Question 1

How many scholarships are awarded annually under the National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?

Accepted Answer

The scheme awards 20 scholarships annually, with 6 specifically reserved for women candidates to promote gender equity. Additionally, 2 passage grants covering only airfare without other financial benefits are available.

Question 2

What is the eligibility criteria for disability percentage under this scheme?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must have 40% or more benchmark disability as certified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This includes 21 specified categories such as locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and others.

Question 3

What is the age limit for applying to the National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must be below 35 years of age as on January 1st of the application year. While formal age relaxation provisions are not explicitly outlined, the department may consider documented medical circumstances that caused significant educational delays on a case-by-case basis.

Question 4

What is the academic performance requirement for this scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must have a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade in their qualifying degree. For Master's programs, this means a Bachelor's degree, and for Ph.D. programs, a Master's degree. Universities using grade point systems must provide official conversion formulas authenticated by university authorities.

Question 5

What is the family income limit for eligibility?

Accepted Answer

The annual parental income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources. This includes salaries, business profits, agricultural income, rental earnings, pensions, investment returns, and any other regular or irregular income streams.

Question 6

What fields of study are covered under this scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Eligible fields include Engineering and Management, Pure Sciences and Applied Sciences, Agricultural Science and Medicine, Commerce, Accounting and Finance, Humanities, Social Sciences and Fine Arts. The scholarship supports diverse academic disciplines reflecting national development priorities.

Question 7

What financial benefits does the scholarship provide?

Accepted Answer

The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, maintenance allowance (USD 15,400 per annum for USA/other countries, GBP 9,900 for UK), contingency allowance (USD 1,500 per annum for USA/others, GBP 1,100 for UK), and economy class round-trip airfare between India and the study destination.

Question 8

How do I apply for the National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Applications are accepted offline throughout the year. Completed application forms with supporting documents should be submitted to: Under Secretary (Scholarships), Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Room No. 516, 5th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003.

Question 9

What documents are required for the application?

Accepted Answer

Required documents include: valid disability certificate (40% or more benchmark disability), academic mark sheets and degree certificates, income certificate from designated revenue authorities, unconditional admission letter from accredited foreign university, proof of Indian citizenship, passport-sized photographs, and any applicable caste/category certificates.

Question 10

Do I need to have university admission before applying for the scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Yes, applicants must secure unconditional admission offers from accredited foreign universities before applying for the scholarship. Conditional admission offers with pending requirements do not satisfy this requirement.

Question 11

What is the duration of financial support under this scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Financial assistance is provided for up to three years for Master's degree programs and up to four years for Ph.D. programs, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Extensions may be considered for disability-related health issues or other legitimate circumstances with proper documentation.

Question 12

Can I work while studying under this scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Scholarship recipients are permitted to undertake Research Assistantships or Teaching Assistantships at their universities, which provide supplementary income and professional experience. However, external employment unrelated to academic programs is typically prohibited.

Question 13

Are there any service commitments after completing the degree?

Accepted Answer

Scholarship terms include expectations that recipients will return to India upon degree completion and contribute their acquired knowledge to national development, often through service in public sector roles for specified periods. These represent moral obligations rather than rigid legal mandates, with flexibility in how scholars fulfill these commitments.

Question 14

Can I apply if I am currently employed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, employed candidates can apply provided they meet all other eligibility criteria including age, disability, academic qualifications, and family income limits. Employment income counts toward the family income calculation, and applicants typically need employer No Objection Certificates supporting their study leave plans.

Question 15

What happens if I need to extend my program beyond the standard duration?

Accepted Answer

Program extensions beyond standard timelines due to disability-related health issues, research complications, or other legitimate circumstances may receive consideration. Such extensions require formal requests supported by medical documentation, advisor recommendations, and revised completion timelines.

Question 16

How are passage grants different from full scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Passage grants cover only international airfare between India and the study destination, without providing tuition, maintenance allowances, or other financial benefits that full scholarships include. Only 2 passage grants are available annually compared to 20 full scholarships.

Question 17

What specific learning disabilities qualify under this scheme?

Accepted Answer

Specific learning disabilities recognized under the RPwD Act 2016 include dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other neurological or neuropsychological conditions affecting learning processes. These must be certified by competent authorities through comprehensive assessments demonstrating 40% or more disability severity impacting educational performance.

Question 18

Can I change my university after receiving provisional scholarship approval?

Accepted Answer

University changes after provisional approval are generally not permitted, as scholarship awards are granted based on specific admission offers and program details provided during application. Requests for university changes may result in scholarship cancellation.

Question 19

Does the scholarship cover health insurance for international students?

