National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2024-25: National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is an important initiative of the Government of India under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to support students of SC, ST, OBC, and other marginalized groups in pursuing regular and full-time higher education abroad. In this article, you will know the types, eligibility, objectives, scope, benefits, and amount under overseas scholarships.
This National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme is to bridge the gap in educational opportunities and foster inclusive growth by assisting meritorious students from the Schedule Caste (SC), Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT), and Semi Nomadic Tribes (SNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers (LAL), and Traditional Artisans (TA) to start higher education abroad for Master degree or Ph.D or Postdoctoral studies in international Institutions or Universities accredited by the Government or authorized body of that country in any discipline/field of education.
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National Overseas Scholarship 2024-2025: Highlights
The National Overseas Scholarship covers tuition fees, annual and contingency maintenance, health insurance premiums, equipment allowance, visa fees, etc. The NOS highlights are given below and also cover benefits, eligibility criteria, age, type of institutions, family income, etc.
NOS Scholarship Highlights
NOS Scholarship Highlights | Details |
Name of Scholarship | National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2024-2025 |
Academic Session/Year | 2024-2025 |
Objective of NOS Scholarship | To assist low income students of SC, DNT, SNT, LAL, TA |
Provider of NOS Scholarship | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India |
NOS Scholarship for | Master, Ph.D and Post-doctoral degree abroad |
Minimum Qualification | 60% in Qualifying Examination (Graduation for Master & Master for Ph.D) |
No. of NOS Scholarship | 125 Fresh awards in each year: SC-115, DNT & SNT-06, LAL & TA-04 |
NOS for Women Candidates | 30% NOS for Women of SC, DNT, SNT, LAL, TA |
Type of Institutes/Universities | Admission in Top 500 Ranked Foreign Institutes/ Universities |
Minimum Age | Not more than 35 Years on 1st April of Selection Year |
Family Income Ceiling | Not more than 8 Lakh in Preceding Financial Year |
Maximum No. Children per Family | Not more than 2 Children of Same Parents/Guardians |
No. of Time Eligibility | NOS Scholarship can be given only once to a Candidate |
Amount of NOS Scholarship | For USA & Others: 1. Annual Maintenance -US $15400 + 2. Contingency Allowance – US $ 1500 For UK: Annual Maintenance -UK £ 9900 + Contingency Allowance – UK £ 1100 3. Actual Tuition Fees, 4. Actual Visa Fees in INR, 5. Actual Medical Insurance Premium, 6. Incident J Allowance, 7. Equipment, 8. Air Passage |
Duration of Scholarship | 1. Ph.D – 04 years 2. Master Degree – 03 years |
NOS Scholarship Portal Link | www.nosmsje.gov.in |
National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25: Objective
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is the Government of India Scheme constituted to help low-income students from Scheduled Castes , Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes , Landless Agricultural Labourers , and Traditional Artisans. The main objective of the scheme is to pursue higher education abroad, such as Master’s degrees or Ph.D. programs. Thus, benefits of studying abroad with the help of NOS Scholarship is to empower students from the socially and economically marginalized communities of Indian Socities in various ways:
- This scholarship program seeks to enhance their economic and social status through international academic opportunities.
- Providing opportunities to pursue higher quality education in prestigious international universities of the world.
- Uplifting their academic and professional competencies through learning exposure to advanced education systems of the world institutions.
- Enhancing socio-economic development by increasing the number of qualified academicians and professionals from these marginalized communities.
- Last but not least, to reduce the educational disparities and lessening the gap between marginalized and mainstream communities of Indian society.
National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25: Scope
National Overseas Scholarship program is applicable to different levels of educational courses, including:
(i) Master’s Degree Programs
(ii) Ph.D Programs
(iii) Post-Doctoral Research Programs (For STs)
The NOS Scholarship is given to students for a wide range of disciplines/fields like Humanities, Social Science, Engineering, Technology, Medicine, Pure Science, Applied Science, Management, etc.
