National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2026: Financial Aid for SC, ST & Landless Agricultural Laborers

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It aims to facilitate the socio-economic upliftment of marginalized students by providing them with the opportunity to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. level courses in top-ranked international universities. This scheme bridges the financial gap for meritorious students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic Tribes, and other eligible categories.

What is this scheme?

The National Overseas Scholarship is a central sector scheme that provides full financial support to students selected for higher education abroad. The scheme covers a wide range of subjects including Engineering, Management, Pure Sciences, and Humanities. It is specifically designed to support candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Tribes (DNT), Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans, with a similar parallel scheme operating for Scheduled Tribes (ST) through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Who is eligible?

• Candidate must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, or be a Landless Agricultural Laborer/Traditional Artisan.
• The applicant must be below 35 years of age as of the first day of April in the selection year.
• For Master's programs: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the undergraduate degree.
• For Ph.D. programs: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the Master's degree.
• Total family income from all sources must not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum.
• Candidates 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, a maintenance allowance (approx. USD 15,400 in the US and GBP 9,900 in the UK, subject to revision), contingency allowance, visa fees, medical insurance premiums, and airfare (economy class) for both onward and return journeys.

Documents needed

1. Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority.
2. Birth Certificate or High School Certificate for age proof.
3. Income Certificate for the current financial year.
4. Mark sheets and Degrees of All Qualifying Examinations.
5. Unconditional offer letter from a foreign university (Top 500 QS Ranking).
6. Valid Passport.
7. Aadhar Card.
8. Declaration/Undertaking regarding the number of siblings in the family.

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official portal at nosmsje.gov.in (for SC) or tribal.nic.in (for ST).
2. Register as a new user by providing basic details and generating login credentials.
3. Fill out the detailed application form including academic history and choice of course.
4. Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format.
5. Submit the application and download the acknowledgment receipt.
6. Wait for the verification process by the Ministry and the release of the provisional merit list.
7. If selected, fulfill the bond requirements and complete the visa formalities to claim the scholarship.

Important dates

Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship acts as a powerful catalyst for students who possess the talent but lack the means to study abroad. By removing the financial barriers to global education, the government is ensuring that the most vulnerable sections of society can participate in the global knowledge economy. Eligible candidates are encouraged to maintain a high academic record and secure admission letters early to maximize their chances of selection.