Today, studying abroad is possible for students from different social strata. One can pursue higher education by availing of lucrative schemes like the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS).
This funding scheme is available for Indian students and comes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The main motive of this scholarship is to support individuals from low-income backgrounds in their aspiration to study overseas.
The National Overseas Scholarship for Indian students has specific criteria to become eligible. Also, it is applicable for pursuing education at specific predefined levels.
This article contains all the essential details about NOS for one’s perusal.
The NOS applies to all Indian students who fulfill the following criteria:
Scheduled Tribes Or
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups
Economically backward class
Pursuing or aspire to choose a Master’s, Ph.D., or Post-doctoral program
Less than 35 years of age
The primary criteria for applying to the National Overseas Scholarship are quite straightforward. However, students should also know the family income criteria. Here’s a glance:
Total family income: Less than or equal to ₹6,00,000 per year
Additional requirements: Copy of ITR Form-16 (If an applicant has existing employment)
In addition, students need to match specific academic standards to apply for NOS:
Master’s level courses: Minimum 55% in bachelor’s
Ph.D. level courses: Minimum 55% in master’s
Post-doctoralstudies: Minimum 55% in master’s degree and Ph.D.
Also, applicants with a minimum two-year work experience (for master’s courses) have an edge in the selection process. On the other hand, candidates with a two and five-year work experience for Ph.D. and Post-doctoral education, respectively, have first preference.
Benefits of NOS
The financial benefits of the National Overseas Scholarship are variable. Notably, the funds vary as per different criteria and countries.
Here are the funds that one can receive after acquiring NOS:
Annual maintenance allowance: USD 15,400 (GBP 9,900 for the UK)
Tuition fees: As per actuals
Poll tax: Actuals (if applicable)
Visa fees: Actuals (if applicable)
Annual contingency and equipment allowance: USD 1,532 (GBP 1,116 for the UK)
In addition, students also receive an air passage grant on an actual basis by economy class. Notably, 30% of these scholarship awards apply to female candidates.
Documents Required to Apply for the National Overseas Scholarship
Planning in advance is vital to eliminate any last-minute hassle during the application process. For this purpose, students should prepare the required documents in hard and soft copies.
Here is the list of all the papers that one needs to apply for the National Overseas Scholarship:
10th standard board certificate
Photo
Caste certificate
Qualifying degree proof
ITR acceptance
Employer’s NOC (if applicable)
Address proof (current and permanent)
Scanned signature
Income documents of the entire family
Foreign university admission proof
After selection, candidates need to submit a copy of their passport, attestation, and other self-declaration forms. Visiting the ministry is crucial during the application process.
The application process for NOS is relatively easy to understand. Aspiring candidates can follow these steps to minimize any challenges:
Look out for notification of the scheme in newspapers and electronic media
Visit the official portal to verify all the terms and eligibilities
Fill out the application form only on the official website
Anticipate the selection and subsequent communication from the ministry
So, students or working professionals who fulfill the eligibility criteria can pursue higher education through the NOS funds. Notably, this funding can prove crucial in reducing the economic burden during the international course tenure.
Important Dates
Here are the crucial dates and months to avoid missing deadlines for the National Overseas Scholarship application:
Opening of the online portal for applications: 15th February – 31st March
The second round of candidate screening: September 1st week
Opening of the online portal for 3rd round: January (subject to slot availability)
It is essential to keep checking the ‘What’s New’ section on the NOS official homepage. This way, applicants will stay aware of important notifications.
Selection
The selection committee shortlists candidates based on the following criteria:
Proof of unconditional admission offer from an international university
The international university should be present in the top 500 of the latest QS rankings
There are two rounds of selection
Selection takes place based on merit
Preference is given to applicants with an offer from higher-ranked institutes
Overall, a candidate’s admission offer in a reputed foreign university significantly influences the selection process.
Can more than one candidate of the same family apply for NOS?
No. Only one child of the same parents is eligible to apply for the National Overseas Scholarship. Also, this award is applicable for a single instance.
How quickly should one join the course after receiving the NOS?
A candidate should join the preferred course within two years after receiving the NOS award. Failing to do so can result in the cancellation of the scholarship.
How many slots are available for the National Overseas Scholarship every year?
A total of 20 are available annually for this scholarship. Out of these, 17 are reserved for scheduled tribes, and three are for particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
What is the NOS duration?
NOS is applicable for three and four years for master’s and Ph.D. courses, respectively. So, candidates can profit from such a well-planned time period.
Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!
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