📌 About National Overseas Scholarship Scheme (NOS)

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide financial assistance to ST students for pursuing higher education abroad. The scheme aims to increase the number of ST candidates in international academic institutions, thereby enhancing their employability and contribution to national development. Scholarships are awarded for full‑time Masters and Ph.D. programmes in recognized foreign universities. The scheme covers tuition fees, living expenses, contingency grants, travel costs, and other allowances as per Government of India norms.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the following conditions to be eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship 2026-27:

• Category: Must belong to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) as per the list notified by the Government of India. A valid ST certificate issued by a competent authority is mandatory.
• Educational Qualification:
  • For Masters level: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the relevant discipline from a recognized Indian university with at least 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA).
  • For Ph.D. level: Master’s degree in the relevant discipline with at least 55% marks. Candidates with a valid admission offer for a Ph.D. programme from a recognized foreign university are preferred.
• Age Limit:
  • For Masters: Not exceeding 35 years as on the closing date of application (30 June 2026).
  • For Ph.D.: Not exceeding 40 years as on the closing date.
• Income Limit: The annual family income from all sources (including salary, agriculture, business, etc.) should not exceed ₹6 lakh per annum. An income certificate from a competent authority is required.
• Admission Requirement: Candidates must have secured admission (or must be in the process of applying) to a recognized foreign university/ institution for a full‑time Masters or Ph.D. programme. Preference is given to those with confirmed admission offers from top‑ranked universities (QS, Times Higher Education, etc.).
• Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (usually English) by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent test scores (unless exempted by the university).
• Other Conditions: Candidates who have already availed the NOS scheme or any other Government of India scholarship for studying abroad are not eligible to apply again. Candidates already residing abroad for studies are not eligible.

💰 Financial Benefits / Scholarship Coverage

Selected candidates are entitled to the following financial support (subject to revision as per Government norms):

• Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees (as per the university’s actual charges) are covered, subject to a maximum ceiling (usually up to $30,000 per annum for Masters and $40,000 per annum for Ph.D., or equivalent in other currencies).
• Maintenance Allowance (Living Expenses): Monthly allowance for accommodation, food, and other living costs. The amount varies by country (e.g., USA: ~$1,500/month, UK: ~£1,000/month, etc.).
• Contingency Grant: A one‑time grant for books, stationery, and other academic expenses (usually ₹15,000‑₹25,000 per year).
• Thesis/Dissertation Expenses: For Ph.D. students, additional grants for fieldwork, printing, binding, etc. (up to ₹25,000).
• Air Travel: Economy class airfare (to and fro) from India to the foreign university, once at the beginning and once at the end of the course.
• Medical Insurance: Reimbursement of medical insurance premium up to a specified limit.
• Incidental Journey: Allowance for travel within the host country for academic purposes (if approved).
• Other Allowances: Visa fees, airport transfer, and other sundry expenses (as per scheme guidelines).

📊 Number of Slots and Reservation

A total of 20 slots are available for the selection year 2026-27. The number may increase or decrease at the discretion of the Ministry. Slots are allocated across various disciplines and levels (Masters and Ph.D.). Additionally, 3% of the slots are reserved for candidates with disabilities (PwD) belonging to the ST category.

If sufficient eligible candidates are not available, the Ministry may re‑allocate slots to other subject areas or levels. The decision of the Ministry is final and binding.

📝 Selection Process

The selection of candidates for the National Overseas Scholarship is based on a multi‑stage process:

1. Online Application Submission: Candidates fill the application form on the NOS portal and upload all required documents.
2. Screening of Applications: The Ministry screens applications for eligibility (category, academic records, income, etc.).
3. Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview (in‑person or video conferencing). The interview assesses the candidate’s academic background, research aptitude (for Ph.D.), communication skills, and motivation.
4. Final Merit List: Based on academic performance, admission offer ranking, interview score, and availability of slots, a final merit list is prepared.
5. Issuance of Award Letter: Selected candidates receive an award letter outlining the terms and conditions of the scholarship.
6. Pre‑departure Formalities: Awardees must sign a bond, complete medical check‑ups, and obtain necessary visas before departure.

The Ministry reserves the right to cancel or modify the selection process at any stage without assigning any reason.

