National Overseas Scholarship 2025 : Highlights, Eligibility Criteria, Documents & Benefits

The results of the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for the Selection Year 2025–26 (1st Round) have been announced. The scheme offers financial support to students from marginalised communities such as SC, DNTs, landless labourers, and traditional artisans etc. to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. programs abroad. Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the scheme empowers students to study at top global universities. This guide outlines eligibility, benefits, the application process, and key dates.

The NOS is a Central Sector Scheme that covers major expenses such as tuition, living costs, and travel. For the 2025–26 selection year, 125 new scholarships will be awarded to promote academic excellence and socio-economic upliftment

Latest Update – NOS Result 2025-26 Announced for Round 1, Check Here!

Key Objectives of National Overseas Scholarship 2025

• Empower Marginalized Communities: Enhance the economic and social status through international education.
• Access to Top Universities: Support study at institutions ranked in the top 500 QS World University Rankings.
• Reduce Educational Disparities: Bridge the gap between marginalized and mainstream communities.
• National Development: Encourage scholars to return and contribute to India, ideally in government roles for at least 5 years.

Key Dates for National Overseas Scholarship 2025

First Round Application	15th February – 31st March 2025
Second Round Application	1st September – 15th October 2025 (tentative)
Third Round (if applicable)	January 2026 (tentative)
Result Announcement (First Round)	Declared on 1st July 2025 for 2025-26
Document Verification	Within 6 months of receiving the Provisional Award Letter

National Overseas Scholarship – Key Highlights

Feature	Details
Total Scholarships	125 awards per year
Degree Levels	Master’s, Ph.D, Postdoctoral
Fields of Study	STEM, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Law, Management
Top Study Destinations	USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia
Funding Coverage	Tuition, visa, airfare, living expenses
QS Ranking Requirement	Must be in Top 500 QS World Universities
Age Limit	35 years
Income Limit	₹8 lakh per annum (family income)
State Cap	Max 10% of total slots per state/UT
Application Link	NOS 2025

Eligibility Criteria for National Overseas Scholarship 2025

To qualify for the National Overseas Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Community/Category:

• Must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT), Landless Agricultural Labourers, or Traditional Artisans.
• A valid caste certificate is mandatory.

2. Age Limit:

• Master’s programs: Below 35 years as of April 1, 2025.
• Ph.D. programs: Below 40 years as of April 1, 2025.

3. Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
• Ph.D. programs: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in a relevant Master’s degree.
• For B.Tech graduates via lateral entry (after a diploma), only Bachelor’s degree marks are considered.
• All semester mark sheets are required. If the university provides only CGPA, a university-authenticated conversion formula must be submitted.

4. Family Income:

• Total annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh in the previous financial year.
• Income proof (ITR, salary slips, or Form 16) is required.

5. Admission Requirement:

• Must have an unconditional offer of admission from a foreign university ranked in the top 500 QS World University Rankings for the first round of selection.
• Candidates without admission may be considered conditionally in later rounds, subject to securing admission within 6 months.

6. Additional Requirements:

• Must be an Indian citizen with a valid passport or Aadhaar card.
• Employed candidates need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
• For U.S. universities, a J-1 visa is mandatory (F-1 visa holders are ineligible).
• Candidates must not be receiving other scholarships from Central/State Governments or foreign entities.
• Only one child per family is eligible, and previous NOS beneficiaries are excluded.

7. Eligible Fields of Study:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Management, Economics, Finance
• Law, Agriculture, Medicine
• Humanities and Social Sciences

Note: Studies related to Indian culture, heritage, history, or social studies are not covered.

Benefits of the National Overseas Scholarship 2025

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025 provides comprehensive financial support to ensure scholars can focus on their studies without financial stress. The benefits include:

• Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the university by Indian Missions abroad.
• Annual Maintenance Allowance:
  • USD 15,400 for students studying in the USA and other countries (except the UK).
  • GBP 9,900 for students studying in the UK.
• Contingency Allowance:
  • USD 1,500 (USA and others) or GBP 1,100 (UK) for books, study materials, and research expenses.
• Airfare: One-time economy-class ticket from India to the study destination and return.
• Incidental Journey and Equipment Allowance: USD 20 or equivalent in INR for miscellaneous expenses.
• Student Service Fees: Covers library fees, registration fees, and examination costs.
• Visa Fees: Reimbursed after verification.
• Supplementary Income: Scholars may take up Teaching/Research Assistantships at their university to supplement income, but external employment is not allowed.

