Launched on 1st January 2007, the Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme is an initiative of the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh. This scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students belonging to the Backward Classes for pursuing postgraduate, Ph.D., and post-doctoral research programs abroad. The goal is to support students in achieving international-level academic exposure in specialized fields and foster leadership and innovation.
Key Highlights
• State: Madhya Pradesh
• Department: Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department
• Purpose: Financial support for foreign studies (PG, Ph.D., Post-Ph.D.)
• Target Group: Backward Class students of MP
• Application Mode: Offline
• Scholarship Type: Tuition, travel, and research-related financial aid
• Launched: 1st January 2007
• Age Limit: Below 35 years (as of 1st January of application year)
Benefits
• Full or partial financial support for postgraduate and research programs abroad
• Coverage includes:
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Tuition fees
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Travel and visa expenses
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Living allowance
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Research expenses (for Ph.D. and post-Ph.D. scholars)
• Opportunity to pursue advanced studies in globally reputed institutions
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh
• Must belong to the Backward Class (BC) category
• Must have secured at least 60% marks (First Class) or equivalent grade in the last qualifying examination
• Must have obtained admission to a foreign university/institute for:
- Postgraduate studies
- Research degree (Ph.D.)
- Post-doctoral research (with minimum 2 years’ experience after Ph.D.)
• Age must be below 35 years as of 1st January of the year of application
• In special cases, a 10-year relaxation in age may be granted by the selection committee
• Family income must be within the non-creamy layer limit (as prescribed by the State Government)
• Must hold a valid passport at the time of application
Exclusions
• Applicants not belonging to Backward Classes
• Students with second-class marks or below 60%
• Applicants above 35 years of age (without special relaxation)
• Students without a valid passport or proof of foreign admission
• Applicants from families that fall under the creamy layer income group
Application Process (Offline)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Collect the Application Form
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Visit the Collector Office or the Assistant Director, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department (District Office)
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Request the prescribed format of the application form
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Fill the Form
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Complete all mandatory fields accurately
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Affix a passport-size photo (signed across if needed)
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Attach Required Documents
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Self-attest and include all relevant documents (listed below)
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Submit the Form
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Submit the filled application along with documents to the District Welfare Office
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Ensure submission within the prescribed period
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Get Acknowledgment
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Request a receipt or submission slip with the application number and date
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Documents Required
• Marksheet of the last qualifying examination
• Admission letter from a foreign university
• Research Degree Certificate (for Ph.D. applicants)
• Experience Certificate (for post-Ph.D. research)
• Birth Certificate (for age verification)
• Income Certificate (non-creamy layer proof)
• Caste Certificate
• Valid Passport
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photographs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme?
It is a financial assistance program provided by the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, to support backward class students in pursuing higher education abroad, including postgraduate, Ph.D., and research degrees. - Who is eligible for this scheme?
Students belonging to the backward classes who have secured a first class or 60% marks (or equivalent) in their previous examination and are applying for higher education abroad. - What are the educational requirements for eligibility?
The applicant should have first-class or 60% marks (or equivalent) in the previous examination and must be applying for postgraduate courses, Ph.D., or research programs abroad. - Is work experience required for the research program?
Yes, applicants for research programs (post-Ph.D.) must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the field. - What is the age limit for applicants?
The applicant should be under 35 years of age on 1st January of the year of application. In special cases, a relaxation of up to 10 years can be granted. - What is the income limit for eligibility?
The annual income of the applicant’s family should not exceed the income limit prescribed for the creamy layer. - Can a student apply for this scheme without a valid passport?
No, applicants must have a valid passport or proof of application for a passport to be eligible for this scheme. - How can I apply for the scholarship?
You can apply online through the official Madhya Pradesh government portal or contact the Backward Class - What benefits does the scheme offer?
The scheme provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad.
