Quick Read
- Most government scholarships fund Master’s and PhD study, not undergraduate.
- The National Overseas Scholarship actually consists of three separate schemes.
- NOS covers tuition, living costs, travel, and visa fees in full.
- Family income must be under Rs.8 lakh a year for most central schemes.
Are There Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad After 12th?
No major central government scheme funds undergraduate study abroad. Every flagship central scholarship covered below (National Overseas Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru, Commonwealth) is restricted to Master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral study. Even the state schemes that mention “overseas scholarship” almost always require an existing admission offer for a PG or PhD program.
| Your stage | Realistic government-linked option |
| Indian government scholarships for studying abroad after 12th | None directly. Use the Dr. Ambedkar interest subsidy (only after an education loan is sanctioned) or education loans covering 100% of the cost of attendance instead |
| Indian government scholarships for studying abroad after graduation | Almost every scheme in this guide applies: NOS, Fulbright-Nehru, Commonwealth, ISEL, and most state schemes |
Counselor insight: We get this question every admission cycle from Class 12 students who assume NOS or Fulbright will fund their bachelor’s degree. Redirecting that energy toward a strong loan application and university scholarships early saves months of misdirected research.
Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad: Full Comparison
| Scheme | Funded by | Course level | Who it’s for | Income ceiling |
| National Overseas Scholarship (3 schemes) | Govt. of India (3 ministries) | Master’s, PhD | SC/DNT/LAL/TA, ST, OBC (separate schemes) | Rs.8 lakh/year |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | India-US (USIEF) | Master’s | Open to all, needs 3+ years of work experience | None specified |
| Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship | India-US (USIEF) | Pre-doctoral research | PhD scholars in climate fields | None specified |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | UK Government (FCDO) | Master’s, PhD | Open to all Commonwealth citizens, incl. India | Demonstrated financial need |
| Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy (ISEL) | Govt. of India | Master’s, M.Phil, PhD | OBC, EBC | Rs.8 lakh/year |
| Raman-Charpak Fellowship | India-France (DST/MESR) | PhD research stay | Registered PhD students (2nd/3rd year) | None specified |
| State schemes (e.g., Telangana, Karnataka) | State governments | Mostly Master’s, PhD | State domicile + category (SC/ST/BC/Minority) | Varies by state/category |
Source: National Overseas Scholarship official portal; Commonwealth Scholarship Commission eligibility
How to Get a Government Scholarship to Study Abroad: National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is not a single scheme. It includes three separate scholarship schemes managed by different ministries, with different eligibility categories and annual slot allocations.
NOS Schemes at a Glance
| NOS scheme | Ministry | Who it’s for | Slots/year |
| Flagship NOS | Social Justice and Empowerment | SC, Denotified/Nomadic/Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, Traditional Artisans | ~125 |
| NOS-ST | Tribal Affairs | Scheduled Tribe students | ~20 |
| NOS-OBC | Social Justice and Empowerment | Other Backward Class students | Smaller, field-concentrated |
Shared Eligibility (Flagship NOS and NOS-OBC)
| Criterion | Requirement |
| Course level | Master’s or PhD only |
| Age limit | Under 35 as of April 1, selection year |
| Family income | Under Rs.8 lakh/year |
| Minimum marks | 60% or equivalent in qualifying degree |
| University rank | Top 500 in the latest available QS World University Rankings (not a fixed year) |
| Attempts allowed | Maximum 2, including previous attempts |
NOS-ST exceptions (Ministry of Tribal Affairs)
| Criterion | NOS-ST requirement | Differs from Flagship/OBC |
| Family income | Under Rs.6 lakh/year | Lower ceiling (Rs.8 lakh for the other two) |
| University rank | Top 1000 in the latest available QS World University Rankings | Wider band (Top 500 for the other two) |
| Course level, age limit, minimum marks, attempts allowed | Same as shared criteria above | No difference |
Benefits Under NOS
| Benefit | Coverage |
| Tuition fees | Full, as per university invoice |
| Living allowance (annual) | ~$15,400 (Rs.14.66 lakh) for the US; ~£9,900 (Rs.12.83 lakh) for the UK |
| Contingency grant | One-time, for books/research materials |
| Travel | Return economy-class airfare |
| Visa and insurance | Fully covered |
Source: NOS 2026-27 official guidance; NOS scheme details.
Exchange rates used: Rs.95.21 per USD and Rs.129.6 per GBP as of late August 2026. Verify current rates before finalizing your budget.
Counselor insight: A Karnataka-domiciled minority-community student may actually qualify for a state scheme, a central scheme, both, or neither, depending on exactly which category box they tick. Check every portal that applies to your category rather than assuming one scheme automatically rules out another.
