National Overseas Scholarship For Scheduled Caste Etc. Candidates

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2025, offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, is designed to provide financial support to Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, along with candidates from Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. The scholarship aims to help students pursue Master’s degrees or Ph.D. courses abroad at recognized universities and institutions, promoting education, empowerment, and better global career opportunities.

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
• Target Group: Scheduled Caste, Denotified Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, Traditional Artisans
• Course Covered: Master’s Degree and Ph.D. (No Bachelor’s Degrees covered)
• Number of Slots: 125 slots annually (115 SC, 6 Denotified Tribes, 4 Landless Agricultural Labourers & Traditional Artisans)
• Application Mode: Online at https://nosmsje.gov.in
• Family Income Limit: ≤ ₹8 lakh per annum
• Women Reservation: 30% slots reserved for women candidates

Benefits

Note: Return airfare is managed through Indian Missions abroad after course completion.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisans.
• Must have an unconditional offer of admission to a Master’s or Ph.D. program abroad.
• Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying degree.
• Family annual income from all sources must be less than or equal to ₹8 lakh.
• Not more than two siblings from the same family can avail this scholarship.
• QS World Ranking of the university must be considered if multiple admission offers are received.
• Applicant must apply before traveling abroad.

Exclusions

• Bachelor’s degree courses are not covered.
• Students already studying abroad or having completed studies abroad through other scholarships or self-funding are ineligible.
• Students who already hold the same level qualification (Master’s/Ph.D.) are not eligible.
• Applications from third siblings are generally not considered unless slots remain vacant.

Application Process (Online)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Registration

   • Visit https://nosmsje.gov.in

   • Click “Register” under the Student Register Form

   • Fill in personal details like Name, Category, Mobile Number, Email, 10th Board details

2. Login & Password Setup

   • After registration, login credentials are sent via SMS

   • Create a secure password (8 characters minimum with alphanumeric and special characters)

3. Complete Application Form

   • Enter personal details, academic history, family information, employment history (if any), admission details, visa status, and future prospects

   • Upload scanned copies of necessary documents

4. Submit Application

   • Ensure all fields are filled accurately

   • Save and submit your application for review

Documents Required

During Application Stage:

• 10th Certificate
• Caste Certificate (prescribed format)
• Photo and Scanned Signature
• Proof of Current Address
• Qualifying Degree/Provisional Certificate
• Marksheet of Qualifying Examination
• Unconditional Admission Offer Letter
• Family Income Certificate (prescribed format)
• Employer’s No Objection Certificate (if employed)
• Gap Certificate (if applicable)
• Income Tax Return Acceptance Copy
• Aadhaar Card

During Final Selection (Provisional Award Stage):

• Attestation Form
• Self-declaration for Family Income and Pending Cases
• Passport Copy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is there a duration to the prescribed financial assistance?
  Yes, the prescribed financial assistance will be provided up to the completion of the course / research or the following period, whichever is earlier:
  PhD – 04 years (Four years)
  Master’s Degree – 03 years (Three years)
• What all shall be covered under Contingency Allowance?
  The Contingency allowance shall be for books/essential apparatus/ study tour/ travel cost for attending subject related conference, workshops etc./ typing and binding of thesis etc. and the fees charged by the University/ Institutions which are directly related to the studies of the Scholarship Awardees such as Student Service Fees, Student Amenity Fees, Student Service and Amenity Fees, Registration Fees, Examination Fees, Enrolment Fees, Library Fees etc.
• Are there any terms to availing the Maintenance Allowance?
  The payment of Maintenance Allowance is linked with furnishing of progress report. For first semester/six months, the maintenance allowance may be paid to the scholarship awardee in the first instance as an advance. Thereafter, the maintenance allowance for the next semester/six months may be paid only after receipt of the satisfactory progress report of the awardee for first six months/semester.
• Are the awardees are permitted to supplement their prescribed allowances by undertaking Research / Teaching Assistantship?
  Yes, the awardees are permitted to do so.
• How many scholarship slots are there in this scheme?
  In each selection year, 125 fresh awards, subject to availability of funds, will be given under this scheme.
• Is there a category-wise distribution of slots for various groups eligible for the scholarship?
  Yes, there are 115 slots for Scheduled Castes, 6 slots for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, 4 slots for Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans.
• Is there any earmarking for women candidates?
  Yes, there is 30% of the awards for each year shall be earmarked for women candidates. However, in case, adequate women candidates are not available as per the stipulations of the scheme, then the unutilized slots will be utilized by selecting suitable male candidates.
• Are Bachelors Level courses also covered under this scheme?
  No, Bachelors Level courses, in any discipline, are not covered under this scheme.
• I have completed my studies abroad on a scholarship from state govt. Am I eligible to apply for this scheme?
  No, candidates already staying or studying or having completed studies abroad by utilizing any other scholarship from State Government, other agency, or through own funds are not eligible to apply under this scheme.
• Which candidates will be selected for grant of scholarship during the first round of selection?
  In the first round of selection, candidates having unconditional offer of admission to top 500 ranked foreign Institutes / Universities as per the latest available QS rankings only will be selected.
• How many children of the same parents/guardians will be eligible for scholarship?
  Not more than two children of the same parents/guardians will be eligible for scholarship.
  A. The second child of the same parents/guardians will be considered only if slots are still available in the last cycle of the year in which the applicant has applied.
• I hold a Master’s Degree from an Institute in India. Am I eligible to apply for this scheme if I have an unconditional offer letter for a Master Degree from an institute located outside India?
  The candidate is not eligible for scholarship to pursue the same level (Masters/Ph.D.) of course for which he/she has already acquired the qualification from any University/Institution either in India or abroad.
• Is there any chance that the application portal would reopen for submission of applications, even after all the slots are filled?
  No, once all slots are filled, the portal will not be reopened during the year for submission of applications.
• Is there a timeframe to addressing the grievances related to the results?
  Yes. The grievances in connection with results will be entertained for upto 30 calendar days from the publication of the Result in the portal.
• What if the slots remain unfilled? Will the portal be reopened?
  In case the slots remain unfilled, the portal will be opened again for the second cycle for a period of 45 days in each selection year, i.e. from 1st September to 15th October.
• By when will the portal open for the First Round?
  The selection year period would be April-March of each year. The portal shall be opened for calling of applications for the first round from mid of February for a period of 45 days (before the beginning of selection year), i.e. till 31st March.
• How would I know the status of my application?
  A list of selected / not-selected candidates will be uploaded on the portal. Individual email / messages will also be sent to all registered applicants.

Sources and References