The first phase of the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme for the 2025–2026 cycle has selected 106 applicants, according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The top 40 applicants will receive provisional award letters right away. The ministry announced on July 1 that the remaining 66 would be taken into consideration "subject to the availability of funds" at a later date.
This year, from March 19 to April 27, 440 applications were submitted via the NOS portal. Following examination, 106 applicants made the final list. Despite being eligible, 64 more applications were not chosen because of restrictions such category-specific reserves, state-wise quotas, and QS university rankings. Up to 270 applications were turned down because they did not meet the requirements for eligibility, had insufficient supporting documents, or had other problems.
The ministry made it clear that the choice is tentative and subject to confirmation of the original documents, including income and caste certifications, educational credentials, and verified admission offers from recognized international universities. Before being disbursed, candidates must also provide legal bonds and meet all other requirements outlined in the plan parameters.
Students from marginalized groups, such as Scheduled Castes, Denotified and Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisans, are supported by the NOS Scheme to pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies overseas in specific fields like management, engineering, science, and the humanities.
