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Education & Learning; Social welfare & Empowerment

National Overseas Scholarship For Students With Disabilities

A scholarship scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for regular, full-time students with disabilities to obtain higher education viz., Master's degree, or Ph.D. courses from foreign universities, in one of the specified fields of study.

Authority

Central

Region

None

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Who can apply

The applicant must be a student.; The applicant must be Admitted into (or received an unconditional offer of admission) Masters's level courses and Ph.D. courses abroad in institutions/universities accredited by the Government/authorized body of that country.; The Disability Percentage of the applicant must be 40% & above.; The applicant must be 35 years or lesser in age, as on the first day of the month of advertisement of the scheme.; The Total Family Income of the applicant (from all sources) must not exceed ₹ 6 lakh per annum.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Is there a duration to the prescribed financial assistance?

Yes, the prescribed financial assistance will be provided up to the completion of the course / research or the following period, whichever is earlier: | PhD - 04 years (Four years) | Master's Degree - 03 years (Three years)

What all shall be covered under Contingency Allowance?

The Contingency allowance shall be for books/essential apparatus/ study tour/ travel cost for attending subject related conference, workshops etc./ typing and binding of thesis etc.

Are there any terms to availing the Maintenance Allowance?

The payment of Maintenance Allowance is linked with furnishing of progress report. For first semester/six months, the maintenance allowance may be paid to the scholarship awardee in the first instance as an advance. Thereafter, the maintenance allowance for the next semester/six months may be paid only after receipt of the satisfactory progress report of the awardee for first six months/semester.

Are the awardees are permitted to supplement their prescribed allowances by undertaking Research / Teaching Assistantship?

Yes, the awardees are permitted to do so upto $2400 per annum and for awardees in UK, 1560 GBP per annum.

How many scholarship slots are there in this scheme?

In each selection year, 20 fresh awards, subject to availability of funds, will be given under this scheme.

Is there any earmarking for women candidates?

Yes, there is 30% of the awards for each year shall be earmarked for women candidates. However, in case, adequate women candidates are not available as per the stipulations of the scheme, then the unutilized slots will be utilized by selecting suitable male candidates.

Are Bachelors Level courses also covered under this scheme?

No, Bachelors Level courses, in any discipline, are not covered under this scheme.

I have completed my studies abroad on a scholarship from state govt. Am I eligible to apply for this scheme?

No, candidates already staying or studying or having completed studies abroad by utilizing any other scholarship from State Government, other agency, or through own funds are not eligible to apply under this scheme.

How many children of the same parents/guardians will be eligible for scholarship?

Not more than two children of the same parents/guardians will be eligible for scholarship. | A. The second child of the same parents/guardians will be considered only if slots are still available in the last cycle of the year in which the applicant has applied.

I hold a Master’s Degree from an Institute in India. Am I eligible to apply for this scheme if I have an unconditional offer letter for a Master Degree from an institute located outside India?

The candidate is not eligible for scholarship to pursue the same level (Masters/Ph.D.) of course for which he/she has already acquired the qualification from any University/Institution either in India or abroad.

How would I know the status of my application?

A list of selected / not-selected candidates will be uploaded on the portal. Individual email / messages will also be sent to all registered applicants.