How to Apply for National Overseas Scholarship: NOS Eligibility, Documents & QS 500 Rule
Key Takeaways
- āThe National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) covers 100% tuition, living stipends, and flights for Master's and PhD programs abroad.
- āCandidates must hold an unconditional offer letter from a global institution ranked in the top 500 QS World University Rankings.
- āTotal family income from all sources must not exceed ā¹6,00,000 per annum.
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a flagship central government scheme. It is managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The scheme provides complete financial support to talented students from marginalized communities. Selected scholars pursue Master's degrees and PhD programs at prestigious foreign universities.
The scholarship covers 100% of foreign university tuition fees. Scholars also receive monthly living allowances, book grants, medical insurance, and return airfare.
Review full benefit amounts on the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme Page.
Annual Quota and Target Communities
The Ministry awards 125 fresh scholarships every financial year.
The allocation across community categories is strictly defined:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 115 awards.
- De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT): 6 awards.
- Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans: 4 awards.
Thirty percent of total awards in each category are earmarked for female candidates.
Students from Jharkhand can also evaluate the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Scholarship. Telangana students can review the Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi.
Financial Coverage and Allowance Details
The National Overseas Scholarship offers extensive financial coverage:
| Expense Category | USA & Other Countries | United Kingdom (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fees | 100% actual tuition fees paid directly to university | 100% actual tuition fees paid directly to university |
| Annual Living Allowance | $15,400 per year | Ā£9,900 per year |
| Contingency Allowance | $1,500 per year | Ā£1,100 per year |
| Incidental Travel Allowance | $20 actual expenditure | Ā£15 actual expenditure |
| Air Travel | Economy class flight ticket from India to destination | Economy class flight ticket from India to destination |
| Visa Fees | Actual visa application fee reimbursed | Actual visa application fee reimbursed |
Living allowances disburse in periodic installments through official Indian embassy channels.
Estimate total university living and tuition budgets using the US Study Cost Calculator.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all statutory requirements on the application closing date:
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must hold at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in their qualifying degree.
- Age Threshold: Candidates must be below 35 years of age on April first of the selection year.
- Income Ceiling: Total family income from all sources must be below ā¹6,00,000 per annum. Family income includes earnings of the applicant, parents, and spouse.
- Sibling Limit: Not more than two children from the same parent or guardian can receive awards.
Mandatory QS World Ranking Rule
A critical requirement is the institutional ranking rule. The Ministry enforces strict academic criteria:
- The candidate must secure admission in a foreign institution ranked within the top 500.
- Institutional rank is determined strictly by the latest QS World University Rankings.
- Offers from unranked institutions or universities ranked beyond 500 face immediate rejection.
- The admission offer letter must be unconditional. Conditional offers requiring additional language tests or academic prerequisites are not accepted.
Students planning studies in North America can explore universities in the Study in USA Hub.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
The Ministry manages the entire application process through an official online portal:
- Portal Registration: Create a candidate profile on the official portal (
nosmsje.gov.in). - Profile Verification: Enter your Aadhaar number for demographic validation.
- Upload Academic Documents: Upload degree marksheets, certificates, and your valid Indian passport copy.
- Attach Admission Proof: Upload the unconditional admission letter confirming course name, duration, and fee schedule.
- Income Certificate Submission: Upload a valid family income certificate issued by a state revenue authority.
- Final Submission: Review all entered details carefully and submit before the portal cutoff date.
Track deadlines and application cycles across top foreign opportunities on the Study Abroad Portal.
Verify your profile against central and state quotas using the Scholarship Eligibility Checker.
Planning to study abroad instead?
Calculate your costs, compare non-collateral loans, and get step-by-step visa checklists with our zero-gating Study Abroad Decision Engine.