1 About the Scheme
The National Overseas Scholarship for ST candidates, developed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to empower Scheduled Tribe students by providing them with financial assistance to pursue higher education abroad. This scholarship has been in existence since 1954-1955 and offers opportunities for Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral research programs in the fields of Engineering, Technology, and Science. It is one of the many schemes introduced by the Government of India to protect and promote the rights and interests of socially backward groups and Scheduled Tribes.
2 Eligibility Criteria
Table of Contents
2.1. Educational Qualification
For Post-Doctoral Degree: Applicants must have secured 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their relevant Master’s Degree and PhD. Experienced candidates will be given preference, especially those who are on lien with their current post and employer.
For PhD Degree: Candidates must have obtained 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their relevant Master’s Degree. Preference will be given to experienced candidates, especially those who are on lien with their existing post and employer.
For Master’s Degree: Aspiring students should have achieved 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their relevant Bachelor’s Degree. Preference will be given to experienced candidates, particularly those who are on lien with their current post and employer.
2.2. Age Limit
An applicant must be below 35 years of age as of the first day of April for the selection year.
2.3. Income Limit
The total family income from all sources should not exceed Rs. 6,00,000/- (excluding such allowances as are not treated as part of total income for the purpose of Income Tax) as certified by the employer.
2.4. Children’s Criteria
Only one child from the same parent can get the benefit of this National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for ST students.
3. Rewards and Benefits
3.1 Type of Support :
〉 For students going to the United States of America (USA) and other countries except the United Kingdom (UK), the annual maintenance allowance is $15,400 in US Dollars, and for students going to the UK, it is £9,900 in Great Britain Pounds.
〉 The contingency allowance is $1,500 in US Dollars for students going to the USA and other countries except the UK, and £1,100 in Great Britain Pounds for students going to the UK.
3.2 Other Expenses:
〉 Tuition fees will be based on the actual charges.
〉 Visa fees will be based on the actual visa fees in Indian Rupees (INR).
〉 Medical insurance premiums will be based on the actual cost.
〉 Incidental Journey Allowance & Equipment Allowance will be $20 for each or its equivalent in Indian Rupees (INR).
3.3 Air Travel:
〉 Awardees can buy air tickets from authorized travel agents, subject to the condition that they must be economy class/shortest route on the date of booking.
〉 Awardees can choose the travel agent for booking, but additional expenses like booking charges, excess baggage, cancellation charges, and other add-ons won’t be reimbursed.
〉 Awardees can claim airfare reimbursement from their respective Indian Mission abroad after joining the University and providing a joining report.
〉 Return tickets will be booked by the Indian Mission abroad as per clause 11(iii).
3.4 Notes:
〉 The contingency allowance can be used for books, study tours, travel costs for conferences, thesis typing and binding, etc.
〉 University/institution fees related directly to the studies of scholarship awardees, such as student service fees, registration fees, examination fees, etc., are allowed. However, fees for English or any other language courses before or during the course are not allowed.
〉 Awardees can supplement their allowances by undertaking research/teaching assistantship.
〉 Second or coach class railway fare from the port of disembarkation to the place of study and back is permissible. For far-flung places not connected by rail, bus fares or airfares will be allowed.
〉 The mode of disbursement of financial assistance will be decided by the Government of India and Indian Missions abroad.
〉 If a selected student pursuing research visits India for study/research purposes under the NOS scheme with approval from the respective Indian Mission and concerned University, the rate of maintenance allowances in India will be applicable as per the rate under the National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Castes (SC) implemented by the Ministry of SJ&E.
4. Duration of Reward
| Educational Level | Course Duration |
|---|---|
| Post-Doctoral | 1 & 1/2 years |
| Ph.D | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 1/2/3 years |
5. How to Apply for National Overseas Scholarship for ST Candidates
Step 1. Visit the official website of @ overseas.tribal.gov.in.
Step 2. If you’re new, click on the ‘Register’ button and fill in your details to create an account. (If you already have an account, simply log in using your Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID.)
Step 3. Once registered, fill in your personal details, address, and foreign university information.
Step 4. Provide your educational and employment details, as well as visa information.
Step 5. Upload the necessary documents and submit your online application.
6. Selection Process for National Overseas Scholarship for ST Candidates
- All applications will undergo review by the Screening Committee to shortlist candidates based on the information provided and their merits.
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a personal interview conducted by the Selection Committee.
- Call letters for the shortlisted candidates will be posted on the Ministry’s website. These letters serve as invitations for the personal interview.
- Priority will be given to candidates who have already been admitted to a foreign university.
- In case of a tie between two or more selected candidates, preference will be given to the elder student based on the date of birth mentioned in the application form.
- Candidates with prior work experience will be given preference over those without any relevant experience.
7. Contact Details
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
Room no. 202, 2nd-floor C-wing, Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi, Delhi – 110001
8. National Overseas Scholarship Last Date for Online Application
The last date to apply for National Overseas Scholarship for ST students 2023-24 is 31st July 2023.
