A Comprehensive Guide on Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad

By 2025, 2 million Indian students are expected to study abroad, with their total spending likely reaching up to $70 billion. As more students seek global education, many rely on Indian government scholarships to make their dreams a reality. These scholarships are designed to support students who aspire to pursue higher education overseas. They cover essential expenses, such as tuition fees, living costs, and travel, enabling students to gain global exposure, enhance their skills, and contribute to India’s growth upon their return. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the major Indian government scholarships for studying abroad.

Indian Government Scholarships For Studying Abroad

The Indian government has introduced several scholarship programs to assist students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. These scholarships cater to various categories of students, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, minority communities, and specific fields of study. Here are some of the major Government of India scholarships to study abroad:

1. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It provides financial aid to students from marginalized communities, enabling them to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. programs abroad. 

The scheme’s main objective is to improve the economic and social status of these communities by offering global education opportunities. Each year, 125 scholarships are awarded, covering fields like engineering, management, medicine, and humanities.

i. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NOS the candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Community: The scholarship is reserved for students from SC, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans.
• Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and be applying for postgraduate or doctoral studies. Bachelor’s degrees are not eligible for this scholarship​.
• Family Income: The total family income from all sources should not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be below 35 years of age as of April 1st of the selection year.
• Other Restrictions: A maximum of two applicants from a single family are allowed to receive this scholarship, and students already settled abroad or studying there are ineligible​.

ii. Application Process

The application form for the National Overseas Scholarship is typically released in February on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s official website. Candidates must submit their applications along with the required documents, which include:

• Proof of date of birth
• Academic certificates and mark sheets
• Family income certificate
• Admission offer letter from a recognized international university​.

The process after application submission is as follows:

• Once the applications are submitted, a selection committee reviews them based on eligibility and the applicant’s academic performance. 
• The selected students receive a comprehensive scholarship package covering tuition fees, travel expenses, maintenance allowance, and medical insurance. 

2. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans

The Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at supporting students from other backward classes (OBC) and economically backward classes (EBC). The scheme provides interest subsidies on education loans for students pursuing higher education abroad. 

Its goal is to promote the academic and professional growth of marginalized communities by reducing the financial burden of interest on their education loans, thus improving their employability and social mobility​.

i. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans the applicant must meet the following criteria: 

• Caste Category: Belong to the OBC or EBC categories.
• Admission Qualifications: Have secured admission to an approved foreign university or institution for higher studies.
• Income: Have a total family income not exceeding Rs. 8 LPA​.

ii. Application Process

Here’s how you can apply for this scholarship:

• First, apply for an education loan from a scheduled bank that follows the Indian Banking Association’s model.
• Next, submit your application for the interest subsidy. You can do this either through the designated bank branch or online via the portal connected to the scheme.
• Once your eligibility is verified, the interest subsidy will be directly provided to the bank. This subsidy will cover the loan interest during the moratorium period, which includes your course duration plus one year.

Also Read: Best Countries To Study Abroad

3. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Scholarships

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment offers a variety of Indian government schemes for students to study abroad. The aim of providing these scholarships is to uplift underprivileged sections of society, particularly those from Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and other disadvantaged groups. These scholarships, such as the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme and the Top Class Education Scheme, are designed to support students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education. 

The primary goal is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education by providing financial aid for tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs, enabling students to continue their studies without financial barriers​.

i. Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Scholarships the candidate must meet the following criteria: 

• Nationality: Indian nationals only.
• Caste Category: Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC), depending on the specific scholarship.
• Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have passed the Matriculation or equivalent examination. For some scholarships, they must be enrolled in professional or degree programs.
• Income Limits: Family income should not exceed INR 2,50,000 per annum for SC candidates. The income limit may vary for other scholarships based on category and economic background​.

ii. Application Process:

Here are the steps to apply for this scholarship:

• Register as new users on the NSP by providing their mobile number for OTP verification and creating a unique ID and password.
• Fill in personal, academic, and scheme-specific details.
• Upload required documents such as caste certificate, income proof, bank details, and proof of admission must be uploaded.
• Submit the application after ensuring all details are accurate. 
• NSP monitors the application and provides updates regarding the selection process. 

4. National Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

The National Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is an Indian government scholarship for studying abroad. The scholarship is part of the broader National Scholarship Portal (NSP) initiative, which offers a range of scholarships designed to assist students from diverse backgrounds. 

It is managed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Government of India. This scholarship ensures that students with disabilities can pursue their studies without financial hindrance, helping them secure a brighter future and integrate fully into society.

i. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the National Scholarship for Students with Disabilities the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Disability Requirement: Applicants must have a disability certificate confirming a disability level of at least 40%.
• Academic Level: For pre-matric scholarships, students should be in classes 9 and 10. For post-matric scholarships, students must be pursuing studies beyond Class 10, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses.
• Income Limit: The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹2,50,000 from all sources.
• Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• Attendance: Students must have a good attendance record as required by their educational institution.
• Specific Requirements: Students must either hold or be enrolled for a Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID), as mandated by the Department​.

ii. Application Process

To apply for the National Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, follow these steps:

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in. First-time applicants need to register themselves as a fresh applicant.
• After registration, log in using your registered credentials.
• Choose the specific scholarship category (Pre-Matric or Post-Matric for Students with Disabilities).
• Fill in all required personal, academic, and disability-related details.
• Upload essential documents, including:
  • Recent photograph
  • Marksheet of the previous academic year
  • Fee receipt
  • Age proof
  • Income certificate
  • Bank account details
  • Disability certificate
• Review all details and apply online​.

5. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships

The Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships are offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to strengthen educational and cultural ties between the U.S. and India. These fellowships provide Indian students, academics, and professionals with opportunities to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. 

The program supports a variety of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is designed to develop future leaders and promote academic and cultural collaboration between the two nations.

i. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships the applicant must meet the following criteria: 

• Nationality: Be Indian citizens currently residing in India.
• Educational Qualifications: Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with a minimum of 55% marks.
• Work Experience: Have a minimum of three years of professional work experience in a relevant field.
• Leadership and Academic Record: Demonstrate leadership qualities and a strong academic record.
• Entrance Exam and Language Tests: Possess a valid GRE score, as well as TOEFL or IELTS scores.

ii. Application Process

The application process for the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships is rigorous and involves several stages:

• Complete an online application form available on the USIEF website. This form includes personal information, academic qualifications, work experience, and a detailed project proposal or study plan.
• Submit supporting documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or curriculum vitae. A detailed research proposal is also required for research fellowships.
• The applications are reviewed by a panel of experts in the respective fields. 
• Shortlisted candidates undergo an interview conducted by a panel comprising Indian and American experts. The interview assesses the applicant’s academic and professional achievements, the feasibility of their proposed project, and their potential to contribute to India-U.S. relations.
• After the interview, the USIEF Board makes the final selection. Successful candidates are notified and proceed to fulfill any additional requirements, such as obtaining a U.S. visa.

6. K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

The K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad is a prestigious program established by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust in 1956. It is designed to support deserving Indian students who wish to pursue higher education abroad. The scholarship offers interest-free loan scholarships to help students overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic and career goals on an international platform.

Each year, the program selects a handful of exceptional students and provides them with financial assistance. The top three recipients can receive up to ₹10,00,000 each, while other selected candidates can receive up to ₹5,00,000. This financial aid covers various educational expenses, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs.

i. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Indian Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
2. Academic Qualification: The candidate should have a first-class degree or an equivalent diploma from a recognized Indian institution.
3. Admission to a Foreign University: The candidate must have secured admission or have applied for admission to a reputed international university for courses commencing between August 2023 and February 2024.
4. Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of a degree or diploma course can also apply, provided they produce their final year mark sheet or provisional certificate by the end of June 2023.

ii. Application Process

The application process for the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship involves several steps:

• Register on the official K.C. Mahindra Education Trust website by creating an account.
• Submit various documents, including their admission letter, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores (GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL).
• Applications are reviewed based on the applicant’s academic merit, financial need, and overall potential.
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview conducted by the selection committee, which holds significant weight in the final decision.
• Selected candidates are notified and provided with instructions for accepting the scholarship.

7. Ms Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship

The Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship is a research fellowship established in 1968 to honor the legacy of Agatha Harrison, a British socialist and trade unionist who passionately supported India’s independence. This fellowship is awarded annually to an Indian scholar, allowing them to pursue advanced research in modern Indian studies—focusing on history, economics, and political science—at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford.

The fellowship aims to promote academic excellence and foster deeper research into the complex dynamics of modern India, enhancing the scholarly exchange between India and the United Kingdom. The selected fellow receives a stipend of £29,347 per year, along with coverage for tuition fees and round-trip airfare, ensuring they can fully focus on their research during their time at Oxford​.

i. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ms. Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Age: Applicants should be between 30 and 40 years old.
• Academic Qualifications: Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as history, economics, or political science, or possess published works of equivalent merit. A consistently brilliant academic record, with at least 60% marks at the master’s level, is required.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of three years of teaching experience at the graduate or postgraduate level is mandatory.

ii. Application Process

The application process for the fellowship involves several key steps:

• Submit a detailed research proposal that outlines the objectives, methodology, and significance of their proposed project within the context of modern Indian studies.
• Submit required documents including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other testimonials attesting to your qualifications and research potential.
• Applications should be typed and submitted on plain paper, including all necessary documents, such as photographs and proof of employment if applicable. Employed candidates must obtain sponsorship from their employer.
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, after which the final selection is made based on merit and the interview performance.

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Conclusion

Earning a scholarship to study abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering new opportunities, networks, and knowledge. The Indian government scholarships for studying abroad help students from different backgrounds access these opportunities and fulfill their academic dreams. As you think about applying, it’s important to review the eligibility criteria closely, prepare a strong application, and stay organized throughout the process. By making the most of these scholarships, you can not only reach your academic goals but also gain valuable experiences that will shape your future, both personally and professionally.

You can check out our blog on how to get scholarships for studying abroad to learn the steps for receiving a scholarship for studying abroad. 

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