Accepted Answer

While not always explicitly detailed in benefit structures, scholars typically need health insurance to satisfy university enrollment requirements and visa regulations. Clarify insurance coverage with scholarship authorities during award finalization, as implementations may vary.

Question 20

What happens if my family income increases during my multi-year program?

Accepted Answer

Initial eligibility is assessed at application time based on income during the preceding financial year. Income increases occurring after scholarship award and program commencement typically do not affect ongoing scholarship continuation, as withdrawing support mid-program would create undue hardship.

Question 21

How long does the application review and selection process typically take?

Accepted Answer

Processing timelines vary based on application volume, document verification requirements, and committee meeting schedules. Applicants should expect several months between submission and final decision, making early application essential—ideally 4-6 months before intended program commencement.

Question 22

Can I pursue Ph.D. programs that do not offer structured coursework?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the scholarship supports various Ph.D. program structures including those focused primarily on research with minimal coursework, provided the program is offered by an accredited university and leads to a legitimate doctoral degree.

Question 23

What support is available if I face discrimination or accessibility barriers at my foreign university?

Accepted Answer

University disability services offices serve as primary support resources. If university-level resolution proves unsuccessful, Indian Missions can provide guidance and potentially intervene in serious situations. Documentation of discrimination incidents and good-faith efforts at university-level resolution strengthen cases for escalated intervention.

Question 24

Can I apply if I already hold a Master's degree and want another Master's in a different field?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the scheme permits pursuing additional qualifications at the same level provided the new program is in a substantially different field and you have not received government scholarship support for the previous qualification. You must demonstrate legitimate academic or career rationale for the additional degree.

Question 25

Where can I find official updates and detailed scheme guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Official information is available from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities website, through direct contact with the department office in New Delhi, or via the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment portal. For application-specific queries, contact the Under Secretary (Scholarships) at the address provided in scheme documentation.

Tuition Fees	Full coverage — paid directly to university by Indian Mission
Maintenance Allowance (USA & Other Countries)	USD 15,400 per annum
Maintenance Allowance (UK)	GBP 9,900 per annum
Contingency Allowance (USA & Other Countries)	USD 1,500 per annum
Contingency Allowance (UK)	GBP 1,100 per annum
International Airfare	Economy class round-trip (India to study destination)
Master's Degree Duration	Up to 3 years
Ph.D. Duration	Up to 4 years
Research/Teaching Assistantships	Permitted alongside scholarship

Nationality	Indian citizen
Disability	40% or more benchmark disability under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
Disability Certificate	Valid certificate from competent authority + UDID card/enrollment
Age Limit	Below 35 years as on 1st April of the selection year
Academic (Master's)	55% marks or equivalent grade in relevant Bachelor's degree
Academic (Ph.D.)	55% marks or equivalent grade in relevant Master's degree
Family Income	Annual parental income not exceeding Rs. 8 lakh from all sources
University	Top 500 QS World Rankings (or best-ranked for disability studies)
Admission	Unconditional or conditional offer letter from foreign university
Course Level	Master's degree or Ph.D. only (no Diploma, PG Diploma, or Certificate courses)
Family Limit	Maximum 2 children from same parents (twins exception applies)
Fields of Study	Engineering & Management, Pure & Applied Sciences, Agricultural Science & Medicine, Commerce/Accounting/Finance, Humanities/Social Sciences/Fine Arts

Application Window	Open throughout the year (offline)
Age Reference Date	1st April of the selection year
Master's Duration	Up to 3 years from course start
Ph.D. Duration	Up to 4 years from course start
Bond Completion Deadline	Within 6 months of award letter issuance

Official Website (DEPwD)	depwd.gov.in
Scheme Guidelines (PDF)	depwd.gov.in/en/scholarship
National Scholarship Portal	scholarships.gov.in
Application Form	Download from DEPwD
Contact Address	Under Secretary (Scholarships), DEPwD, Room No. 516, 5th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003

Financial Assistance	Full Tuition + Maintenance + Contingency + Airfare Abroad
Target Beneficiaries	Students with 40%+ Benchmark Disability for Master/Ph.D. Abroad
Scheme Type	Central Government Scheme
Implementation	Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD)
Official Website	Visit Website

National Overseas Study Funding for Students with Disabilities

Quick Overview

Overview of National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Benefits of National Overseas Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

Who Cannot Apply

Documents Required

Application Fee

How to Apply

Step 1: Secure University Admission

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Step 3: Submit Application

Step 4: Selection Process

Important Dates

Important Links

Mehul Panchal

Content Writer (New Government Yojna & Scheme Updates)

Official Website