**Summary:**
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment administers the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme to support marginalized students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans in pursuing postgraduate studies (Master's or Ph.D.) at top 500 QS-ranked universities abroad. The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) approved a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 175 crore (Rs. 35 crore per year) for the NOS Scheme for SC etc. for five years. However, the expenditure under the NOS Scheme for the period 2021-22 to 2024-25 has been Rs. 298.39 crore, exceeding the approved budget by Rs. 123.39 crore. For the selection year 2025-26, an additional Rs. 130 crore has been allocated under Budget Estimate (BE). Provisional award letters have been issued to all 106 selected students for the 2025-26 cycle.
Key Entities Referenced
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme: A scholarship scheme administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for marginalised students to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for administering the National Overseas Scholarship scheme and addressing the needs of Scheduled Castes and other marginalized communities.
SHRI EATALA RAJENDER: Member of LOK SABHA, who raised questions regarding the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
SMT. D K ARUNA: Member of LOK SABHA, who raised questions regarding the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY: Member of LOK SABHA, who raised questions regarding the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE: Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, who provided answers regarding the National Overseas Scholarship scheme.
Scheduled Castes: One of the categories of students eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme.
Expenditure Finance Committee: An Indian government committee (EFC) that approved the budgetary outlay for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTTON NO.t386
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2025
NATIONAL OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR MARGINALISED
STUDENTS
1386. SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:
SMT. D K ARUNA:
SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether additional allocation is proposed for administering the National Overseas
Scholarship scheme for marginalised students;
(b) whether the Ministry withheld provisional award letters to 66 selected candidates "subject to
availability of funds" in the 2025-26 cycle;
(c) whether the Ministry administers this scholarship for students from Scheduled Caste,
Denotified, Semi-Nomadic, and Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers and traditional
artisans, backgrounds, for pursuing postgraduate studies in top universities abroad; and
(d) if so, details thereof and present status thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)
(a) & (b): The total budgetary outlay approved by Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) for
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme for SC etc. for five years is Rs.l75 crore (Rs.35
crore per year). The expenditure, however under the NOS Scheme for the period 2021-22 to
2024-25 has been Rs.298.39 crore which is in excess of the approved budgetary outlay of Rs.
175.00 crore for five years. Further, additional funds allocated under Budget Estimate (BE) for
2025-26 is Rs.l30 crore.
For Selection Year 2025-26, provisional award letters have been issued for all selected 106
students.
(c) & (d): Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment administers National Overseas
Scholarship (NOS) Scheme for SC etc. candidates. Under this Scheme, financial assistance is
provided to facilitate the low income meritorious students belonging to the Scheduled Castes,
De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and
Traditional Artisans category to obtain higher education viz. Master's degree or ph.D by
studying abroad in top 500 QS ranking Universities.
,Frl***