The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for Students with Disabilities is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to support students with disabilities (SwDs) in obtaining higher education (Master’s degree or Ph.D.) from foreign universities.
This scheme provides financial assistance to students with disabilities, as defined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which includes disabilities related to:
- Visual, Hearing, Speech, Locomotor disabilities
- Mental Retardation & other disabilities
Objective:
The scheme aims to enable students with disabilities to pursue studies abroad, overcome financial and physical barriers, and secure a dignified place in society.
Benefits
| Allowance | United States of America (USA) & Other Countries | United Kingdom (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance Allowance | $15,400 USD | £9,900 GBP |
| Contingency Allowance | $1,500 USD | £1,100 GBP |
| Equipment Allowance | ₹1,500 INR | ₹1,500 INR |
| Tuition Fees | Actual as charged | Actual as charged |
| Visa Fees | Actual Visa Fees in INR | Actual Visa Fees in INR |
| Poll Tax | Actual as charged | Actual as charged |
| Medical Insurance Premium | Actual as charged | Actual as charged |
| Incidental Journey Allowance | $20 USD | £20 GBP |
| Airfare (Round Trip) | Economy Class – Actual Basis | Economy Class – Actual Basis |
| Local Travel (Railway/Bus Fare) | Second/Coach Class | Second/Coach Class |
Additional Allowances:
- Airfare for India to the foreign institution and back
- Local travel costs (Bus/Railway fares)
- Assistance for crossing ferry/connecting flights
Eligibility
- Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Education: Must have secured an unconditional admission for a Master’s degree or Ph.D. from an accredited foreign university.
- Disability Percentage: 40% or above disability as per RPwD Act, 2016.
- Age Limit: Must be 35 years or younger at the time of application.
- Family Income: Annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹6 lakh per annum.
Exclusions
- Bachelors-Level Courses are not covered under this scheme.
- Candidates already studying abroad or having completed their studies abroad are not eligible.
- Only two children per family can avail of the scholarship. (If the second child is a twin, both are eligible.)
- The same student cannot avail of the scholarship for two Master’s or two Ph.D. programs.
- If a student has repeated a year, they will not be eligible for a second-year scholarship.
- If the student receives another government scholarship, they must choose between the two.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
Download the Application Form:
- Link: NOS Application Form
Fill out the Form & Attach Required Documents
Submit the Application Form to:
Under Secretary (Scholarships),
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities,
Room No. 516, 5th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Documents Required
- Duly completed application form (2 copies)
- Proof of Date of Birth (10th certificate/Birth Certificate)
- Disability Certificate
- Aadhaar Card & Voter ID
- Proof of Residence (if different from Aadhaar/Voter ID)
- PAN Card of Applicant & Parents/Guardian
- Bank Account Details (Linked with Aadhaar)
- Educational Certificates & Mark Sheets
- Income Tax Certificate (Form 16) for family income proof
- Statement of Proposed Study (500 words)
- Admission Offer Letter from Foreign University
- Self-attested certificate declaring no other scholarships availed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the duration of financial assistance under this scheme?
A: The scholarship is granted for the entire duration of the Master’s or Ph.D. course, subject to satisfactory performance.
Q: What expenses are covered under the Contingency Allowance?
A: This covers expenses for books, stationery, research materials, and travel related to academics.
Q: Can I receive additional research funding while availing of this scholarship?
A: Yes, awardees may undertake Research/Teaching Assistantships in their institutions.
Q: How many scholarships are available under this scheme?
A: The number of scholarships varies each year based on applications and approvals.
Q: Is there any reservation for women candidates?
A: Yes, 30% of the total scholarships are reserved for women applicants.
Q: Are undergraduate (bachelor’s) courses covered under this scheme?
A: No, only Master’s and Ph.D. courses are covered under this scheme.
Q: I have completed my studies abroad under another scholarship. Am I eligible?
A: No, students who have already studied abroad using another scholarship are not eligible.
Q: How many children of the same parents/guardians are eligible?
A: A maximum of two children per family can avail of the scholarship. (Twins are an exception.)
Q: I already have a Master’s degree from India. Can I apply for another Master’s abroad?
A: No, students cannot pursue the same level of education (Master’s/Ph.D.) twice under this scheme.
Q: How will I know the status of my application?
A: You can check with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) for updates.