Latest Update: NOS Round 1 Results 2025–26 Released, Click here
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Key Dates
| 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) | 1st July 2025 |
| Document Verification | Within 6 months of receiving the Provisional Award Letter |
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Key Objectives
- Empower students from marginalized communities by enabling access to quality higher education opportunities abroad.
- Facilitate admission to globally recognized institutions, specifically those ranked within the QS Top 500 universities.
- Promote socioeconomic mobility through academic excellence and skill development on a global platform.
- Encourage scholars to return and contribute meaningfully to India’s development through public service, research, and leadership.
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Eligibility Criteria
| Degree Level | Academic Requirement | Age Limit (As on April 1, 2025) |
| Master’s | ≥ 60% in Bachelor’s | ≤ 35 years |
| Ph.D. | ≥ 60% in Master’s | ≤ 40 years |
| Post‑Doctoral | Ph.D. with ≥ 55% | ≤ 45 years |
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Additional Key Criteria
- Applicants must belong to SC, DNT/SNT, LAL, or TA groups with a valid certificate.
- Annual aggregate family income must not exceed ₹8 lakh.
- Must hold an unconditional admission offer from a QS Top 500 university.
- Only two children per family can apply; however, only one child is eligible per year for a fresh award.
- Applicants should not already hold the same-level qualification (i.e., Master’s or Ph.D.) from India or abroad.
- Applicants must be an Indian citizen with valid passport, employer NOC (if employed), no concurrent foreign scholarships.
Also Read: MYSY Scholarship 2025
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Financial Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
| Tuition Fees | Paid directly to overseas university via Indian Missions |
| Annual Maintenance Allowance | USD 15,400 (Non‑UK), GBP 9,900 (UK) |
| Contingency Allowance | USD 1,500 (Non‑UK), GBP 1,100 (UK) |
| Airfare | One economy‑class ticket India ↔ host country |
| Miscellaneous | Visa fees, registration, research/library fees |
| Supplementary Income | Teaching/research assistantship allowed |
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Application Process
1. Register at the official NOS portal (nosmsje.gov.in) as a new user.
2. Log in and complete the online application form, including personal, academic, and university offer details.
3. Upload required documents.
4. Submit and save your reference number.
5. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed before final selection
Also Read: National Overseas Scholarship 2025: A Complete Guide for Indian Students
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Required Documents
- Aadhaar card
- Class 10 Certificate
- Caste Certificate (SC, DNT, etc.)
- Income Certificate (≤ ₹8 lakh), ITR proof
- Unconditional admission offer letter from foreign university
- All academic mark sheets, qualifying degree certificates (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for Ph.D.)
- Photograph and scanned signature
- Employer’s NOC (if employed); gap certificate (if applicable)
Post-Provisional Award Stage:
- Attested forms, declarations, passport copy, affidavit statements, etc.
- Original bond executed with two sureties, solvency certificates, medical certificate
- Travel date confirmation and visa documents
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – Selection & Verification
Selection Rounds
- Round 1 Priority: Applicants with unconditional admission offers from QS Top 500 universities are given first preference.
- Conditional Offers: Candidates with conditional admission may be considered in later rounds, provided they submit final proof of admission by the cut-off date.
- Final Award List: The provisional list of selected candidates is released after evaluation based on academic merit, income criteria, and university ranking.
Verification Process
- Mandatory In-Person Verification: Selected candidates must complete physical document verification at the Ministry or designated centres within 6 months of receiving the provisional award letter.
- Failure to comply within this timeframe may result in cancellation of the award.
Important Considerations
- Course Restrictions: Scholarships do not cover courses related to Indian heritage, culture, or language, even if offered abroad.
- Post-Study Obligation: Scholars are required to return to India and serve in their field for a minimum of 5 years after completing their studies.
- Failing to meet this requirement will result in a demand to repay the entire scholarship amount.
- Administrative Delays: Candidates should be aware of potential delays in fund disbursement, document approvals, and communication due to budget constraints or processing issues.
Also Read: Types of Bonafide Certificate & Usage
National Overseas Scholarship for SC Students – FAQs
Who is eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)?
Students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC),Denotified Nomadic Tribes,Semi-Nomadic Tribes,Landless Agricultural Labourers,and Traditional Artisans are eligible,provided: They have scored at least 60% in the qualifying degree.Their family income is less than ₹8 lakh per annum.They have received an unconditional offer from a QS Top 500 foreign university.They meet the age limit criteria (below 35–45 years depending on the course level).
What courses are covered under the NOS?
The scholarship covers: Master’s degrees,Ph.D.and Postdoctoral research.Courses should be full-time,accredited,and offered by a QS-ranked international university.Subjects must be relevant to employment opportunities;courses related to Indian heritage,culture,or arts are not eligible.
What is the age limit to apply?
Master’s: Up to 35 years Ph.D.: Up to 40 years Postdoctoral: Up to 45 years (Age is calculated as of April 1 of the application year.)
What is the income limit for applying?
The total family income (including parents,spouse,and self) should not exceed ₹8 lakh per year.Income certificates must be issued by competent authorities.
Can employed students apply for NOS?
Yes.Employed candidates must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer and agree to a return-to-India condition upon course completion.
What are the financial benefits under the scholarship?
The scholarship provides: Full tuition fee reimbursement. Maintenance allowance: USD 15,400 per annum (non-UK countries); GBP 9,900 per annum (UK). Contingency allowance: USD 1,500 (non-UK); GBP 1,100 (UK). Travel expenses,visa charges,health insurance,and other minor costs.
How many scholarships are awarded annually?
A total of 125 scholarships are awarded each year,of which 115 are for SC candidates.30% of the awards are reserved for women candidates.
Is the scholarship renewable every year?
No,separate renewal is needed.The funding is disbursed based on the approved course duration (up to 3 years for Master’s,4 for Ph.D.,1.5 for Postdoctoral).
What is the application process?
Apply online through the official NOS portal.Upload all required documents.Applications are reviewed in two rounds (usually in April and September).Selection is merit-cum-means based,considering QS ranking,marks,and income.
Is a bond agreement required?
Yes.Selected candidates must: Execute a legal bond with two sureties.Submit a solvency certificate.Agree to return to India and serve in their field for at least 5 years after completion.
What documents are needed while applying?
Key documents include: Aadhaar card,caste certificate,income certificate.Academic transcripts and degree certificates.Unconditional admission letter from a QS-ranked university.Family income proofs (including ITRs).Employer’s NOC (if employed).
What happens if selected students don’t submit their final documents?
They risk losing the scholarship.All final verification must be completed by December 31 of the year of award.Failing to do so leads to cancellation of the provisional award.
Can a student apply for NOS more than once?
No.A student can only be awarded NOS once in their lifetime.If they have already received financial assistance for the same or higher level of study (in India or abroad),they are not eligible.
Where can I check the list of eligible universities?
You can refer to the latest QS World University Rankings,as only universities ranked within the top 500 are accepted.Links are provided on the official NOS portal.
What challenges have students faced recently?
In 2025,funding constraints led to delays in issuing provisional award letters.Though over 100 students were shortlisted,only 40 awards were initially released due to budget exhaustion,raising concerns over scheme continuity.