The National Overseas Scholarship scheme in each selection year is awarded to fresh 125 students of different categories subject to funds availability. However, each state will be given a cap of 10% of total slots/numbers while allotting the scholarship. In addition to it there will be 30% of the awards shall be reserved for women candidates each year. The category-wise distribution of slots/scholarship to various groups of students are given below in the table:
S. No. | Category of Students | No. of NOS Scholarship |
Total Slots/ Number of Scholarship | 125 | |
a. | Scheduled Caste (SC) Students | 115 |
b. | Denotified Nomadic & Semi Nomadic Tribes (DNT/SNT) | 06 |
c. | Landless Agricultural Labourers & Traditional Artisans | 04 |
Each state will be allotted a total number of slots/scholarship | 10% | |
Total awards to women candidates each year | 30% |
Benefits of National Overseas Scholarship 2024: Assistance
There are different types of financial assistance/benefits of National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) awarded to selected students for academic courses in different countries of the world, such as:
Benefits/Financial Assistance of NOS Scholarship
S. No. | Financial Assistance Types | For USA & Other Countries Except UK | For United Kingdom (UK) |
1. | Annual Maintenance Allowance | 15400 US Dollars | 9900 Great Britain Pounds |
2. | Annual Contingency Allowance | 1500 US Dollars | 1100 Great Britain Pounds |
3. | Institution Tuition Fees | Actual as charged | Actual as charged |
4. | Visa Fees | Actual visa fees in Indian Rupees | Actual visa fees in Indian Rupees |
5. | Medical Insurance Premium | Actual as charged | Actual as charged |
6. | Incidental Journey Allowance + Equipment Allowance | 20 US Dollars for each or its equivalent in Indian Rupees | 20 US Dollars for each or its equivalent in Indian Rupees |
7. | Air Passage | Purchase air tickets* | Purchase air tickets* |
Note*: Cost of economy class purchasing air tickets (from the nearest Airport/shortest route to Hometown in India to the nearest place to the educational institution and back to India) on the date of booking from the three authorized travel agents –
(i) Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL),
(ii) Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT),
(iii) Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC).
The students/awardees of National Overseas Scholarship will claim reimbursement of airfare from their respective Indian Mission abroad after joining the Institution/University and providing a joining report from the same. However, the return tickets for the travel of students to Hometown in India will be booked by the Indian Mission abroad as per Clause 11 (iii) of the NOS scholarship scheme guidelines.
Duration of NOS Scholarship with Financial Assistance
The financial assistance prescribed for National Overseas Scholarship will be provided upto sanctioned duration of the course/research or the period given below, whichever is earlier:
(i) For Ph.D – 04 years (Four years)
(ii) For Master’s Degree – 03 years (Three years)
Eligibility Criteria for National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25
There are some specific eligibility criteria that applicants must fulfil before applying for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for higher studies abroad. The purpose of eligibility criteria is to ensure that the NOS scholarship is awarded to the most deserving candidates of the marginalized communities for higher education from world quality institutions. The eligibility criteria for National Overseas Scholarship are:
National Overseas Scholarship Eligibility Criteria | |
Citizenship | Candidates must be a citizen of India |
Age | He/She must not be more than 35 years of age as on first day of April for selection year |
Categories | Applicants must be from SC, Denotified Nomadic, Semi Nomadic Tribe, Landless Agricultural Labourer, or a Traditional Artisan. |
Academic Qualification* | 1. For Ph.D course atleast 60%* marks or equivalent grade in Master’s Degree Exam 2. For Master degree course atleast 60%* marks or equivalent grade in Bachelor’s Degree Exam |
Family Income | Total family income of candidate from all sources shall not exceed Rs.8.00 lakh per annum in the preceding financial year |
Income Certificate | Income Certificate should be issued by a Revenue Officer not below the rank of “Tehsildar”. |
ITR of Self & Family | Applicant will submit the complete ITR/ITRs of family along with the CPC intimation order under Section 143(1) issued by the IT Department in respect of self and other family members. |
How many times NOS? | An applicant cannot be considered for the award of NOS Scholarship for a second time as the award can be given only once. |
No. of children from same parents/ guardians | Not more than two children of the same parents/guardians will be eligible. |
Offer of admission | The candidate must have been admitted to or received an unconditional offer of admission for pursuing a master’s / Ph.D. from an institute/university located abroad. |
Type of institute/ University | It must be accredited by the Government/authorized body of that country. |
Academic Qualification*: Students who have completed their B. Tech degree after doing a Diploma (after taking Lateral Entry to 2nd year of B. Tech), in this case % of marks obtained in the B.Tech/ Bachelor of Engineering will be considered while deciding merit.
