Hurry! Apply for Overseas Scholarship Scheme for SC Students to Pursue Studies Abroad

Gandham Chandrudu, Special Secretary (Department of Social Welfare), said that the guidelines for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme have been amended, and eligible students may apply for the 2022-23 academic year in Andhra Pradesh.

The objective of the scheme is to facilitate the students from low-income groups belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), de-notified nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, landless agricultural laborers and traditional artisans category to obtain higher education (Master Degree and PhD courses) by studying abroad, thereby improving their economic and social status.

The scheme provides financial assistance to selected candidates for pursuing master's and Ph. D courses abroad in any field of study at institutions or universities approved by the government or an authorized authority of that country. "Under the scheme, 125 fresh awards are made in each selection year, depending on the availability of funds," he stated.

There are 115 slots for Scheduled Castes, six slots for de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, and four slots for landless agricultural laborers and traditional artisans out of the 125 available. If successful candidates are not available to the extent specified for each of the above-listed categories, the awards for that year become accessible to candidates from other categories indicated above based on the scheme's merit criteria.

Thirty percent of the awards are reserved for female candidates, and if no appropriate female candidates are available, the unfilled seats are filled by selecting suitable male candidates.

Chandrudu said candidates already staying, studying or having completed studies abroad by utilizing any other scholarship from the State government or other agency or through their own funds are not eligible to apply under the NOS.

Students may get detailed guidelines of the scheme at: https://jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in/

They should submit their applications online at http://www.nosmsje.gov.in