The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. programs abroad with full financial support. With 125 slots available each year, this centrally funded scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment helps marginalized students gain access to globally ranked universities.
But while the official NOS FAQ document answers many questions, real applicants often need more clarity — especially around age limits, course eligibility, visa types, selection process, IELTS/GRE requirements, and more.
This post simplifies the official answers, adds expert insights, and includes tips to help you confidently navigate the NOS 2025 process.
Table of Contents
1. Who can apply for the Scholarship?
Official Answer: The NOS is open to:
- Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans (4 slots)
- Scheduled Castes (115 slots)
- Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (6 slots)
What You Need to Know:
- Definition Clarity: A “Landless Agricultural Labourer” is someone whose family earns a living through manual labor on agricultural land and owns no property or land. A “Traditional Artisan” earns their livelihood through traditional crafts.
- State Quota: There’s a 10% cap on slots per state in the first round to ensure fair distribution. If slots remain unfilled, they’re opened to other states in the second round.
- Women’s Reservation: 30% of slots are reserved for women. If fewer women apply, these slots are allocated to male candidates.
Tip: Check your caste certificate to confirm eligibility and ensure it’s issued by the correct state authority, as this determines your state quota. A Bihar-issued SC certificate counts under Bihar’s cap.
2. What Are the Eligibility Criteria?
Official Answer:
- Age: Below 35 as of April 1, 2025.
- Family Income: Less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum.
- Qualification: Bachelor’s for Master’s; Master’s for Ph.D.
- Marks: Minimum 60% in the qualifying exam.
Clarifying Confusions:
- Age Limit: You’re eligible if you’re 34 on April 1, 2025, even if you turn 35 later in the year. For example, a birthday on April 15, 1990, qualifies.
- Family Income: Includes income of parents, siblings under 18, spouse, and children under 18 (or in-laws for married women). Submit a Tehsildar-issued income certificate and ITRs for 2023-24 (and 2024-25 for the second round if income exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh in old tax regime or Rs. 3 lakh in new regime).
- Marks: Submit all semester marksheets. For CGPA, provide a university-authenticated conversion formula.
Check Eligibility Requirements for National Overseas Scholarship 2025-26.
Tip: Start collecting income documents early, as ITR processing can be delayed.
3. How Many Slots Are Available?
Official Answer: 125 slots annually, distributed as:
| Category | Slots |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes | 115 |
| Denotified/Nomadic/Semi-Nomadic Tribes | 6 |
| Landless Agricultural Labourers & Artisans | 4 |
What You Need to Know:
- If slots remain unfilled in a category, they’re opened to other eligible categories based on merit.
- A waitlist (up to 50% of seats) is maintained in the final round, valid until March 31, 2026.
Tip: Apply early in the first round (March/April) for better chances, as slots are competitive.
4. Whether the Scholarship is available for Graduation Level Course?
Official Answer: No, under the Scheme Scholarship is given for Master and Ph.D level courses only.
Clarifying Course Eligibility:
- Restriction: Bachelor’s programs are not covered, regardless of the field or university.
- Additional Note: Courses on Indian culture, heritage, history, or social studies are ineligible, as decided by the Selection-cum-Screening Committee.
Tip: Check the 2025 QS rankings for Master’s/Ph.D. programs at top 500 universities (required for the first round).
5. What Courses Are Eligible for the Scholarship?
Official Answer: The scholarship supports Master’s and Ph.D. programs in any field at accredited foreign universities.
Common Confusion Clarified:
- Course Restrictions: Topics related to Indian culture, heritage, history, or social studies on India are not eligible. The Selection-cum-Screening Committee decides what falls under this category.
- Same-Level Courses: You cannot apply for a Master’s if you already have a Master’s degree (or a Ph.D. if you have a Ph.D.) from India or abroad.
Check List of Eligible Courses for National Overseas Scholarship 2025-26
6. What is the minimum Qualification Required?
Official Answer:
- Master’s → requires a Bachelor’s degree
- Ph.D. → requires a Postgraduate degree
Insights:
- Qualification Details: A Bachelor’s degree is needed for Master’s programs; a Master’s degree for Ph.D. programs.
7. What is the minimum percentage of marks required?
Official Answer: 60% or equivalent CGPA
Clarifying Confusions:
- Marks Calculation: Submit marksheets for all semesters. For CGPA, provide a university-authenticated conversion formula to percentage.
- Rejection Risk: Missing marksheets or conversion formulas lead to application rejection.
Tip: If your university gives CGPA, provide a conversion formula authenticated by your university.
8. How Do I Apply?
Official Answer:
- Apply online only at nosmsje.gov.in. Offline applications are not accepted.
Practical Tips:
- Rounds: First round (March/April 2025, 40 days + 4 days for corrections); second round (September/October 2025, same duration).
- Documents: Include 10th certificate, caste certificate, photo, signature, address proof, degree/marksheets, admission document, income documents, ITR acknowledgment, Aadhar card, and NOC (if employed).
- Aadhar: Submit before the final award letter if not provided during application.
- Check Detailed Guide on How to Apply for NOS 2025-26.
Tip: Scan documents in PDF format and create a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
9. What are the documents required for filling the forms?
Official Answer: Applicant can refer how to file the form documents available in the portal http://nosmsje.gov.in/. The detailed documents explained the documents required and other detail for filling the form.