CGPA/ % of Marks* Calculation: For any Indian university, the percentage will be calculated based on the marks obtained by the applicant in various semesters/terms. Mark sheets of exams for all semesters must be provided. If the university only provides a CGPA and not numerical marks, a conversion formula authenticated by the university must be submitted. Applications lacking all semester mark sheets or the CGPA conversion formula (if applicable) will be rejected. No representations regarding CGPA conversion will be entertained.
Also Read: List of National Scholarship Scheme 2024
National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25: Exclusions from NOS
There are some elements excluded from this National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25, such as:
- Bachelor’s level courses for study abroad in any discipline are not covered under the NOS scholarship scheme.
- Candidates already residing, studying, or having completed studies abroad using another scholarship from the state government, any other agency, or their own funds are not eligible to apply.
- No more than two children from the same parents/guardians are eligible for scholarships. The second child will be considered only if slots are available in the last cycle of the application year.
- Candidates are not eligible for a scholarship to pursue the same level (Master’s/Ph.D.) of course for which they have already obtained a qualification from any university or institution, either in India or abroad.
National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25: Application Process
Application process for filling up the online form for National Overseas Scholarship available on the Ministry web portal can be completed with help of information given below in the following steps:
- Information/ Publicity of NOS Scholarship Scheme
The NOS scholarship scheme of Government of India will be advertised in newspapers and other media outlets, providing a summary of its details. Interested applicants can evaluate their eligibility based on the Scheme Guidelines and Manual for applying online at the Ministry portal – www.nosmsje.gov.in.
- Selection Year for NOS Scholarship Scheme
The selection year for NOS Scholarship will start from April to March of the year. The Ministry portal will open for the first round of applications in mid-February for 45 days, allowing only online applications to be considered. If any slots of number remain unfilled, the portal will reopen for the second cycle starting from 1st September for another 45 days. Once all 125 slots are filled, the portal will not reopen for additional applications within that year.
Step 1 of Application Process Form
NOS Scholarship applicants must register using the “Student Register Form” at https://nosmsje.gov.in/Register.aspx. The application form requires the following details of the applicant: Category, First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Full Name, Mobile Number, Email ID, Date of Birth, State of 10th Board, 10th Board Certificate Number, and Year of Passing.
Step 2 of Application Process:
After the successful loggin of the application form for the award of NOS scholarship:
- A text message will be sent to the registered email ID of the applicant.
- The email ID and password provided by the applicant will serve as the User ID and password for completing the application form.
- The password must be at least 8 characters long, including a mix of numbers, letters (with at least one capital letter), and one special character.
- Only online applications for the award of NOS Scholarship completed in all respects shall be considered, otherwise incomplete applications will be rejected.
How to Chek Application Status Online?
- Applicants of NOS Scholarship should visit the official website.
- Click on the ‘ Application Status’ on the NOS website home page.
- They will see a new page on the screen.
- They should enter their application number.
- Click on the search tab given there.
- Through this process, they can view their application status.
How to Download Forms for Certificate Formats?
- Candidates should visit the National Overseas Scholarship official website.
- Click on ‘Download Forms’ given on the home page.
- List of 3 forms formats will appear on the screen.
- They should click on the form of the format of your choice.
- A pdf form will appear on the screen.
- Here, click on the download option given to download the form.
Information Required to fill-up NOS Scholarship Application Form
The most important required to apply for National Overseas Scholarship to study abroad are:
- Candidate’s Personal Information: Candidate’s Name, his/her Father/Guardian Name, Gender, DOB, Mobile Number, Email Address, Domicile- State & District, Marital Status, Aadhaar Number.
- Current detailed Address with Pin Code.
- Next of kin in India with phone/mobile number to inform/ notify in case of any emergency
- Details of the Institution/ University abroad where the applicant has admitted or applied for admission with Course applied for (Field of study, Course name/ Title/Topic of the Research) including Description of Course in Max. 1000 Characters, Registration/Admission date, joining date and Anticipated Course End date.
- Qualifying Degree/ Examination details of candidate.
- Candidate’s employment/ Gap details if any, otherwise an affidavit of no employment.
- Details of award of NOS Scholarship previously to self or any of his/her siblings with relationship to the applicant and year of award.
- Candidate’s VISA application details, if applied to any US University he/she is required to obtain J-1 VISA only.
- Prospects in India: Candidate should provide what are future prospects in India after completing his/her proposed study abroad university.