📄 List of Documents Required

Candidates must upload the following documents (in PDF or JPEG format) on the application portal:

• Recent passport‑size colour photograph (with date of photograph printed).
• Signature (on white paper, black ink).
• ST certificate issued by a competent authority (in prescribed format).
• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets (10th, 12th, Bachelor’s, Master’s – all years/semesters).
• Provisional certificate / degree certificate (if final degree not yet awarded).
• Admission offer letter from a recognized foreign university (provisional or final).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining the candidate’s academic goals and why they wish to study abroad.
• Research proposal (for Ph.D. applicants) – typically 2‑3 pages.
• Two recommendation letters from professors or employers (preferably academic).
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score).
• Income certificate of family (from a competent authority, showing annual income ≤ ₹6 lakh).
• Caste certificate (if applicable for PwD or other sub‑categories).
• Proof of date of birth (10th certificate or birth certificate).
• Passport (first and last page).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer if employed.
• Medical fitness certificate (to be submitted after selection, before departure).

📱 How to Apply Online for NOS 2026-27 (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Visit the official NOS portal: https://overseas.tribal.gov.in/.
2. Click on “New Registration” to create an account. Fill in basic details (name, email, mobile number, date of birth, ST category, etc.).
3. After successful registration, log in with the generated User ID and password.
4. Fill the online application form with personal details, academic qualifications, proposed course and university, research proposal (for PhD), etc.
5. Upload scanned copies of all required documents (photograph, signature, certificates, admission offer, etc.) as per the specified size and format.
6. Review the application carefully. No changes are allowed after final submission.
7. Submit the application online. No application fee is charged for NOS.
8. Take a printout of the submitted application form and keep it for future reference.
9. If required, send the hard copy of the application along with self‑attested documents to the Ministry address (as mentioned on the portal) before the deadline.

⚠️ Important Terms & Conditions

• Selected candidates must execute a bond to serve in India for a specified period (usually 3‑5 years) after completing their studies abroad. Failure to comply may result in recovery of the scholarship amount.
• Candidates must maintain satisfactory academic progress; otherwise, the scholarship may be terminated.
• The scholarship is for full‑time courses only. Part‑time or distance learning programmes are not covered.
• Any change of university or course must be approved by the Ministry in advance.
• Candidates must not accept any other scholarship/fellowship during the tenure of NOS.
• The Ministry’s decision regarding eligibility and selection is final and binding.

🔗 Important Links

Description	Link
NOS Official Portal	https://overseas.tribal.gov.in/
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Website	https://tribal.gov.in/
Download Official Notification (PDF)	Attached: Advertisement for inviting applications under NOS 2026-27 (1).pdf

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme (NOS)?
A1. NOS is a scholarship scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for Scheduled Tribe students to pursue Masters and PhD programmes abroad, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances.

Q2. How many slots are available under NOS 2026-27?
A2. There are 20 slots for the selection year 2026-27 (number of slots may vary).

Q3. What is the application period?
A3. Online applications are open from 15 May 2026 to 30 June 2026 (5:30 PM).

Q4. Who is eligible to apply?
A4. Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates who have secured admission to recognized foreign universities for Masters or PhD programmes, with minimum 55% marks in qualifying degree. Age limit: 35 years for Masters, 40 years for PhD.

Q5. What expenses are covered under the scholarship?
A5. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses (maintenance allowance), contingency grant, thesis/ dissertation expenses, air travel, and other allowances as per government norms.

Q6. How are candidates selected?
A6. Selection is based on academic merit, research proposal, interview (if conducted), and adherence to the scheme's guidelines. Preference is given to candidates with admission offers from top-ranked universities.

Q7. What documents are required for application?
A7. ST certificate, educational certificates (mark sheets and degrees), admission offer letter from foreign university, statement of purpose, research proposal (for PhD), passport copy, and other relevant documents.

Q8. Is there any income limit for family?
A8. Yes, the annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹6 lakh per annum for the candidate to be eligible for the scholarship.

Q9. Where can I apply online?
A9. Apply online at the official NOS portal: https://overseas.tribal.gov.in/

Q10. What is the last date to apply?
A10. The last date for submission of online applications is 30 June 2026 (5:30 PM).

🎯 Conclusion

The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme is a life‑changing opportunity for ST students to pursue higher education at world‑class foreign universities. With 20 slots available, eligible candidates should not miss this chance. Ensure you have all the required documents, meet the eligibility criteria, and submit your application before 30 June 2026. For more Sarkari Nokrii updates on scholarships, government schemes, and career opportunities, stay connected with us.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the official notification issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2026-27. Candidates are strongly advised to read the detailed guidelines on the official portal before applying. Sarkari Nokrii is not a government entity and does not guarantee selection or award of scholarship.