Financial Assistance to SC Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad

Financial Support for SC Students Seeking Higher Education Abroad

This initiative is designed to empower Scheduled Caste (SC) students in Delhi who aspire to pursue higher education overseas in various academic disciplines. The program offers substantial financial assistance to eligible applicants, enabling them to enroll in prestigious institutions globally.

Overview of the Scheme

Introduced in 2020 by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Government of NCT of Delhi, the “Financial Assistance to SC Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad” scheme aims to aid 100 selected SC students who wish to undertake Masters or Ph.D. programs internationally. This program encompasses fields such as Engineering, Pure Sciences, and Humanities, providing financial support of up to ₹20,00,000 for doctoral studies and ₹10,00,000 for master’s programs. The funds are disbursed in installments based on academic progress and admission confirmation.

Key Benefits

• Financial assistance of ₹5,00,000 per annum.
• Maximum funding of ₹20,00,000 for Ph.D. programs (maximum duration of 4 years).
• Maximum funding of ₹10,00,000 for Master’s programs (maximum duration of 2 years).
• Funds provided in installments, with the first installment released after confirmation of admission.
• Subsequent funds disbursed every six months or annually, contingent upon submission of progress reports.
• Covers tuition fees and living expenditures at accredited foreign universities.

Conditions for Beneficiaries

• Recipients are required to return to India upon completion of their studies.
• They must remain in India for a minimum of five years post-completion.
• Non-compliance may necessitate the repayment of the entire grant along with a 15% compound interest.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• A domicile of Delhi or a bonafide resident for at least five years is essential.
• Only child status is a prerequisite for eligibility under this scheme.
• Employed applicants must submit their application through their employer, accompanied by a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
• Applicants should not have previously completed the same educational level (Master’s/Ph.D.) in India or abroad.
• Those applying for Ph.D. programs should have achieved at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their relevant Master’s Degree.
• Applicants for Master’s programs are required to have a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent in their Bachelor’s Degree.
• Applicants must be under the age of 30 as of the specified cutoff date.
• The total family income must not exceed ₹8,00,000 annually.

Application Procedure

Offline Application Process

• Step 1: Download and print the application form in the prescribed format.
• Step 2: Fill in all required fields in the application form using English or Hindi (block letters). Affix a passport-sized photograph (signed if necessary) and include self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
• Step 3: Submit the completed and signed application form along with the necessary document copies to the Department for Welfare of SC/ST/OBC at Vikas Bhavan, New Delhi.

Post-Application Steps

• Applications received before the deadline will undergo an eligibility review and be evaluated by the Selection Committee. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a personal interview.
• In cases of tie situations, preference will be given to the candidate with an earlier date of birth as listed on their Secondary School Certificate.
• Upon selection, the initial financial installment will be disbursed following confirmation of admission. Further installments will be contingent on the submission of progress reports.

Official Information

For more details about this scheme, please visit myScheme.gov.in.