{"id":2327,"date":"2022-03-09T07:31:06","date_gmt":"2022-03-09T02:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/?p=2327"},"modified":"2026-02-13T12:04:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T12:04:55","slug":"national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/","title":{"rendered":"National Overseas Scholarship 2026\u201327: Eligibility, Application Process, Selection &amp; Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span>\n<p>The <strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment<\/strong> offers the <em>National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)<\/em> to support students from socially and economically disadvantaged communities in pursuing higher education abroad.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #192a3d;color:#192a3d\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #192a3d;color:#192a3d\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Eligibility_Criteria_for_National_Overseas_Scholarship_2026%E2%80%9327\" title=\"Eligibility Criteria for National Overseas Scholarship 2026\u201327\">Eligibility Criteria for National Overseas Scholarship 2026\u201327<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Distribution_of_Slots_Expected_2026%E2%80%9327\" title=\"Distribution of Slots (Expected 2026\u201327)\">Distribution of Slots (Expected 2026\u201327)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Documents_Required\" title=\"Documents Required\">Documents Required<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Application_Process_for_2026%E2%80%9327\" title=\"Application Process for 2026\u201327\">Application Process for 2026\u201327<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Selection_Process\" title=\"Selection Process\">Selection Process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Financial_Assistance_Under_NOS_2026%E2%80%9327\" title=\"Financial Assistance Under NOS 2026\u201327\">Financial Assistance Under NOS 2026\u201327<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Important_Points_for_2026%E2%80%9327_Applicants\" title=\"Important Points for 2026\u201327 Applicants\">Important Points for 2026\u201327 Applicants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/national-overseas-scholarship-eligibility-application-and-selection\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;(FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;(FAQs)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>For the <strong>Selection Year 2026\u201327<\/strong>, the scholarship supports eligible candidates from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Scheduled Castes (SC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT\/SNT)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Landless Agricultural Labourers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional Artisans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The scheme provides financial assistance for <strong>Master\u2019s and PhD programs only<\/strong> at recognised foreign universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eligibility_Criteria_for_National_Overseas_Scholarship_2026%E2%80%9327\"><\/span><strong>Eligibility Criteria for National Overseas Scholarship 2026\u201327<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply under the 2026\u201327 cycle, candidates must meet the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-d638e62\" id=\"strong-1-academic-qualification-strong\" data-block-id=\"d638e62\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>1. Academic Qualification<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>For Master\u2019s programs<\/strong>: Minimum <strong>60% marks<\/strong> (or equivalent grade) in Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For PhD programs<\/strong>: Minimum <strong>60% marks<\/strong> in Master\u2019s degree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bachelor&#8217;s degree courses abroad are <strong>not covered<\/strong> under this scheme<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-97bffc2\" id=\"strong-2-age-limit-strong\" data-block-id=\"97bffc2\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>2. Age Limit<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Maximum <strong>35 years<\/strong> as on <strong>1st April 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-6044bdc\" id=\"strong-3-family-income-limit-strong\" data-block-id=\"6044bdc\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>3. Family Income Limit<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Total annual family income must <strong>not exceed \u20b98,00,000<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-8ece775\" id=\"strong-4-number-of-candidates-per-family-strong\" data-block-id=\"8ece775\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>4. Number of Candidates per Family<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Maximum <strong>two children from the same family<\/strong> can avail this scholarship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-cf0f29c\" id=\"strong-5-other-conditions-strong\" data-block-id=\"cf0f29c\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>5. Other Conditions<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Candidates already studying abroad are <strong>not eligible<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only candidates with confirmed admission or valid offer letters are considered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>30% of total slots are reserved for <strong>female candidates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Distribution_of_Slots_Expected_2026%E2%80%9327\"><\/span><strong>Distribution of Slots (Expected 2026\u201327)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The scheme traditionally allocates <strong>125 total slots<\/strong> per selection year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-palette-color-5-background-color has-background has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Category<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Number of Slots<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Scheduled Castes<\/td><td>115<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>De-notified \/ Nomadic \/ Semi-Nomadic Tribes<\/td><td>6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Landless Agricultural Labourers &amp; Traditional Artisans<\/td><td>4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>125<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless officially revised, the slot structure remains the same for 2026\u201327.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Documents_Required\"><\/span><strong>Documents Required<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants must upload the following documents during the online application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Caste\/category certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Birth certificate \/ Age proof<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passport-size photograph<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scanned signature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address proof<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academic mark sheets and degree certificates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valid admission offer letter from foreign university<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family income certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employer\u2019s NOC (if employed)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After selection, additional documents such as passport copy, visa documents, and undertakings will be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Process_for_2026%E2%80%9327\"><\/span><strong>Application Process for 2026\u201327<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications are submitted online through the official NOS portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Steps:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Visit the official portal of the <strong>National Overseas Scholarship<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Register as a new applicant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill in personal, academic, and income details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload required documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit the form and note your reference number.