National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2026: Full Guide for SC, ST, and Landless Labourer Students
Learn about the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for SC, ST, and Landless Labourer students. Check eligibility, funding amounts, and application steps for 20
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing financial assistance to students from marginalized communities pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. courses abroad. This scheme empowers students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic Tribes, and other eligible categories to gain international exposure and high-quality education in global universities.
What is this scheme?
The National Overseas Scholarship is a centrally funded scheme managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It covers the full cost of education including tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare for students pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies in international institutions. The scheme aims to bridge the educational gap by supporting candidates who lack the financial means to study overseas.
Who is eligible?
- Candidate must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisans.
- The maximum age limit is 35 years as of the first day of April in the selection year.
- Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
- Total family income from all sources must not exceed INR 8,00,000 per annum.
- Not more than two children of the same parents/guardians are eligible for the scholarship.
- Candidates must have an unconditional offer of admission from a top-ranked foreign university (as per QS World University Rankings).
How much money?
The scholarship provides full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of approximately USD 15,400 or GBP 9,900 per annum depending on the country, an annual contingency allowance, visa fees, medical insurance premiums, and economy class airfare.
Documents needed
- Caste Certificate (issued by competent authority)
- Income Certificate for the current financial year
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or Class 10th Certificate)
- Mark sheets and Degrees of all qualifying examinations
- Unconditional Offer Letter from a foreign university
- Copy of Passport
- Aadhar Card
- Self-Declaration regarding the number of children in the family
How to apply (step by step)
- Visit the official National Overseas Scholarship portal during the application window.
- Register as a new user by providing basic details and a valid email ID.
- Fill out the detailed application form including academic history and university details.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format.
- Submit the application and download the acknowledgment receipt.
- Monitor the portal for the merit list or request for additional documents/clarifications.
- If selected, attend the document verification and complete the bond signing process.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening Date | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Last Date to Apply | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Expected Merit List Release | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students from marginalized backgrounds to achieve their dreams of international education. By removing financial barriers, the Government of India ensures that merit is rewarded regardless of economic status. Interested students should keep their documents ready and apply as soon as the portal opens for the 2026-27 cycle.
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