National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2024-25

• 30% of the scholarships will be reserved for women candidates each year.
• Candidates must submit their Aadhaar Card on the NOS portal and secure admission to programs/fields specified in the Scheme at a top 500 QS-ranked university/institution (latest ranking available). (Link: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2024)  
• Candidates are not eligible for scholarships under this scheme to pursue the same level (Master's/Ph.D.) of study for which they already qualify at any university/institution in India or abroad.
• Topics/courses related to Indian culture, heritage, history, or social studies research will not be covered under the NOS scheme. The Selection-cum-Screening Committee of NOS will have the final say on which topics can be covered under this category.
• Employed candidates are required to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer to this Ministry.
• Awardees who were government servants before going abroad are also required to serve the government upon returning to India, if they continue government service, under the same terms and conditions as before their departure with the NOS scholarship.
• All administrative matters like study leave, salary, etc., are the sole responsibility of the candidate and their employer, as per their organization's rules. This Ministry will not take any responsibility or assist in these matters.
• Candidates are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa for their chosen country of study. Visa authorities may issue visas that permit the candidate to pursue the specified course abroad and then return to India. For candidates applying to universities in the United States, a J-1 Visa is mandatory. The US State Department maintains a list of Designated Sponsor Organizations for J-1 visas for students. Candidates going to the USA should only apply to J-1 Visa sponsoring universities/colleges. Candidates who have applied or already obtained an F-1 Visa are not eligible for scholarships under the Scheme. The Government of India will not assist candidates in obtaining visas.
• Candidates will give an undertaking to allow their university to share information with the concerned Indian Mission abroad and the Ministry.
• They will also undertake that they are not receiving any other scholarship from the Government of India/State Government/foreign government/other organizations in India or abroad. If a scholarship is received from the university/college where they secured admission, it will be allowed, but the amount will be deducted from the admissible amount under NOS.
• Selected candidates must also give an undertaking to the Ministry and the Indian Mission abroad, as per prevailing laws of the foreign country, that they will not extend their stay beyond the completion of the course or scholarship duration (whichever is earlier) unless permitted under clause 14.
• In the event the chosen university/institution allows online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic or similar future situations, the candidate is required to join the online classes upon completing all procedural formalities as per the scheme guidelines.
• Selected candidates must execute a bond on a non-judicial stamp paper before a notary public with two sureties who will execute separate surety bonds for the actual amount to be spent by the Government of India on the candidate, or ₹50,000 (whichever is higher).
• The language of the bond must be acceptable to both the candidate and the Government of India. Solvency certificates must be provided for both sureties, issued by the Revenue Department of the concerned State Government.
• If a selected candidate obtains admission and joins the university/institution before bond execution as mentioned above and cannot return to India, they may execute a Power of Attorney (POA) for a representative in India to act on their behalf and sign legal bonds/agreements/undertakings with the Government of India. All such POAs must be attested/validated by the Indian Embassy/High Commission in the country of study.
• Selected candidates are required to furnish all documents and enter into agreements as decided by the Government of India from time to time.
• Married candidates who decide to take their spouse and children with them or have them join them during the study period are solely responsible for assessing their financial potential and obtaining passports, visas, etc. No financial assistance or support is provided under the Scheme for spouses and children.
• Awardees who receive an overpayment through an Indian Mission abroad or any other government agency are liable to refund the same to the Government of India. Their employer (if any) may recover the excess amount from their dues, at the request of the Government of India, and refund it.
• No scholarship will be disbursed/paid to candidates who complete their education abroad without completing the required procedures/formalities under the scheme.
• Only online applications will be considered for the award. Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected. However, rejected candidates may apply in subsequent selection phases. Candidates must submit the required documents.
• Grievances regarding the results may be submitted within 30 calendar days of the result publication on the portal.
• No requests for changes to the Institution/University will be entertained. If a selected candidate wishes to change their course or university, they must apply afresh in the next available round.
• The jurisdiction of the scheme is limited to providing prescribed financial support to the selected candidates for pursuing higher education in the specified subjects.
• If a candidate pursuing studies abroad violates any terms and conditions of the bonds executed by them, if the educational institution/university informs the Indian Mission abroad about adverse reports on the candidate's studies or conduct, or if the candidate leaves for another country, absconds, joins another university or course/program, or returns to India without informing the Indian Mission abroad due to an exigency, they will be declared a defaulter and liable to refund the entire amount spent on them, along with 12% annual interest.
• If the awardee fails to repay the amount within six months of the demand for a refund, a penal interest of 2.5% higher than the normal interest rate will be charged on the outstanding amount. If the awardee still fails to repay the amount and interest, their sureties, who have executed bonds, will be liable to pay the entire amount. If necessary, the District Collector of the concerned district will recover the amount as arrears of land revenue.
• If any candidate has provided false information or documents, they will be disqualified from the award. If they have already availed of the award or are currently availing of it, action will be initiated to recover the amount spent, along with 15% compound interest. The candidate will also be blacklisted for future awards.
• For employed candidates, departmental action will be initiated, and the Government of India will take up the matter with their respective employers. Employers are requested to carefully review the applications of their employees before issuing NOCs. Employers are also free to require their employees to execute bonds as they deem necessary, following their rules and regulations.
• Any litigation arising from this Scheme in India will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the Union Territory of Delhi. Litigation arising abroad will be handled by the Indian Missions abroad.
• A provision of up to 1% of the total NOS budget will be allocated to Indian Missions abroad/the Ministry for creating a database, publicity, hiring manpower, maintaining/upgrading the NOS Portal, generating awareness, and other activities necessary for the efficient operation of the scheme. Using these administrative expenses, Missions may engage full-time or part-time personnel to manage related work, with the approval of the Ministry.
• The candidate will not be eligible to receive any other scholarship benefits from similar schemes offered by the Central or State Governments.
• Under special circumstances, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment may consider and decide on modifications or relaxations to the guidelines of the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for SC, etc., except for financial norms. Financial parameters may be changed in consultation with the Department of Expenditure.

Note: For detailed information, kindly refer to the 'Scholarship Guidelines'.