National Overseas Scholarship | NOS Scheme | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

National Overseas Scholarship | NOS Scheme | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme 2025–26:

Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India

• Master’s Programme
• Ph.D. Programme

Objective:

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students from marginalized communities to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. courses abroad. The scheme seeks to:

• Enhance economic and social status of disadvantaged groups.
• Provide access to global education and research opportunities.
• Create a cadre of professionals who can contribute to India’s development upon return.

Scope & Distribution of Slots:

• Total Slots: 125 annually.
  • Scheduled Castes (SC): 115
  • De-notified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes: 06
  • Landless Agricultural Labourers & Traditional Artisans: 04
• Reservation for Women: 30% of slots earmarked for female candidates.
• State Cap: Maximum 10% slots per State/UT to ensure equitable distribution.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum Qualification:
  • Master’s applicants: 60% in Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Ph.D. applicants: 60% in Master’s Degree.
• Age Limit: Not more than 35 years (as of 1st April of selection year).
• Income Ceiling:
  • Old Tax Regime: ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
  • New Tax Regime: ₹3.0 lakh per annum.
• Family Restriction: Not more than two children from the same family eligible.
• Courses Covered: Master’s & Ph.D. only (Bachelor’s level excluded).
• QS Ranking Requirement: Preference for institutions ranked in the Top 500 QS World Rankings.

Application Process:

• Portal: NOS Portal (online applications only).
• First Round: Opens Feb/March for 40 days.
• Second Round: Opens Sept/Oct for 40 days if slots remain.
• Documents Required:
  • 10th Certificate, Caste Certificate, Income Proof, ITRs, Passport.
  • Admission Letter from foreign university.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) if employed.
  • Gap Certificate (if applicable).
• Selection Basis: Merit ranking, QS World University Ranking, marks obtained in qualifying exam.

Financial Assistance:

• Duration of Award:
  • Master’s: 3 years
  • Ph.D.: 4 years

Mandatory Conditions:

• Awardees must execute a bond with sureties to return to India after completion.
• No dual scholarships allowed (Govt. of India/State/foreign governments).
• Visa Requirement: J-1 Visa mandatory for USA applicants.
• Monitoring: Indian Missions abroad disburse funds and track progress.
• Return Obligation: Awardees must return to India and stay for at least one year post-study.

Contact Details:

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001

For More Information:

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