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Important Timeline (2026\u201327)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact dates for the 2026\u201327 cycle will be officially notified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Applications open in <strong>February\u2013March<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second round may open in <strong>September<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deadlines usually close within 45\u201360 days of opening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants must regularly check the official portal for updated notifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selection_Process\"><\/span><strong>Selection Process<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The selection process is merit-based and category-wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Priority is given to candidates who receive <strong>unconditional offers from universities ranked within the top 500 under the latest QS World University Rankings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Merit list is prepared category-wise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In case of tie, marks in qualifying examination are considered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If slots remain unfilled, additional cycles may be conducted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selected candidates receive a <strong>Provisional Award Letter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates must join the course within the prescribed timeline. Failure to do so may result in cancellation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Financial_Assistance_Under_NOS_2026%E2%80%9327\"><\/span><strong>Financial Assistance Under NOS 2026\u201327<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The scholarship covers major study expenses for the entire approved course duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>For USA and Other Countries (Except UK)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Annual Maintenance Allowance:<\/strong> USD 15,400<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contingency Allowance:<\/strong> USD 1,500<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tuition Fees:<\/strong> As per actuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visa Fees:<\/strong> As per actuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical Insurance:<\/strong> As per actuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economy Class Airfare:<\/strong> One-time to and from India<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>For United Kingdom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Annual Maintenance Allowance:<\/strong> GBP 9,900<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contingency Allowance:<\/strong> GBP 1,100<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tuition Fees:<\/strong> As per actuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visa Fees:<\/strong> As per actuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical Insurance:<\/strong> As per actuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economy Class Airfare:<\/strong> One-time to and from India<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These financial norms have remained unchanged in recent cycles. Any revision for 2026\u201327 will be officially notified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Points_for_2026%E2%80%9327_Applicants\"><\/span><strong>Important Points for 2026\u201327 Applicants<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Only Master\u2019s and PhD programs are eligible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Admission must be from recognised foreign universities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>QS Top 500 ranking significantly improves selection chances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Funding is subject to budget allocation by the Government of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provisional assurance letters may be issued in certain cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Overseas Scholarship 2026\u201327 continues to be a transformative opportunity for students from eligible marginalised communities who wish to pursue a Master\u2019s or PhD abroad but face financial constraints. With full tuition support, maintenance allowance, airfare, and additional benefits, the scheme significantly reduces the financial burden of studying overseas. However, given the limited 125 annual slots and the importance of securing admission from a QS Top 500 university, early planning and accurate documentation are critical for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are preparing to apply for NOS 2026\u201327, strategic guidance can make a real difference. From shortlisting the right universities to strengthening your admission profile and managing deadlines, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/\">LeapScholar<\/a> experts can help you plan every step effectively and maximise your scholarship chances.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-39f02a7\" id=\"b-frequently-asked-questions-b-span-style-font-weight-400-span-fa-qs\" data-block-id=\"39f02a7\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text stk-block-heading--use-theme-margins\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span>(FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770983875149\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Who can apply for NOS 2026\u201327?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Candidates from eligible categories with family income below \u20b98 lakh and age below 35 years.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770983893964\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is undergraduate study covered?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, only Master\u2019s and PhD programs are eligible.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770983909284\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is QS ranking mandatory?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Top 500 QS ranking universities are prioritised, especially in the initial selection cycle.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1770983926536\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Can I apply without admission?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You may apply, but priority is given to candidates with unconditional offers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span> The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment offers the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) to support students from socially and economically disadvantaged communities in pursuing higher education abroad. For the Selection Year 2026\u201327, the scholarship supports eligible candidates from: The scheme provides financial assistance for Master\u2019s and PhD programs only at recognised foreign universities. Eligibility Criteria [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":2328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2327"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76793,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327\/revisions\/76793"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}