Note: Language courses (e.g., English or other languages) are not covered. Scholars must initially bear the cost of visa processing, travel, and some administrative costs, which are reimbursed later.

Slot Distribution for National Overseas Scholarship 2025

The National Overseas Scholarship 2025 offers 125 fresh awards, distributed as follows:

• Scheduled Castes (SC): 115 slots
• Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT): 6 slots
• Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans: 4 slots
• Women Candidates: 30% of slots (approximately 38 awards) are reserved for women.

A 10% cap per state/UT ensures equitable distribution. If slots remain unfilled in a category, they may be opened to other eligible categories.

Application Process for National Overseas Scholarship 2025

The application process for the National Overseas Scholarship 2025 is entirely online and must be completed via the official portal www.nosmsje.gov.in. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Portal:

• Go to www.nosmsje.gov.in.                                                                                                                                                   
• Click on “Register” for new users or “Login” for existing users.

2. Complete Registration:

• Fill out the Student Registration Form with personal, academic, and course details.
• Create a secure password.

3. Fill the Application Form:

• Enter details about your academic qualifications, family income, and chosen university.
• Upload required documents (listed below).

4. Review and Submit:

• Double-check all details for accuracy.
• Submit the application and note the reference number for future tracking.

5. Application Confirmation:

• Receive an email confirmation upon successful submission.

Key Tip: Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues. Incomplete applications are rejected without review.

Documents Required for National Overseas Scholarship 2025

At Application Stage:

• Aadhaar Card or passport (proof of Indian citizenship).
• Caste Certificate (SC, DNT, or relevant category).
• Income Certificate (ITR, Form 16, or salary slips showing family income below ₹8 lakh).
• Academic Transcripts: Marksheets for all semesters of Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s (for Ph.D. applicants).
• CGPA Conversion Formula (if applicable, authenticated by the university).
• Unconditional Offer Letter from a top 500 QS-ranked university (for first-round selection).
• Employer’s NOC (if employed).
• Gap Certificate (if there’s a gap of more than 6 months after the qualifying degree).
• Passport-sized Photograph (recent, front-facing, colour).
• Valid Document for Admission (application, registration, or admission-related document).

Post-Selection (After Provisional Award Letter):

• Original copies of the above documents for verification.
• J-1 Visa (for U.S. applicants).
• Undertaking: Agreement to allow the university to share information with Indian Missions and the Ministry, and confirmation of not receiving other scholarships.
• Joining Report from the university (for airfare reimbursement).

Note: Candidates must visit the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in person with a prior appointment, for document verification within 6 months of receiving the Provisional Award Letter. Failure to do so results in cancellation.

Selection Process for National Overseas Scholarship 2025

The selection process is merit-based and transparent, prioritizing academic excellence and university rankings. Key points:

First Round:

• Candidates with unconditional offer letters from top 500 QS-ranked universities are prioritized.
• Selection is based on the merit list, with preference given to higher-ranked universities.
• Application period: The application portal opened on 15th February 2025 and closed on 31st March 2025.

Second Round:

• This year, it is expected that the application portal will open around September 1, 2025, for 45 days if slots remain unfilled.
• Candidates without admission may apply conditionally, provided they secure admission within 6 months.

Third Round (if applicable):

• The application portal may open in January 2026, depending on the availability of slots.

Tie-Breaker Criteria:

• Unfilled women’s slots are allocated to eligible female candidates.
• Remaining slots are filled by age (oldest candidates prioritized).

National Overseas Scholarship 2025 Results

The National Overseas Scholarship 2025-26 first-round results were declared on 1st July 2025, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to a streamlined and timely selection process. Results are published on the official portal www.nosmsje.gov.in, with selected candidates receiving email notifications containing their Provisional Award Letter. 

Candidates must complete document verification by 31st December 2025, at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with a prior appointment. Failure to verify documents within this period leads to cancellation of the award. 

Applicants can track their application status using the reference number provided during submission. For those not selected in the first round, the second round is expected to open on September 1, 2025 (tentative), which will offer another opportunity to apply.

Note: The result for the first round of selection year 2025-26 has been published on the official NOS portal. Click to check result.

