Do you dream of studying abroad? Many talented students in India want to get a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. from top international universities. However, high tuition fees and living costs often stop them. To solve this problem, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs a fantastic scheme. This scheme is the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS).
The National Overseas Scholarship 2026 offers full financial support to students from low-income backgrounds. It targets students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans. This comprehensive guide provides all the vital details. You will learn about eligibility criteria, the selection process, financial assistance, and how to apply online before the last date.
What is the National Overseas Scholarship 2026?
The National Overseas Scholarship is a central sector scheme. It assists selected students to pursue higher education abroad. The government provides money for Master’s degrees and Ph.D. courses. The scheme ensures that financial trouble does not stop brilliant minds from learning.
Every year, the Ministry selects a fixed number of students for this prestigious award. The scholarship covers your tuition fees, travel expenses, insurance, and monthly living allowances. It gives you a stress-free environment to study in countries like the USA, the UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
Key Highlights of National Overseas Scholarship 2026
Before exploring the deep details, let us look at the main features of this scholarship program.
| Aspect | Details |
| Name of the Scheme | National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
| Sponsored By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
| Academic Year | 2026-2027 |
| Target Audience | SC, Denotified/Nomadic/Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, Artisans |
| Degrees Covered | Master’s Degree and Ph.D. |
| Total Number of Slots | 125 Slots per year |
| Application Mode | Online Only via Official Portal |
| Official Website | https://nosmsje.gov.in/ |
Slot Distribution for Different Categories
The Ministry allocates a total of 125 slots every year under the NOS scheme. The official guidelines divide these slots among various categories to ensure fair opportunities.
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 115 Slots
- Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: 06 Slots
- Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans: 04 Slots
Additionally, the government reserves 30% of the total slots for female candidates. If sufficient female candidates do not apply, the remaining slots go to male candidates of the respective categories.
Also Check: Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme
Eligibility Criteria for NOS 2026
You must meet strict criteria to qualify for the National Overseas Scholarship 2026. The Ministry checks your age, academic history, and family income carefully.
1. Age Limit
- You must be below 35 years of age.
- The Ministry checks your age on the first day of April in the selection year.
2. Academic Requirements
- For Master’s Degree: You must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college. You must secure at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in your graduation.
- For Ph.D. Courses: You must hold a Master’s degree from a recognized institution. You need a minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent grade in your post-graduation.
3. Family Income Ceiling
- Your total family income must not exceed INR 8,00,000 (Eight Lakh Rupees) per year.
- The calculation includes income from all sources like salary, agriculture, business, and rent.
- You must upload a valid income certificate issued by a competent state authority.
4. Maximum Number of Children Rule
- Only two children from the same parents can receive this scholarship.
- You must submit a self-declaration form stating that no more than one of your siblings has used this scheme before.
Also Check: Vidyadhan Scholarship 2026
Financial Assistance Provided Under NOS 2026
The National Overseas Scholarship is highly popular because it covers almost all major educational expenses. Here is a breakdown of the money you will receive if the Ministry selects you.
1. Living Allowance
- For United States of America (USA) and other countries: The government pays an annual living allowance of USD 15,400.
- For United Kingdom (UK): The government pays an annual living allowance of GBP 9,900.
2. Contingency Allowance
- USA and other countries: Students receive USD 1,500 per year for books, study materials, and local travel.
- United Kingdom (UK): Students receive GBP 1,100 per year for contingency expenses.
3. Tuition Fees
- The Ministry pays the actual tuition fees directly to the foreign university.
4. Travel Expenses
- The scholarship covers the cost of economy-class air tickets. You get one return ticket to travel from India to your study destination and back after completing the course.
5. Visa and Insurance
- The scheme pays your actual visa fees. It also pays for your mandatory medical insurance premium during the course.
Important Dates for National Overseas Scholarship 2026
The Ministry opens the application window for a limited period. You must monitor the official website to submit your application on time.
| Event / Milestone | Official Date and Time |
| Online Application Portal Opens | April 24, 2026 (00:00 Hours) |
| Last Date to Apply Online (First Round) | June 2, 2026 (23:59 Hours) |
| Application Correction Window | June 4, 2026 to June 7, 2026 |
| Second Round Portal Opening | September / October 2026 (Expected) |
(Note: Check the official portal regularly for any changes or extensions in the timeline.)