For the full eligibility breakdown, income slabs, and application timeline for each of the three NOS schemes, see LeapScholar’s dedicated guide: National Overseas Scholarship: Full Eligibility and Selection Guide.
Fulbright and Other Bilateral Government Fellowships
These are jointly funded by the Government of India and a partner country, not purely Indian government money, but they’re recognized and, in some cases, co-administered by Indian government bodies.
| Fellowship | For | Course level | Key benefit |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Indian citizens with 3+ years of work experience in public policy, environment, education, public health, and related fields | Master’s | Full tuition, living stipend, round-trip airfare, J-1 visa-compliant health insurance |
| Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship | Pre-doctoral PhD scholars in Earth, Atmosphere, and Environment Sciences | Pre-doctoral research (6-9 months) | US research placement, J-1 visa support, monthly stipend |
| Raman-Charpak Fellowship | Registered PhD students (2nd/3rd year), India-France | PhD research stay (2-5 months) | Monthly stipend ~€1,710 (Rs.1.91 lakh), airfare, health insurance |
Counselor insight: These bilateral fellowships are less crowded than NOS simply because fewer students know they exist outside their specific field. If your research area matches one of these niches, your odds are meaningfully better than a general scholarship pool.
Source: Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship program details; Raman-Charpak Fellowship, DST-MESR joint program
Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISEL): Not a Scholarship, But Still Government Support
This one gets miscategorized constantly, so it’s worth being precise: ISEL doesn’t fund your education directly. It subsidizes the interest on an education loan you’ve already taken for the loan’s moratorium period (your course duration, plus 6-12 months after you get a job).
| Aspect | Detail |
| Who it’s for | OBC and Economically Backward Class (EBC) students |
| Income ceiling | Rs.8 lakh/year |
| Course level | Master’s, M.Phil, PhD abroad |
| What it requires | An education loan already sanctioned under the IBA Model Education Loan Scheme from a scheduled bank |
| What you still need | Education loan guarantor and co-applicant requirements are sorted first, since you can’t get the subsidy without the loan approved |
Commonwealth Scholarship: UK-Funded, Open to All Indian Categories
Unlike NOS, the Commonwealth Scholarship isn’t restricted by caste or income category; it’s funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and open to any Indian citizen who meets the academic bar.
| Aspect | Detail |
| Eligibility | Minimum 60% marks (2:1 honors equivalent) in a qualifying degree, under 40 years old |
| Financial criterion | Demonstrated financial need (Master’s route) |
| Coverage | Full tuition, return airfare, monthly stipend |
| Stipend amount | ~£1,432 (Rs.1.86 lakh) outside London; ~£1,755 (Rs.2.27 lakh) in London |
| Application route | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission central portal + India’s Ministry of Education SAKSHAT portal |
For the complete eligibility breakdown and category-specific application steps, see LeapScholar’s dedicated guide: Commonwealth Scholarship: Eligibility, Application, and Selection.
Source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission eligibility; Commonwealth Master’s stipend figures
State Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
State schemes fill some of the gap left by central schemes, but nearly all still restrict eligibility to PG/PhD level and specific state domicile.
| State scheme | State | Category | Course level | Coverage |
| Telangana Overseas Scholarship Schemes (Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi, Mahatma Jyothiba Phule Overseas Vidya Nidhi) | Telangana | SC, ST, BC, Minority, EBC | PG, PhD | Tuition fee reimbursement up to Rs.20 lakh |
| Karnataka Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship | Karnataka | SC, ST | UG, PG, PhD (one of the few extending to undergraduate) | Varies by scheme |
Counselor insight: If your state runs an overseas scholarship, check it even if a central scheme rejects you. State schemes often have far fewer applicants competing for a similar or larger benefit.
Which Government Scholarship Fits Your Situation? Decision Framework
- If you’re an SC/ST/OBC student planning a Master’s abroad with family income under Rs.8 lakh: Start with NOS (the correct one of the three sub-schemes for your category), and check your state’s overseas scholarship in parallel.
- If you’re a general-category student with 3+ years of work experience aiming for a US Master’s: Fulbright-Nehru is your strongest government-linked option, since it isn’t restricted by caste or income category.
- If you already have an education loan sanctioned and belong to OBC/EBC: Apply for the ISEL interest subsidy separately; it stacks with your existing loan rather than replacing it.
- If you’re a Class 12 student with no PG plans yet: none of these apply directly to you yet. Focus on university scholarships and financial planning for now, and revisit government schemes once you’re PG-eligible.
