The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for Scheduled Tribes (ST) Students is a scholarship scheme launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to ST students who want to pursue higher education (Postgraduate, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral Research) in foreign institutes/universities.
The scheme is implemented through the Indian Embassies/Missions abroad, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. 30% of the scholarships are reserved for female candidates. Bachelor-level courses are not covered under this scheme.
Selection Process
- Selection is based on an interview-based merit list prepared by an Expert Committee.
- Financial assistance is provided till the completion of the course/research or the prescribed duration, whichever is earlier.
Fields of Study Covered
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Management
- Economics & Finance
- Law
- Agriculture & Medicine
- Humanities, Social Science, and Fine Arts
Number of Awards
A total of 20 scholarships are sanctioned every year:
| Category | No. of Awards |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) Candidates | 17 |
| Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) | 03 |
| Total | 20 |
Duration of Scholarship
| Course Level | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| Post-Doctoral Research | 2 years |
| Ph.D. | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 1 or 2 years |
Benefits
| Scholarship Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance Allowance | USD 15,400 (US) / £9,900 (UK) |
| Annual Contingency & Equipment Allowance | USD 1,532 (US) / £1,116 (UK) |
| Poll Tax | As per actuals |
| Visa Fees | As per actuals |
| Incidental Journey Expenses | USD 20 |
| Tuition Fees | As per actuals |
| Medical Insurance Premium | As per actuals |
| Airfare | Economy class airfare (India to the educational institution & return) |
| Local Travel Expenses | Second-class railway fare, bus fare, or ferry expenses |
Note:
- Extension beyond the prescribed duration is not allowed (except for return airfare).
- If a student fails to complete the course, financial assistance is withdrawn.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be from a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
- The applicant must be pursuing a postgraduate (Master’s), Ph.D., or Post-Doctoral Research from a foreign university.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹6,00,000/- from all sources.
- The applicant must have secured at least 55% marks in the qualifying examination.
- The applicant must be the only child in the family availing of this scholarship.
Age Criteria (as of 1st July of the selection year)
- Post-Doctoral Research: Maximum 38 years
- Ph.D.: Maximum 35 years
- Master’s Degree: Maximum 32 years
Income Criteria
- If both parents are earning, their combined income will be considered.
- If only one parent is alive, only their income is considered.
- If the student is an orphan, there is no income limit.
Reservation for Women
- 30% of the total awards are reserved for female candidates.
- If there are not enough female candidates, the seats are transferred to male candidates.
Exclusions
- Bachelor-level courses are NOT covered.
- The award is canceled if:
- The student provides false documents.
- The student returns to India without completing the course.
- The student is involved in illegal activities or misconduct.
Application Process
A. Register on DigiLocker (if not registered)
- Visit DigiLocker Portal.
- Enter your Full Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, and Email ID.
- Set a 6-digit security PIN.
- Submit OTP verification and enter Aadhaar Number.
B. Register on National Overseas Portal
- Visit National Overseas Portal.
- Enter Full Name, Mobile Number, DOB, Email ID, State, District, and Password.
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile.
- Click “Register”.
C. Filling the Application Form
- Visit National Overseas Portal.
- Log in using your Email ID and Password.
- Fill in personal, educational, and income details.
- Upload documents via DigiLocker.
- Click “Submit” (Changes cannot be made after submission).
Documents Required
- Passport-size photo
- 10th Marksheet/Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- Family Income Certificate
- Graduation Marksheet (if applying for Master’s Degree)
- Master’s Marksheet (if applying for Ph.D.)
- Ph.D. Marksheet (if applying for Post-Doctoral Research)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) Certificate
- PVTG Certificate (if applicable)
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR/Form-16)
- Admission or Offer Letter from a Foreign University
Note:
- All documents must be uploaded to DigiLocker.
- The Income Certificate is valid for the entire course duration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)?
A: ST students pursuing Master’s, Ph.D., or Post-Doctoral Research from a foreign university with a family income below ₹6,00,000 per year.
Q: How many scholarships are awarded each year?
A: 20 scholarships (17 for ST students and 3 for PVTG students).
Q: Can multiple children from the same family apply?
A: No, only one child per family can avail of this scholarship.
Q: Who issues the Income Certificate?
A: A competent government authority issues the certificate.
Q: What happens if the student fails to complete the course?
A: The scholarship is canceled, and the student may need to refund the financial assistance received.
Q: What is the maximum age limit?
A: Master’s: 32 years, Ph.D.: 35 years, Post-Doctoral Research: 38 years.
Q: How is the merit list prepared?
A: Candidates are ranked based on QS World University Rankings of their selected university. If required, an Expert Committee will conduct an interview.