Key Details:
- Application Stage: 10th certificate, caste certificate, photo, signature, address proof, degree/marksheets, admission document, income documents, ITR acknowledgment, Aadhar card, NOC (if employed).
- Post-Selection: Attestation form, self-declarations, passport copy, bonds, solvency certificates, health certificate, visa copies, undertakings.
Tip: Create a checklist based on Annexure-I in the NOS guidelines and scan documents in PDF format. Download Annexure-I PDF.
10. How long is the scholarship valid for?
Official Answer:
- Master’s: Up to 3 years
- Ph.D.: Up to 4 years
What You Need to Know:
- Extensions beyond this period are allowed only with approval from the university and Indian Mission, without additional financial assistance except return airfare.
Tip: Plan your course timeline to complete within the sanctioned duration to avoid funding issues.
11. How much financial assistance is provided?
Official Answer:
| Type of Expense | Amount (USA/Others) | Amount (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Allowance | $15,400/year | £9,900/year |
| Contingency Allowance | $1,500/year | £1,100/year |
| Tuition Fees | Full (as charged) | Full (as charged) |
| Equipment Allowance | $20 | £20 |
| Airfare, Visa, Medical Insurance | Fully covered | Fully covered |
Insights:
- Covers up to 3 years for Master’s and 4 years for Ph.D.
- You can supplement with research/teaching assistantships.
- For online classes in India, maintenance follows Post Matric Scholarship for SC rates.
Tip: Research living costs in your target country, as the maintenance allowance may not cover everything. Explore university scholarships for extra support.
12. Who Provides the Financial Assistance?
Official Answer:
- In India: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Abroad: Indian Missions handle tuition, allowance, and reporting
Insights:
- The Ministry issues a provisional award letter upon selection and a confirmed award letter after verifying admission.
- Indian Missions disburse maintenance allowances and other payments.
Tip: Contact the Indian Mission upon arrival to ensure timely disbursements.
13. Within how much period a candidate can avail the award?
Official Answer: You must join the course within 1 year or 2 intake deferrals from the award letter date — or the scholarship is canceled.
What You Need to Know:
- Deferrals depend on university intake cycles (e.g., fall/spring).
- Notify the Ministry if you defer to avoid cancellation.
Tip: Align your university admission timeline with NOS deadlines to avoid delays.
14. How to seek admission abroad?
Official Answer: Selected candidates are required to themselves arrange for their admission in foreign accredited educational institutions/universities.
Practical Tips:
- First Round: Target top 500 QS-ranked universities (check 2025 rankings).
- IELTS/GRE: Not required by NOS but often needed by universities (e.g., GRE for U.S. Ph.D.s, IELTS for UK programs).
Tip: Contact university admissions offices for guidance on requirements like IELTS/GRE.
15. What to Do After Getting Admission?
Official Answer: Inform the Ministry and submit your admission letter. They will verify it via the Indian Mission abroad and issue your Confirmed Award Letter.
Insights:
- Submit an unconditional offer letter or admission confirmation.
- Verification ensures your university is accredited and eligible.
Tip: Keep the Ministry updated on any changes to your admission status.
16. How to get visa?
Official Answer:
- Apply to the foreign country’s embassy/consulate in India for a visa that requires return to India post-course.
- The Government of India doesn’t assist with visas.
Clarifying Confusions:
- For the USA: Only J-1 Visa is accepted (not F-1)
- For other countries: Any visa that mandates return to India post-study is okay
Tip: Research visa requirements early, as processing can take weeks.
17. What Formalities Are Required Before Departure?
Official Answer:
- Submit legal documents and agreements as required by the Government of India.
- Contact the Indian Mission abroad upon arrival and submit a university-certified joining report.
- Employed candidates need employer bonds/agreements.
Practical Tips:
- Execute two bonds (Rs. 100 non-judicial stamp paper) with two sureties (minimum Rs. 50,000 each).
- Provide solvency certificates for sureties from the Revenue Department.
- Submit undertakings (e.g., no other scholarships, not acquired the same qualification).
Tip: Visit the Ministry with originals for verification and email PDFs of all documents.
18. Can I Apply If I’m Already Abroad or Studying Abroad?
Official Answer: Not directly addressed in the FAQs, but the guidelines state candidates already studying abroad via other scholarships or own funds are ineligible.
Insights:
- If you’re abroad but not enrolled in a course, you may apply if you meet other criteria (e.g., new admission in a top 500 QS-ranked university).
- Notify the Ministry if you’re abroad during the application process.
19. Are IELTS or GRE Scores Required?
Official Answer: Not explicitly mentioned in the NOS FAQs or guidelines.
What You Need to Know:
- NOS doesn’t require IELTS, GRE, or other standardized tests, but many top 500 QS-ranked universities (mandatory for the first round) do. For example, U.S. universities often require GRE for Ph.D. programs, and UK universities may need IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency.
- Check university requirements early to avoid surprises.
Download NOS 2025-26 Official FAQs PDF
| National Overseas Scholarship 2025-26 Quick Links | |
| NOS Eligibility Criteria | NOS Selection Process |
| How to Apply for NOS | Top 500 QS Universities for NOS |
The National Overseas Scholarship 2025 can change your life — but success depends on timely planning and understanding the fine print. This blog has explained the official information with practical insights and tips to make your journey easier.
Still confused? Drop your questions in the comments — we’re here to help!
Disclaimer: This guide is based on the official NOS 2025 guidelines and FAQs available on nosmsje.gov.in. Please cross-check for updates before applying.