First launched on January 1, 2007, the program The Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh offers financial support to students belonging to backward classes for higher education to pursue postgraduate courses/research degrees (Ph.D.), and post-research degree research programs in particular fields abroad.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Full or partial financial assistance to students from the backward class pursuing higher education abroad.
- Covers postgraduate courses, research degrees (Ph.D.), and post-research degree research programs.
- Aims to enhance global educational opportunities for underprivileged students from Madhya Pradesh.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Performance: Must have secured first-class (60% or equivalent grade) in the previous examination.
- Degree Level: Must be applying for a postgraduate course, Ph.D. degree, or post-research degree research program abroad. : Candidates applying for post-research programs must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
- Age Limit:
- The applicant must be under 35 years of age as of 1st January of the year of application.
- Special age relaxation of up to 10 years may be granted in exceptional cases as per committee recommendations.
- Income Limit: The annual family income should not exceed the creamy layer limit prescribed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
- Citizenship: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Visit the Designated Office:
- The applicant must visit the Collector Office or the Assistant Director, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department in their respective district.
- Collect & Fill the Application Form:
- Obtain the prescribed application form.
- Fill in all mandatory fields carefully.
- Attach a recent passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required).
- Attach Required Documents:
- Submit self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
- Submission & Acknowledgment:
- Submit the completed application form to the concerned authority before the deadline.
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment containing essential details such as date, time of submission, and a unique reference number (if applicable).
Documents Required
Applicants must submit self-attested copies of the following documents:
- Marksheet of the Previous Examination
- Proof of Admission (Admission Letter from the foreign university)
- Research Degree (Ph.D.) Certificate (if applicable)
- Experience Certificate (for post-research applicants)
- Birth Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Valid Passport
- Aadhaar Card
- Recent Passport-sized Photographs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme?
This is a financial assistance program by the Government of Madhya Pradesh that helps students from backward classes pursue higher education abroad. - Who is eligible for this scheme?
Students belonging to the backward class of Madhya Pradesh who wish to pursue postgraduate studies, Ph.D., or post-research degree research programs abroad are eligible. - What are the academic requirements for eligibility?
Applicants must have secured at least 60% marks (or first-class equivalent) in their last qualifying examination. - Is work experience required for research programs?
Yes, applicants applying for post-research degree research programs must have at least 2 years of relevant experience. - What is the age limit for applicants?
Candidates must be under 35 years of age as of 1st January of the application year. In special cases, the committee may allow up to a 10-year relaxation. - What is the income limit for eligibility?
Applicants must belong to families with annual income below the creamy layer limit set by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. - Can I apply for this scheme without a valid passport?
No, a valid passport is required to process the application. - How can I apply for the scholarship?
Applicants must visit the Collector Office or the Assistant Director, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department, collect the application form, and submit it with required documents before the deadline. - What benefits does the scheme offer?
The scheme partially or fully covers tuition and living expenses for students from economically weaker backward-class families to study abroad.