Selection Procedures for National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25
The selection procedures for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) to different categories of students is designed to be transparent, equitable and merit-based to deserving candidates of marginalized communities in India.
Selection Criteria for NOS Scholarship to Study Abroad
There are some criteria for the selection of candidates to avail National Overseas Scholarship to study abroad in the list of top 500 ranked institutions/ universities. The criteria are as following:
- Only candidates who have obtained an unconditional offer of admission from one of the list of top 500 ranked universities/ institutions of foreign countries are eligible.
- Candidates must fulfill other required eligibility conditions of the NOS Scholarship Scheme.
- Candidates either submit their Aadhaar card at the time of filling the application form or before the issue of final award letter/ confirmation letter failing the same would revoke the provisional award letter for the scholarship issued to them.
- In any case no request for change of course or university shall be entertained. To do it candidates can give a fresh application in the next available round of notification.
- The applicant of NOS Scholarhip holding an unconditional offer letter from the higher ranked Institution/ University will be ranked higher in the merit list of selection for the scholarship.
- In case of a tie between two or more candidates based on institutions ranking, then their merit will be decided on the basis of their marks/ grades obtained in qualifying examinations for higher study abroad.
- Candidates’ performance in an interview if conducted is also considered.
- The eligible candidates’ online applications are placed before the Selection-cum-Screening Committee to make their recommendations for selection and ranking of the candidates for NOS Scholarship to study abroad in universities.
- List of candidates who are selected/waiting/rejected for National Overseas Scholarship will be uploaded on the online portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Documents Required for National Overseas Scholarship
Candidates are required to upload all documents in PDF form of maximum size 3 MB and also upload photo and signature in JPEG/ JPG format of size 100 kb. The required documents for National Overseas Scholarship are:
- Documents for NOS Scholarship Required at Application Stage
(i) Aadhaar Card
(ii) Xth Board Certificate
(iii) Candidate’s Photo
(iv) Candidate’s Caste Certificate
(v) Candidate’s Scanned Signature
(vi) Candidate’s Current/Permanent Address proof, in case different from current address.
(vii) Candidate’s Qualifying Degree/Provisional Certificate
(viii) Candidate’s All Semester Mark sheet of qualifying examination
(ix) CGPA/SGPA conversion formula into percentage proof by University/ Institution if percentage of marks is not given in the marksheet.
(x) Valid Document regarding offer letter/admission in Foreign University
(Application, Registration or Admission related document)
(xi) Candidate’s Family Income Certificate (issued by the Revenue Authorities of the State Govt.)
(xii) Self-Income Certificate
(xiii) Employer’s NOC Certificate (if the candidate is employed).
(xiv) Candidate’s Gap certificate (if there is gap of more than 6 months after completing qualifying Degree)
(xv) Family ITR acceptance Acknowledgement/ document.
2. Documents Required to Receive Provisional Award Letter
(i) Attestation form
(ii) Candidate’s Self-Declaration / Undertaking by Candidate related to Total Annual Family Income (from all sources).
(iii) Self-Declaration by the Candidate related to any Pending Case / Non-Conviction of Offense.
(iii) Candidate’s Passport Copy
Note: Candidate of NOS Scholarship is to visit the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment personally on any working day after taking appointment/ prior permission with all documents submitted along with application form in original for verification purposes.
3. Documents to Submit after Issuing of Confirmation of Award Letter
- Candidates are required to submit 2 Bonds on at least Rs.100/- non-judicial stamp paper executed before a Notary Public for 2 sureties and complete in all respects as per the conditions laid down in the Regulations governing the Scheme of NOS Scholarship for SC and other categories candidates.
- Solvency certificates for both above sureties.
- Candidate’s health certificate.
- Two copies of the candidate’s Passport and VISA.
- Candidates should submit a declaration or an undertaking on Non-judicial Stamp paper mentioning that he/she has not acquired the qualification for which he/she has been selected and has not obtained any other scholarship.
- The date on which awardee desires to undertake the Air journey for joining the foreign University.
- Selected Candidates for NOS Scholarship are requested to visit this ministry personally on any working days by taking prior permission/ appointment with all documents submitted along with copies of documents stated above.
- Candidates are also requested to provide PDF of all aforesaid documents via email also.
Note:- Specimen copy of bond, solvency certificate & Undertaking will be issued to candidate along with confirmation of award letter for doing needful. Candidates are required to submit undertakings in Rs.10/- Non Judicial stamp paper sworn before Notary public.
