Social Justice Ministry seeks more funds for National Overseas Scholarship amid fund crunch
The Union Social Justice Ministry is seeking additional funds for its National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students, as a fund crunch has led to provisional award letters for 66 selected candidates being made "subject to availability of funds" for the 2025-26 cycle. Out of 125 available slots, only 106 students were selected, and only the first 40 will receive firm award letters. This situation arises despite the scheme receiving its highest allocation in five years (₹130 crore), because a portion of the annual budget is used for students continuing studies from previous years. The Ministry is currently evaluating the scheme's performance to decide on its continuation. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment had previously noted issues with scholarship amounts and the need to increase slots.
Key Points
- The Social Justice Ministry is facing a fund crunch for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students.
- Provisional award letters for 66 selected students for the 2025-26 cycle are contingent on fund availability.
- Despite a record allocation of ₹130 crore, funds are insufficient due to ongoing support for students from previous years.
- The Ministry is evaluating the scheme's performance and considering increasing allocations and slots.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee had previously highlighted issues with scholarship amounts and the need for more slots.
Exam Facts
- The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme is administered by the Union Social Justice Ministry.
- The scheme is for Scheduled Castes; Denotified, Semi-Nomadic, and Nomadic Tribes; landless agricultural labourers; and traditional artisans.
- For 2025-26, 106 students were selected for 125 available slots.
- The scheme received its highest allocation in five years: ₹130 crore.
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