National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme

Why is in news? Implementation of NOS Scheme

The expenditure incurred under the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme increased appreciably since 2018-19. More than 200 crore funds disbursed under the NOS schemes since 2018-19 till date

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment implements two National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) schemes.

One is implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment for students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans.

The other is implemented by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD) for students with disabilities. Both the Departments review their schemes from time to time and make changes for the betterment of the scheme.

The Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship is to facilitate the low income students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans category to obtain higher education viz., Master degree or Ph. D courses by studying abroad thereby improving their Economic and Social status.

The Scheme provides financial assistance to the selected candidates for pursuing Masters level courses and Ph.D. courses abroad in the Institutions/Universities accredited by the Government/an authorized body of that country in any fields of study. 30% of the awards for each year are earmarked for women candidates.

Eligibility:

In order to be eligible for scholarship, at least 60%of marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination would be required. In case of Ph. D courses, the qualifying exam is Master Degree and for Master Degree courses, the qualifying examination is Bachelors' Degree.

The age of candidate should not be more than 35 (Thirty Five) years, as on first day of April of the selection year.

Total family income from all sources shall not exceed Rs. 8.00 lakh per annum in the preceding financial year.

Under the Scheme, for determination of family income, the family is considered as following: “The candidate applying for scholarship, his/her parents and siblings below the age of 18 years and also his/ her spouse and children below the age of 18 years.

Note: In case of married women, income of the in-laws and her spouse and children below the age of 18 years is to be considered