Studying in countries like the USA or UK is a dream for many, but the price tag often makes it impossible. If you are a student with a disability, the Government of India has a flagship scheme that doesn’t just help—it pays for almost everything.
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) for Students with Disabilities is one of the most generous schemes managed by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. From your flight tickets to your daily living expenses, they cover it all. However, the application process is a bit old-school (offline), and the eligibility rules are strict. Let me break down exactly how you can grab this opportunity.
Scheme Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
| Department | DEPwD (Ministry of Social Justice) |
| Courses Covered | Master’s Degree & Ph.D. |
| Disability Requirement | Minimum 40% |
| Income Cap | ₹ 6.00 Lakh per annum |
| Application Mode | Offline (By Post) |
Financial Assistance: What Do You Get
This scholarship is massive. It covers the “Actual” tuition fees charged by the foreign university, plus a handsome allowance for your living costs.
Allowance Rates (Per Year)
| Component | USA & Other Countries | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Annual Stipend | $15,400 USD | £9,900 GBP |
| Contingency | $1,500 USD | £1,100 GBP |
| Tuition Fees | Actual Amount | Actual Amount |
| Visa Fees | Actual (INR) | Actual (INR) |
| Medical Insurance | Actual Amount | Actual Amount |
| Airfare | Economy Class (Both ways) | Economy Class (Both ways) |
Note: You also get local travel expenses (rail/bus) within the foreign country for your study needs.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you download the form, check if you fit the bill. The government is very strict about these four points.
Disability Status: You must have a minimum of 40% disability (Benchmark Disability as per the 2016 Act). You will need a valid certificate.
Age Limit: You must be below 35 years of age.
Income Limit: Your total family income from all sources must be less than ₹6,00,000 per year.
Academic Level: You must have an admission offer (unconditional) for a Master’s or Ph.D. program.
Bachelor’s degree students are NOT eligible.
How to Apply The Offline Process
Unlike most modern scholarships, this one does not have an online portal. You have to do it the traditional way.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Download Form: Go to the official website (
disabilityaffairs.gov.in) and download the prescribed application format.Fill Details: Fill in your personal data, disability details, and the foreign university details manually.
Attach Documents: Make photocopies of all required documents (list below) and self-attest them.
Send by Post: Put everything in an envelope. Send two copies (Duplicate) to:
The Under Secretary (Scholarships),
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities,
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, New Delhi.
Tip: Use Speed Post or Registered Post so you can track your application.
Required Documents Checklist
Missing a document usually leads to rejection. Ensure you have these:
[ ] Completed Application Form (2 Copies)
[ ] Disability Certificate (40% or more)
[ ] Income Certificate (Latest)
[ ] Proof of Date of Birth (10th Certificate)
[ ] Aadhaar Card & Voter ID
[ ] All Educational Marksheets & Degrees
[ ] Unconditional Admission Offer Letter from the Foreign University
[ ] Statement of Purpose (Why do you want to study this?) – Max 500 words.
My Opinion / Verdict
I honestly think this is one of the most underutilized scholarships because people get scared of the “Offline” process.
Here is my advice:
The Income Barrier: The ₹6 Lakh limit is tight. If your parents are government employees, you might exceed this. Check your ITR first.
The “Unconditional” Offer: The hardest part is getting the admission letter first without showing funding. You need to tell the university that you are applying for this scholarship so they give you a provisional offer.
Don’t wait: Since applications are accepted throughout the year, apply as soon as you get your university offer. Don’t wait for a specific “deadline” date.
If you meet the income criteria, this is a golden ticket. $15,400 is a decent amount to live comfortably as a student in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for a Bachelor’s degree abroad under this scheme?
Ans: No. This scheme is strictly for Master’s and Ph.D. levels only. Undergraduate courses are not covered.
Q2: Is the scholarship limited to specific countries?
Ans: No. You can apply for recognized universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. The allowance rates change based on the country (USA vs UK rates).
Q3: Can I apply online?
Ans: Currently, no. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) accepts applications offline only. You must send the physical form to their New Delhi office.
Disclaimer: I am not a government official. This post is based on the official scheme guidelines by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Please verify the latest address and rules on disabilityaffairs.gov.in before sending your application.
Tahir
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