Mandatory Documents for Online Application
You must scan and upload specific documents during your online application process. Ensure all documents are clear and genuine.
- Cast Certificate: Issued by a competent authority to prove your category status.
- Income Certificate: Valid certificate showing total family income below INR 8 Lakhs.
- Date of Birth Proof: Class 10th marksheet or a valid birth certificate.
- Academic marksheets: All certificates from Class 10 up to your highest qualification degree.
- Admission Offer Letter: An unconditional offer letter from a top-ranked foreign university.
- Employer NOC: If you are currently working, you need a No Objection Certificate from your boss.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: From your previous college professors or employers.
- Aadhar Card: For identity verification.
- Passport Copy: Scanned copy of the first and last page of your valid Indian passport.
How to Apply Online for National Overseas Scholarship 2026?
You must follow the online process carefully. The Ministry rejects incomplete or incorrect forms immediately. Follow these simple steps to complete your application.
Step 1: Online Registration
- Visit the official portal of the National Overseas Scholarship at https://nosmsje.gov.in/.
- Locate the “Register” or “New User” button on the home page.
- Enter your active email address, mobile number, and name.
- Create a strong password and click on submit. The system will send an activation link to your email.
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form
- Log in to the portal using your registered email id and password.
- Select the option to apply for the “National Overseas Scholarship 2026”.
- Fill in your personal details, academic history, and family income details accurately.
- Enter details about your chosen foreign university and the exact course.
Step 3: Upload the Scanned Documents
- Scan all mandatory documents into PDF or JPEG format according to the size limits specified on the portal.
- Upload the certificates into their respective fields.
- Double-check the uploaded documents to avoid any blurriness.
Step 4: Final Submission
- Review your entire application form carefully before submitting it.
- Accept the terms and conditions declaration box.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
- Download the final confirmation page and print it out for future reference.
Selection Process and Merit List Generation
The Ministry receives thousands of applications every year. It uses a very transparent method to choose the 125 scholars.
- University Ranking Priority: The selection panel gives utmost priority to candidates who have secured unconditional admission in top international institutions. They check the QS World University Rankings. The ministry generally prefers candidates holding admission offers from universities ranked within the top 500 globally.
- Academic Marks: If multiple candidates have offers from similarly ranked colleges, the panel checks the graduation or post-graduation marks. Candidates with higher percentages get higher ranks in the merit list.
- Tie-Breaking Rule: If two candidates share the exact same academic profile, the older candidate receives preference over the younger candidate.
Official Helpdesk and Helpline Numbers
If you face technical errors while uploading documents or logging into the portal, you can contact the official support team. The Ministry provides dedicated helpline desks to guide needy students.
| Contact Method | Details |
| Official Helpline Number | 011-23381142 / 011-23385172 |
| Support Email Address | director-nos-msje@gov.in |
| Office Address | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001 |
| Working Hours | 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday to Friday, except government holidays) |
Important Instructions for Selected Candidates
If your name appears in the final merit list, you must follow these subsequent rules carefully:
- Visa Process: You must apply for a student visa immediately. The Ministry will provide a visa support letter to help you with the embassy process.
- Execution of Bond: Selected scholars must sign a legal bond with two sureties. This bond ensures that you will complete your studies responsibly and return to serve India for a minimum period if the government instructs you.
- Change of Course or University: The Ministry does not permit changes to your university or course after final selection. If you change your institute without informing the Ministry, they will cancel your scholarship immediately.
Official References and Links Table
Always check official sources to avoid fraud and fake news. Refer to the table below for genuine web addresses.
| Reference Type | Web URL Links |
| Official Application Portal | https://nosmsje.gov.in/ |
| Official Scheme Guidelines PDF | Download Official Guideline PDF |
| Ministry Main Page | https://socialjustice.gov.in/ |
Conclusion
The National Overseas Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for bright students from marginalized communities in India. It removes the heavy financial burden of global education. Ensure you maintain a high academic score of over 60% and secure an unconditional offer letter from a reputed global university.
Gather your documents early, calculate your family income accurately, and complete the online registration form on the portal before the last date. Keep chasing your dreams of studying abroad with the help of this incredible welfare scheme!