National Overseas Scholarship 2026: Apply Online for SC/ST
- Published 4 November 2026
- Last updated Updated 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
- students
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Complete guide to the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for SC, ST, and Landless Agricultural Labourers pursuing Master's or Ph.D. studies abroad.
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a prestigious central sector scheme designed to provide financial assistance to selected students from marginalized communities. It targets students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, and Landless Agricultural Labourers.
This initiative empowers meritorious students to pursue higher education, specifically Master's and Ph.D. courses, in renowned international universities. By covering significant costs, the scheme ensures that financial constraints do not hinder the academic dreams of talented youth.
Administered by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, the scholarship is a vital step toward social equity and global academic exposure for India's underprivileged sections.
Info
This scheme is administered by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Applications are accepted only through the official portal.
What is this scheme?
The National Overseas Scholarship is a comprehensive financial aid program for Indian students aiming to study in foreign countries. It is exclusively available for those pursuing postgraduate and doctoral degrees in diverse fields such as Engineering, Management, Medicine, and Social Sciences.
Under this scheme, the government selects a limited number of candidates annually through a competitive process. The scholarship prioritizes candidates who have secured admission in top-ranked global institutions, specifically those listed in the QS World University Rankings.
In recent years, the scheme has been streamlined to focus on specific academic disciplines, ensuring that students gain high-value skills that contribute to India's developmental goals upon their return.
Objective
The primary objective is to facilitate the low-income students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and other specified categories to obtain higher education abroad. It aims to improve their socio-economic status by providing access to global research and advanced professional training.
Key features
- Selection based on QS World University Rankings of the host institution.
- Specific slots reserved for Scheduled Castes and ST candidates.
- Mandatory minimum marks in the qualifying degree for eligibility.
- Comprehensive coverage of tuition fees and living expenses.
- Online application process via a dedicated central portal.
- Annual intake limited to a fixed number of awards per year.
Financial benefits
The scholarship provides full coverage of tuition fees, an annual maintenance allowance, visa fees, medical insurance, and airfare. The total financial support varies based on the country of study and the specific course duration.
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance Allowance (USA) | $15,400 |
| Annual Maintenance Allowance (UK) | ÂŖ9,900 |
| Contingency Allowance | As per latest notification |
| Tuition Fees | Actual fees charged by the University |
Who is eligible?
- Applicant must belong to SC, ST, Denotified Tribes, or Landless Agricultural Labourers.
- Candidate must be below 35 years of age as of 1 April of the selection year.
- Family income must not exceed âš8 Lakh per annum from all sources.
- Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination.
- Candidates must have an unconditional offer letter from a foreign university.
- Not more than two children of the same parents are eligible for the award.
Required documents
- â Caste Certificate
- â Income Certificate
- â Aadhaar Card
- â Proof of Date of Birth
- â Qualifying Degree Marksheets
- â Unconditional Admission Letter
- â Valid Passport
- â Passport size photograph
Tip
Keep scanned copies (PDF/JPG, under 200 KB each) ready before you start the online form.
How to apply â step by step
- Visit the official National Overseas Scholarship portal.
- Register as a new user with a valid email and mobile number.
- Log in and fill in personal, academic, and income details.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format.
- Select the course and university for which admission has been secured.
- Submit the application and download the acknowledgment receipt.
- Await the publication of the merit list or selection notification.
- Participate in the verification process if shortlisted.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening | |
| Closing Date (First Round) |
Important
The last date (31 March 2026) has passed. Check the official portal for the next cycle.
Important links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Portal | Official Portal |
| Ministry Website | Ministry Website |
| Helpline | 011-23382587 |
| nos-msje@gov.in |
Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for students from marginalized backgrounds to achieve global academic excellence. By removing financial barriers, the Government of India ensures that merit is the only criteria for success. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents and apply within the deadline to secure your future. For more real-time updates on scholarships and government schemes, make sure to sign up on YojanaRadar and never miss an opportunity to excel.
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