National Overseas Scholarship 2026: SC/ST Study Abroad Guide

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a prestigious initiative by the Government of India designed to support students from marginalized communities. It provides full financial assistance to meritorious candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans categories.

This scholarship empowers students to pursue Master's and Ph.D. level courses in renowned international universities. By covering tuition fees and living expenses, it removes the financial barriers that often prevent talented students from gaining global exposure and high-quality research opportunities abroad.

What is this scheme?

The National Overseas Scholarship scheme is a central sector scheme that facilitates higher education abroad for students belonging to specific disadvantaged groups. The primary focus is to enhance the social and economic status of these communities by providing them with access to international educational standards and global career markets.

Administered by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, the scheme reserves a specific number of slots annually for different categories, including a dedicated percentage for women candidates. The selection process is strictly merit-based, considering the candidate's academic performance and the ranking of the foreign university they intend to join.

Notably, the scheme covers a wide range of subjects, though it typically excludes topics related to Indian Culture, Heritage, or History, as the objective is to acquire knowledge not easily available within the domestic academic infrastructure.

Objective

To provide financial assistance to selected students for pursuing Master's level courses and Ph.D. abroad, thereby improving their socio-economic status through global education.

Key features

• 125 fresh awards are typically granted each year.
• Reserved slots for SC, Denotified Tribes, and Landless Labourers.
• Mandatory 30% reservation for female candidates.
• Coverage for tuition fees, airfare, and maintenance allowance.
• Exclusive focus on top-ranked international institutions.
• Online application and transparent selection process.

Financial benefits

The scholarship covers the full tuition fees charged by the university. Additionally, it provides an annual maintenance allowance ranging from $15,400 to £9,900 depending on the country, along with medical insurance and travel costs.

Who is eligible?

• Candidate must belong to SC / Denotified Tribes / Landless Agricultural Labourer categories.
• Maximum age limit is 35 years as of 1st April of the selection year.
• Total family income must not exceed ₹8 Lakh per annum.
• Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying degree.
• Maximum of two children from the same family are eligible.
• Candidate must have a valid offer letter from a foreign university.

Required documents

• ☑ Caste Certificate
• ☑ Income Certificate
• ☑ Aadhaar Card
• ☑ Proof of Age (10th Certificate)
• ☑ Qualifying Degree Marksheets
• ☑ Unconditional Offer Letter from Foreign University
• ☑ Valid Passport

How to apply — step by step

1. Visit the official NOS online portal.
2. Register as a new user by providing basic details.
3. Log in and fill out the detailed application form.
4. Upload scanned copies of all required documents in PDF format.
5. Select the priority of the university and course details.
6. Submit the application and save the acknowledgment number.
7. Monitor the portal for the provisional merit list and selection status.

Important dates

Important links

Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for SC/ST students to attain world-class education without the burden of debt. By covering every major expense from tuition to travel, it ensures that merit is the only factor in a student's success. If you meet the eligibility criteria, ensure your documents are ready before the portal opens. For more detailed updates on central schemes and application tips, sign up on YojanaRadar today and never miss a deadline for your future.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a Master's degree in any subject?

What is the minimum percentage required for eligibility?

Is there an income limit for the National Overseas Scholarship?

Does the scholarship cover the cost of a Visa?

Can two siblings from the same family apply?