FATSSFSHSA

Financial Assistance to SC Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad

Financial Assistance to SC Students for Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad provides cash support for Scheduled Caste students seeking higher education in fields such as Engineering, Sciences, and Humanities. Eligible applicants, who must be residents of Delhi with a family income below ₹8,00,000 per annum, can receive up to ₹20,00,000 for Ph.D. programs and ₹10,00,000 for Master's programs, with funds disbursed in installments based on academic progress.

State Cash

States / UT: Delhi

Nodal department: Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities Department

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: International education, Scholarships and student finance

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: College, Scheduled Caste, Student, Scholarship, Abroad, Foreign, Education

Details

Launched in 2020, the scheme "Financial Assistance To SC Students For Pursuing Higher Studies Abroad" by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Government of NCT of Delhi aims to provide financial support to 100 selected Scheduled Caste (SC) students for pursuing Masters and Ph.D. programs abroad in specified fields such as Engineering, Pure Sciences, and Humanities. The scheme offers up to ₹20,00,000/- for Ph.D. and ₹10,00,000/- for Masters, disbursed in installments. Eligible candidates must be below 30 years, have a family income under ₹8,00,000 annually, and be bonafide residents of Delhi for at least five years. The scheme is implemented by the Department for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Government of NCT of Delhi.

Benefits

  • Financial assistance of ₹5,00,000/- per annum, up to a maximum of ₹20,00,000/- for Ph.D. (4 years) and ₹10,00,000/- for Masters (2 years). Funds are Disbursed in Installments
  • First installment after admission confirmation
  • Subsequent installments every six months/one year based on progress reports. Covers tuition and living expenses at accredited foreign universities. Conditions
  • Recipients must return to India after completion and stay for at least 5 years
  • Violations may require refund of the entire amount with 15% compound interest

Financial assistance of ₹5,00,000/- per annum, up to a maximum of ₹20,00,000/- for Ph.D. (4 years) and ₹10,00,000/- for Masters (2 years).

Funds are Disbursed in Installments

  • First installment after admission confirmation.
  • Subsequent installments every six months/one year based on progress reports.

Covers tuition and living expenses at accredited foreign universities.

Conditions

  • Recipients must return to India after completion and stay for at least 5 years.
  • Violations may require refund of the entire amount with 15% compound interest.

Eligibility

  • The applicant should be a citizen of India.
  • The applicant should be a domicile of Delhi or a bonafide resident of Delhi for at least 5 years.
  • The applicant should be the only child eligible under this scheme.
  • Employed applicant should submit their application through their employer with a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
  • The applicant should not have already completed the same level of education (Master’s/Ph.D.) in India or abroad.
  • Applicants for the Ph.D. Course should have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in relevant Master’s Degree.
  • Applicants for the Master’s Degree Course should have secured at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in a relevant Bachelor’s Degree.
  • The applicant should be below 30 years old as of the cutoff date.
  • The applicant’s total family income should not exceed ₹8,00,000/- per annum.

Exclusions

  • Candidates already studying abroad before the advertisement date.
  • Those who have already acquired the same qualification (Masters/Ph.D.) in India or abroad.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: The interested applicant should take print of the prescribed format of the application form.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields in English/Hindi (block letters). Paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required) and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Send the hard copy of the duly filled and signed application form along with the copies of the required documents to the Department for Welfare of SC/ST/OBC, Vikas Bhavan, New Delhi.

Post-Application Processes

Step 1: The applications received within the deadline will be reviewed for eligibility and placed before the Selection Committee. The shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview. In case of a tie, preference will be given to the older candidate (as per the date of birth in the Secondary School Certificate).
Step 2: Upon selection, the first installment is released after admission confirmation. Subsequent installments require progress reports.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the maximum age limit for applicants to be eligible for the financial assistance?
The applicant must be below 30 years of age as on the cut-off date of the respective year.
What is the minimum qualification required for a candidate applying for a Master’s degree?
The candidate must have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in the relevant Bachelor’s degree. <br>
What is the minimum qualification required for a candidate applying for a Ph.D. program?
The candidate must have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in the relevant Master’s degree.
What is the maximum annual family income allowed for eligibility under this scheme?
The total family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8,00,000 per annum.
What is the citizenship requirement for applicants under this scheme?
The candidate must be a citizen of India to be eligible for the financial assistance.
What are the residency requirements for applicants from Delhi?
The candidate must be a domicile of Delhi or a bonafide resident with documentary proof of residence for at least the last five years.
How many children from the same parents or guardians are eligible for this financial assistance?
Only one child from the same parents or guardians is eligible, and a self-certification is required to confirm this.
What is required from employed candidates applying for this financial assistance?
Employed candidates must submit their applications through their employer along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Can a candidate apply for financial assistance for a course they have already completed?
No, candidates cannot apply for the same level of course (Master’s or Ph.D.) they have already completed, whether in India or abroad.
What happens if a candidate discontinues their studies after receiving financial assistance?
The candidate must repay the disbursed amount unless discontinuation is due to genuine circumstances, which will be reviewed by the selection committee.
Can a candidate change their university or course after receiving the financial assistance?
No, changes are not allowed unless under extraordinary circumstances and approved by the selection committee.
What is the requirement for candidates after completing their studies abroad?
Candidates must return to India, inform the government in writing, and submit their course completion certificate.
How long must a candidate stay in India after returning from studies abroad?
The candidate must remain in India for at least five years after returning.
What is the financial assistance amount provided for a Ph.D. program?
The assistance is ₹5,00,000 per annum, up to a maximum of ₹20,00,000 for the entire course duration.
What is the financial assistance amount provided for a Master’s degree?
The assistance is ₹5,00,000 per annum, up to a maximum of ₹10,00,000 for the entire course duration.
What documents are required to confirm admission before receiving financial assistance?
The candidate must submit admission confirmation, visa, passport, bank details, and other relevant documents.
Is an Aadhaar card mandatory for applying under this scheme?
Yes, the candidate must provide a self-attested copy of their Aadhaar card as part of the application.
How are ties between candidates resolved during the selection process?
In case of a tie, the older candidate (based on the date of birth in the Secondary School Certificate) is given preference.
What happens if a candidate violates the terms of the scheme?
The candidate must refund the entire amount spent on them, along with potential penalties, unless the violation is unintentional.
What is the consequence of submitting false information or documents?
The candidate will be debarred, required to repay the amount with 15% compound interest, and may face departmental action.
How is the financial assistance disbursed to the selected candidates?
The assistance is credited to the candidate’s bank account in installments, starting after admission confirmation.
What is the duration of financial assistance for a Ph.D. program?
The assistance is provided for up to four years or until course completion, whichever is earlier.

References

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Documents Required for Government Schemes

Most government schemes require basic documents for verification. While the exact requirements vary, common documents include:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Residence Proof
  • Bank Account Details
  • Educational Certificates (for student schemes)

How to Apply for Government Schemes?

The application process for government schemes may be online or offline depending on the scheme. In most cases, you can follow these steps:

  1. Check eligibility criteria
  2. Collect required documents
  3. Fill the application form
  4. Submit the application online or at the relevant office
  5. Track application status