Sources for Format of Required Certificates
(i)Format for Income Certificate: https://nosmsje.gov.in/docs/income_Certificate.pdf
(ii) Format for Certificate of Landless Agricultural Labourer: https://nosmsje.gov.in/docs/Certificate_for%20being_Landless_Agricultural_Labourer.pdf
(iii) Format for Certificate of being Traditional Artisan: https://nosmsje.gov.in/docs/Certificate_for%20being_Traditional_Artisan.pdf
National Overseas Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India provides financial assistance to 20 students of Scheduled Tribes (ST) under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme to pursue higher education for Post Graduation, Ph.D and Post-Doctoral study abroad. Out of 20 NOS Scholarship awards, 17 awards are fixed for STs and 3 awards for students who belong to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Selection process to grant NOS Scholarship is based on Interview and merit list is prepared by an Expert Committee. The NOS Scholarship for ST students includes:
- Tuition Fee,
- Annual Maintenance Allowance of USD 15400,
- Contingency Charges of USD 1532,
- Poll Tax,
- Visa Fee,
- Medical Insurance,
- Cost of Air Journey,
- Incidental Journey Expenses.
For more detailed information click on National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for ST students.
Contact Details for National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25
Contact the following given below if have any queries related to NOS Scholarship 2024:
Person – Shri Yogesh Taneja (Under Secretary).
Address – Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi – 110001
Contact Number: 011 23384023 (On working days 3 PM to 5 PM)
Email ID: so-nos-msje@gov.in
For any Technical Support
Email ID: dev2-nha@supportgov.in
Also Read Important Articles Related to Scholarships for Study
FAQs on National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25
Q. Who is eligible for the National Overseas scholarship Scheme?
Ans. The students of the following marginalized groups having other eligibility criteria are eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship 2024-25, they are:
- Schedules Casts,
- Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) and Semi Nomadic Tribes (SNT)
- Traditional Artisans,
- Landless Agricultural Labourers.
- Q. Who is eligible for National Overseas scholarship in India?
Ans. The students of given marginalised groups having family income less than Rs. 8 lakh and below 35 years as on 1st April of selection year.
Q. Who can apply for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)?
Ans. The candidates who have prescribed eligibility and belong to marginalized groups like SC, ST (DNT/SNT), traditional artisans, and landless agricultural labourers.
Q. How many slots are available in NOS Scholarship 2024-25?
Ans. There are 125 slots or numbers available each year in the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
Q. What is the minimum qualification required for NOS Scholarship?
Ans. Graduation for Master course and post-graduation (PG) for Ph.D courses are required to be eligible for study abroad under NOS Scholarship scheme.
Q. What is the minimum percentage of marks required in qualifying examination for NOS Scholarship?
Ans. 60% is the minimum marks required to apply for the National Overseas Scholarship.
Q. What is the duration of the National Overseas Scholarship?
Ans. The maximum duration for Master degree is 3 years and 4 years for Ph.D of NOS Scholarship.
Q. What is the last date for the national overseas scholarship in 2024?
Ans. The last date for the first round of National Overseas Scholarship in 2024 was open for 45 days from February 15, 2024 to March 31, 2024.
Q. Is there any scholarship for OBC students to study abroad?
Ans. Yes, Dr Ambedkar Study Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan has been constituted for the students of Other Backward Classes (OBC) or Economically Backward Classes (EBC) to study abroad for higher education.
Q. Can OBC apply for a national overseas scholarship?
Ans. Yes, If an OBC student belongs to any of these marginalized communities, such as: Traditional Artisans and Landless Agricultural Labourers fulfilling other eligibility criteria can apply for a national overseas scholarship to study abroad.
Q. Who gives the assistance under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme?
Ans. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Government of India provides financial assistance for the admissible expenditure fixed for the National Overseas Scholarship in case of Master course or Ph.D to study abroad.
Q. How much financial assistance is provided under the National Overseas Scholarship scheme for higher education abroad?
Ans. The financial assistance under NOS Scholarship in case of Master degree and Ph.D to study abroad is given above under heading ‘Benefits’ of NOS Scholarship.
Q. How much is the National Overseas scholarship for St students?
Ans. 6 lakhs per year depending on the courses is given to students of Scheduled Tribes under the National Overseas Scholarship.