National Overseas Scholarship 2026: Master’s & PhD Funding for SC, ST Students

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India designed to facilitate the economic and social upliftment of marginalized communities. By providing substantial financial support for higher education at top-tier international universities, this scheme empowers students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic Tribes, and traditional artisan families to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. programs abroad.

What is this scheme?

The National Overseas Scholarship is a central sector scheme that provides full financial assistance to selected students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. The scheme covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for students who have secured admission into prestigious foreign universities ranked within the top global categories.

Who is eligible?

• Must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, or traditional artisan families.
• Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
• Age must be below 35 years as of the first day of April in the selection year.
• Total family income from all sources must not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum.
• Candidate must have a valid offer of admission from a university ranked within the top 500 as per QS World University Rankings.
• Not more than two children of the same parents/guardians are eligible for the scholarship.

How much money?

The scholarship provides comprehensive coverage including full tuition fees, an annual maintenance allowance (approx. USD 15,400 in the USA and GBP 9,900 in the UK, or as per latest notification), contingency allowance, visa fees, medical insurance premiums, and airfare (economy class) for both departure and return.

Documents needed

1. Caste Certificate issued by the competent authority.
2. Aadhar Card.
3. Income Certificate for the current financial year.
4. Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or 10th Standard Certificate).
5. Qualifying Degree Certificates and Marksheets.
6. Unconditional offer letter from a foreign university (Top 500 QS ranking).
7. Self-declaration regarding any previous scholarships received.
8. Copy of Passport.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Register online through the official NOS portal managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
2. Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and university details.
3. Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format.
4. Submit the application before the specified deadline for the current cycle.
5. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via the portal for document verification.
6. Final selection is based on the rank of the university and merit of the applicant.

Important dates

Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for students from marginalized backgrounds to gain global exposure and world-class education. By removing the financial barriers to international study, the Government of India ensures that merit is not restricted by economic status. Eligible students are encouraged to monitor the official portal closely to ensure they meet the rigorous application standards and deadlines.