Special Secretary (Department of Social Welfare) Gandham Chandrudu has said that the guidelines for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme have been revised and eligible students may apply for it for the 2022-23 academic year.
The objective of the scheme is to facilitate the students from low-income group belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), de-notified nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans category to obtain higher education (Masters Degree and Ph.D courses) by studying abroad and thereby improving their economic and social status.
The scheme provides financial assistance to the selected candidates for pursuing masters and Ph. D courses abroad in institutions or universities accredited by the government or authorised body of that country in any field of study. “In each selection year, 125 fresh awards subject to availability of funds are given under the scheme,” he said.
Of the 125 slots, 115 are meant for the Scheduled Castes, six for de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes and four slots for landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans. If successful candidates are not available to the extent prescribed for each of the above listed categories, the awards for that year become open for candidates belonging to the other categories mentioned above as per merit criteria under the scheme.
Thirty per cent of the awards are earmarked for women candidates and if adequate women candidates are not available, the unutilised slots are utilised by selecting suitable male candidates.
Mr. Chandrudu said candidates already staying, studying or having completed studies abroad by utilising any other scholarship from the State government or other agency or through own funds are not eligible to apply under the NOS.
For detailed guidelines of the scheme, students can visit https://jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in/. They should submit their applications by visiting the web portal http://www.nosmsje.gov.in.
