National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2025-26: Apply Online Link Active, Check Eligibility, Selection Process, Benefits and More Details

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2025-26: The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme (NOS) 2025-26, offered by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, presents a prestigious opportunity for students from marginalized communities to pursue higher education abroad. This Central Sector Scheme fosters academic excellence and social upliftment by providing comprehensive financial assistance for Master's and Ph.D. programs.

Objective of the Scheme

The primary objective of the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is to empower low-income students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans by providing them the opportunity to pursue higher education abroad. This scheme aims to improve their socio-economic status through advanced education.

Scope of the Scholarship

The scheme offers financial aid to selected candidates pursuing Master's and Ph.D. programs in accredited foreign institutions across any field of study. Each year, 125 new scholarships are awarded, subject to fund availability. Category-wise slot distribution includes:

• Scheduled Castes (SC): 115 slots
• Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: 6 slots
• Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans: 4 slots

If slots remain unfilled after the first round of selection, they will be carried forward to the second round. Additionally, 30% of the awards are reserved for women candidates.

National Overseas Scholarship 2025 Eligibility Criteria

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

• Academic Qualification:
• For Ph.D. programs: Minimum 60% marks in the Master’s degree.
• For Master’s programs: Minimum 60% marks in the Bachelor's degree.
• Age Limit:
• The applicant must be under 35 years as of April 1, 2025.
• Income Ceiling:
• The gross annual family income should not exceed INR 8.00 lakh in the preceding financial year.
• University Ranking:
• Candidates must have an unconditional offer of admission from institutions ranked within the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Exclusions:
• Bachelor’s level courses are not covered.
• Candidates who have already availed of any other central or state government-funded overseas scholarship are not eligible.
• Family Limit:
• A maximum of two children from the same family can receive the scholarship.

Financial Benefits of the National Overseas Scholarship

Selected candidates receive comprehensive financial assistance, which includes:

• Tuition Fees: Covers full academic costs.
• Living Expenses: Monthly maintenance allowance.
• Contingency Allowance: For essential academic expenses.
• Travel Costs: Economy class airfare to and from the study destination.

National Overseas Scholarship 2025 Application Process

• Online Application: Interested candidates must apply through the official portal: www.nosmsje.gov.in.
• Application Timeline:
• First Round: Opens in February/March 2025 for 40 days, followed by a 4-day correction window.
• Second Round: If slots remain unfilled, the portal reopens in September/October 2025.
• Required Documents:
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Income certificate issued by a Tehsildar or equivalent authority.
• Proof of admission from a QS-ranked institution.

Selection Procedure for National Overseas Scholarship

• Merit-Based Ranking: Priority is given to candidates with admissions from top 500 QS-ranked universities.
• Screening Committee: Eligible applications are reviewed by the Selection-cum-Screening Committee.
• Confirmation: Selected candidates must complete verification and documentation within 6 months of receiving the award letter.
• Waitlist: If slots remain unfilled, a waitlist (up to 50% of total slots) is maintained until March 31, 2026.

Important Notes

• Applicants already abroad or those with prior foreign study experience under other scholarships are not eligible.
• Successful candidates must complete pre-departure formalities, including document verification and solvency certificates.

Stay updated on the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2025-26 by regularly checking the official portal and ensuring timely submission of all required documents.