Important Guidelines and Conditions

• Fund Disbursement: Funds are not directly paid to students. Indian Missions abroad handle tuition, maintenance, and other allowances.
• Defaulter Clause:Scholars who fail to complete their course must refund the entire scholarship amount with interest, unless exempted by the Ministry (based on certified academic commitment).
• Visa Requirements: U.S. applicants must obtain a J-1 visa. The Government of India does not assist in visa procurement.
• Service Commitment: Scholars are expected to return to India and serve in a government office for 5 years after completing their studies.
• Administrative Budget: Up to 1% of the NOS budget is allocated for portal maintenance, publicity, and operational activities.
• Non-Editable Applications: Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. For issues, contact the grievance portal at www.nosmsje.gov.in.

Tips for a Successful National Overseas Scholarship 2025 Application

1. Research Universities Early: Secure an unconditional offer from a top 500 QS-ranked university well before the application window opens.
2. Prepare Documents in Advance: Ensure all documents (caste certificate, income proof, transcripts) are ready to avoid last-minute delays.
3. Meet Academic Standards: Aim for a strong academic record (minimum 60% marks) to strengthen your application.
4. Check Visa Requirements: For U.S. applicants, apply only to universities that sponsor J-1 visas.
5. Monitor Deadlines: Regularly visit www.nosmsje.gov.in for updates on application dates and results.
6. Seek Expert Guidance: Consult study abroad counsellors (e.g., IDP or Shiksha) for application and visa support.

Why Choose National Overseas Scholarship 2025?

The National Overseas Scholarship 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for Indian students from marginalized communities. By covering nearly all academic and living expenses, it removes financial barriers, enabling scholars to study at prestigious institutions in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia. The scholarship not only fosters academic growth but also empowers students to contribute to India’s development, making it a cornerstone of social equity and global exposure.

National Overseas Scholarship – Contact Details

For Queries on the Scheme

Shri Sanjay Singh (Under Secretary)
Shastri Bhawan Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi-110001
Email ID: so-nos-msje@gov.in | Phone Number: 011 23384023 (3 PM to 5 PM on all working days)

For Technical Queries

Email ID: so-nos-msje@gov.in | Phone Number: 011 23073443 (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM on all working days)

National Overseas Scholarship – FAQs

What is the last date to apply for the National Overseas Scholarship 2025?

The first round of applications was open from 15th February to 31st March 2025. The second round is expected to run from 1st September to 15th October 2025.

Can I apply if I don’t have an admission offer?

Yes, you can apply conditionally in the second or third round, but you must secure an unconditional offer within 6 months.

Does the National Overseas Scholarship cover language courses?

No, language courses (e.g., English or other languages) are not covered.

How are funds disbursed?

Indian Missions abroad disburse tuition and allowances directly to universities or students—not directly to scholars.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, scholars can take up Teaching/Research Assistantships at their university, but external employment is not allowed.

What happens if I miss the document verification deadline?

If you fail to complete document verification within 6 months of receiving the Provisional Award Letter, your scholarship will be cancelled.

Can I apply for NOS if I have a gap in my education?

Yes, but you must submit a Gap Certificate explaining the gap of more than 6 months after your qualifying degree.

Is there an age relaxation for any category?

No, there is no age relaxation. The age limit is strict: below 35 years for Master’s and below 40 years for Ph.D. as of April 1, 2025.

Can my sibling apply for NOS if I am already a beneficiary?

No, only one child per family is eligible to receive the NOS scholarship.

What should I do if I face technical issues during application?

Contact the grievance portal on www.nosmsje.gov.in for assistance, as applications cannot be edited once submitted.

Can I change my university after receiving the scholarship?

No, you must attend the university specified in your application. Changing universities requires prior approval from the Ministry, which is rarely granted.

Are part-time courses eligible under NOS?

No, only full-time Master’s or Ph.D. programs at top 500 QS-ranked universities are eligible.

What if my family income exceeds ₹8 lakh after applying?

If your family income exceeds ₹8 lakh during the scholarship period, you must inform the Ministry, and your scholarship may then be revoked.

Can I apply if I am already studying abroad?

No, NOS is only for candidates who have not yet started their overseas education at the time of application.

How will I receive my maintenance allowance?

The maintenance allowance is disbursed quarterly by Indian Missions abroad directly into your bank account after verification.