National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students 2024-25

National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students 2024-25 is an opportunity offered to ST students pursuing master's, doctoral (Ph.D.), and postdoctoral degrees at reputable universities worldwide. The program is implemented through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with Indian Embassies/Missions abroad. Selected candidates will receive an annual maintenance allowance of $15,400 and other benefits.

Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India is offering the scholarship.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be an Indian citizen
• belong to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
• have an annual family income of less than ₹6,00,000
• fulfil the below-mentioned requirements:

Note:-

• Applicants admitted to one of the top 1,000 institutions according to the latest QS World Rankings will be exempt from the minimum bachelor's/master's degree marks requirement.
• Only one child per family is eligible for the award.  
• Recipients cannot receive a second award or an award of the same or higher level under this program. They must self-certify their eligibility.
• For more details, kindly refer to the 'Scholarship Help Document'.

A total of 20 awards per year will be sanctioned to ST students. Selected candidates will receive the following benefits:-

Note:- For more details, kindly refer to the 'Scholarship Detail Document'.

Eligible candidates can apply for the scholarship by following the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button.
Step 2: Click the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details. (Note - If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID)
Step 3: Navigate to the 'Signup' button on the right-hand top corner of the dashboard and click on it. Accept the conditions listed by clicking the checkboxes, then click on 'Proceed'.
Step 4: Fill in the required details to 'Register' on the portal.
Step 5: An OTP will be received on the registered mobile number and email address. Enter the OTP and click on the 'Submit' button. (Note:- In case an OTP is not received, click on the 'Resend OTP' button)
Step 6: Navigate to the 'Register to Digi Locker' tab and click it.
Step 7: Enter the Aadhaar number and click on the 'Next' button.
Step 8: Enter the OTP received on the mobile number and click on the 'Submit' button.
Step 9: Set up a 6-digit security pin, click on the 'Submit' button and upload all the necessary documents.
Step 10: Navigate to the 'Login' button and click to log in with valid credentials.
Step 11: Fill up the application form with the necessary details, upload the required documents and submit it.

• Recent colour passport photograph
• Offer of admission
• Original ST certificate issued by the competent authority
• Original Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) certificate issued by the competent authority (if applicable)
• Original income certificate issued by the competent authority
• Class 10 certificate/mark sheet in support of date of birth
• Graduation/postgraduation marksheet (aggregate marks in %)/equivalent % marks in case of CGPA/Ph.D. completion certificate, wherever applicable (conversion sheet of aggregate marks into percentages to be issued by institute/university)

Candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:-

• All applications received within the stipulated deadline will be screened for eligibility. 
• Separate merit lists will be drawn for each field of study. (Note:- Preference will be given to candidates enrolled in universities ranked within the top 1,000 according to the latest QS World Rankings.)
• Merit will be determined primarily by university ranking. In case of a tie, the candidate's marks/grades in the qualifying examination will be considered.
• Award recipients will be required to secure admission and enroll at a top 1,000-ranked foreign university (as per QS World Rankings) within two years of receiving the award letter. 
• The award will be automatically forfeited if admission and enrollment are not secured within the specified timeframe. 

Note:- For more details, kindly refer to the 'Scholarship Detail Document'.

Application Deadline: 31st May 2024

• Bachelor's degree-level courses in any discipline are excluded from the scheme.
• Financial assistance will be provided after the completion of the course/research or the following period, whichever is earlier - 
  • Post-doctoral research - One and a half year
  • Ph.D. degree - 4 years 
  • Master's degree - 1/2/3 years depending upon the duration of the course
• In any given year, if there are not enough qualified candidates in one of the designated categories, the awards for that year can be given to deserving candidates from the other category.
• A total of six awards i.e. 30% of the total, are earmarked for girls. However, if there are not enough qualified girls to receive these awards, the awards will be transferred to boys.
• Expenses and logistics related to the candidate's participation in the award program will be covered.
• Priority will be given to candidates who have already received a preliminary acceptance letter or offer of admission.
• The scheme's jurisdiction is limited to providing the mentioned financial assistance only to selected candidates pursuing higher education in specified subjects. It does not encompass any aspect related to the awardee's employment opportunities after receiving the award.
• Currently employed candidates can apply directly through the ministry's online portal. However, their application will only be considered valid if they submit a recommendation and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer within 15 days of the application deadline specified in the program advertisement.
• Selected candidates must secure admission and enroll at an accredited university/institution abroad within two years of the notification date. After this timeframe, the award will automatically expire and be terminated. Extensions for utilising the award are not permitted under this program.
• The candidates are not allowed to change the course of study/research for which the scholarship has been sanctioned except with prior written approval of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• All administrative matters including study leave and salary, are the responsibility of the candidates and will be handled directly with their employers according to their organization's rules. This ministry cannot assume any responsibility or provide assistance in these matters.
• If the awardee fails to complete the course, or the Guide/Head of Department certifies that the candidate is not meeting satisfactory progress requirements, the Ministry may exempt the awardee from the "Defaulter under the Scheme" penalty (if applicable). In such cases, the Indian Embassies/Consulates will provide return economy-class airfare to India by the most direct route.
• The opening and closing dates of the portal will be announced through advertisements in Employment News, news dailies, institutes/universities, state governments, and the Ministry's portal.
• Aadhaar is mandatory for registration on the portal.
• Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria when applying for the scholarship. Failure to fulfil eligibility requirements or provide mandatory documents to prove eligibility will result in the application being rejected.
• The provisions of this scheme can be changed at any time with the approval of the Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
• All litigation matters in India will be under the jurisdiction of Delhi courts. For disputes arising abroad, Indian Missions will handle them.

Note:- For more details, kindly refer to the 'Scholarship Detail Document'.