copy of their Aadhaar card as part of the application. - How are ties between candidates resolved during the selection process?
In case of a tie, the older candidate (based on the date of birth in the Secondary School Certificate) is given preference. - What happens if a candidate violates the terms of the scheme?
The candidate must refund the entire amount spent on them, along with potential penalties, unless the violation is unintentional. - What is the consequence of submitting false information or documents?
The candidate will be debarred, required to repay the amount with 15% compound interest, and may face departmental action. - How is the financial assistance disbursed to the selected candidates?
The assistance is credited to the candidate’s bank account in installments, starting after admission confirmation. - What is the duration of financial assistance for a Ph.D. program?
The assistance is provided for up to four years or until course completion, whichever is earlier.