How to Apply for Government Scholarships: NSP Portal Steps
- Register: go to the National Scholarship Portal, click “New Registration,” and keep Aadhaar, mobile number, email, academic documents, and bank details ready.
- Get your OTR number: complete OTP and face verification to receive a One-Time Registration number, and save it.
- Log in and apply: select your specific scheme, fill in academic and personal details, and upload documents.
- Final submit: review carefully, since applications cannot be edited after submission.
- Track status: use “Track Application Status” on your NSP dashboard.
Documents Required for Government Scholarships
- Aadhaar card or other government-issued ID
- Income certificate from a competent authority
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Bank passbook or bank account details
- Educational certificates and academic documents
- Domicile certificate, for state-specific schemes
- Mobile number and email ID
- Passport, if required by the specific scholarship scheme
Note that some schemes (NOS, Commonwealth) also require applying on their own dedicated portal in addition to NSP or SAKSHAT, not instead of it.
What If You Don’t Qualify for Any Government Scholarship?
- Most Indian students studying abroad still self-fund or borrow; government scholarships cover a small fraction of the total study-abroad population. A 100% education loan covering your full cost of attendance remains the most realistic route for most categories and course levels.
- University-specific and destination-specific scholarships, unrelated to the Indian government, often have far more funding available and broader eligibility.
3 Takeaways on Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
- Confirm your course level first; undergraduate study has almost no direct central government scholarship route, while Master’s and PhD study have several.
- Check your specific category against all three NOS sub-schemes, plus your state’s own overseas scholarship, rather than assuming one scheme covers you.
- If you don’t qualify for any government scheme, a full education loan and university-specific scholarships remain the realistic path most Indian students actually use.
Verified by: LeapScholar’s counseling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through scholarship applications, education loans, and financial planning for study abroad.
Have questions about which Indian government scholarships for studying abroad fit your profile? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad
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Does the Indian government give scholarships for studying abroad?
Yes, through central schemes like the National Overseas Scholarship (three separate sub-schemes), bilateral fellowships like Fulbright-Nehru, and the interest subsidy scheme for OBC/EBC students. Almost all are restricted to Master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral study.
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How to get a government scholarship to study abroad for a Master’s?
Identify your category (SC/ST/OBC/general) and check the matching central scheme first: NOS for reserved categories, Fulbright-Nehru or Commonwealth for open categories, then check your home state’s overseas scholarship in parallel, since applying to both is generally allowed.
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Can I get a scholarship to study abroad for undergraduate study?
Rarely, through central schemes. Nearly every major Indian government scholarship funds Master’s and PhD study only. A small number of state schemes, like Karnataka’s Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship, do extend to undergraduate study for SC/ST students domiciled in that state.
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Are there Indian government scholarships for studying abroad for Master’s students?
Yes. Master’s students can explore schemes such as the National Overseas Scholarship, Fulbright-Nehru, Commonwealth Scholarship, and eligible state overseas scholarships. Each has its own academic, income, category, course, and destination requirements.
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How to get a scholarship to study abroad for Indian students?
Start by checking your course level, category, family income, academic profile, and destination. Then identify the government and state scholarships you qualify for and apply through their respective official portals.
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Scholarships for studying abroad by the Indian government for OBC students: What’s available?
OBC students can apply for NOS-OBC (Master’s/PhD, income under Rs.8 lakh) and the Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme, which subsidizes interest on an already-sanctioned education loan rather than funding tuition directly.
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How to get a full scholarship to study abroad for Indian students?
The National Overseas Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarship both cover tuition, living costs, and travel in full for eligible candidates. Full coverage still depends on meeting strict category, income, and academic eligibility; there’s no universal “full scholarship” open to every student regardless of background.
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How to get a free scholarship to study abroad?
“Free” scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, and travel with no repayment requirement are limited to schemes like NOS and Commonwealth. The Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme is not free funding; it reduces the cost of a loan you still have to repay.
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What is the income limit for Indian government scholarships for studying abroad?
Most central schemes, including NOS and ISEL, cap family income at Rs.8 lakh a year. The Commonwealth Scholarship uses “demonstrated financial need” rather than a fixed income ceiling. State schemes set their own limits, which vary by state and category.
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Are there Indian government scholarships for studying abroad specifically for women?
Government scholarships for overseas study are generally category-based rather than gender-specific, though some state schemes and the broader scholarship ecosystem (outside government-funded overseas study specifically) include women-focused options at the domestic level.
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What happens if I don’t get selected for any government scholarship?
Reapply where the scheme allows a second attempt (NOS permits up to two attempts total), and in parallel, pursue a full education loan and university-specific scholarships, which fund the vast majority of Indian students studying abroad regardless of category.
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