Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles Part-1 2026

This scheme helps students with disabilities pursue higher education (Masters, PhD) in top universities abroad, covering their Read More... tuition and living expenses. Read less

Details

The Indian government offers a special scholarship for students with disabilities to help them achieve their dreams of studying abroad. This is a great opportunity to get advanced education in leading global institutions.

What Is This Scheme?

The National Overseas Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is a program run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its main goal is to give students with disabilities a chance to study Master's or PhD degrees in chosen fields at prestigious universities in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The scheme aims to provide financial support for their studies and living costs.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scholarship is specifically for Indian students who have a benchmark disability, meaning they have at least 40% disability. They should have already secured admission to a Master's or PhD program in one of the listed foreign countries for the upcoming academic year. The scheme targets individuals who want to pursue higher education in fields like science, technology, engineering, and humanities.

Why This Scheme Is Important

For students with disabilities, accessing world-class education can be challenging due to various barriers. This scheme breaks down those barriers by providing comprehensive financial assistance. It not only covers tuition fees but also living expenses, passage, and other related costs. By enabling students to study abroad, it opens up new avenues for personal growth, skill development, and better career opportunities, contributing to their empowerment and inclusion.

Objective

This scheme helps students with disabilities pursue higher education (Masters, PhD) in top universities abroad, covering their tuition and living expenses.

Benefits

Financial Incentive:

Incentive is provided to selected participants based on incremental turnover of notified products manufactured in India.
The incentive is available for a maximum period of 5 years from the first performance year.

Incentive Structure:

Scheme Part-1

Year 1: 15% on achieving ₹600 crore turnover
Year 2: 14% on ₹750 crore
Year 3: 13% on ₹937.5 crore
Year 4: 12% on ₹1171.87 crore
Year 5: 11% on ₹1464.84 crore

Conditions Linked to Benefits:

The participant should achieve the minimum threshold investment and prescribed turnover to qualify for incentives.

The participant should achieve 25% incremental turnover over the previous year from Year 2 onwards.

Incentive is provided only when both turnover targets and incremental growth conditions are met.

Incremental turnover considered for incentive is capped at 35% growth.

Mode of Disbursement:Incentive is disbursed through Direct Bank Transfer to the participant’s account via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).Frequency of Disbursement:Incentive claims are processed and disbursed on an annual basis.Time of Disbursement:Claims are processed within 45 days of submission by the Project Management Agency (PMA). Disbursement is made within 15 days after approval by the competent authority.Validity of Benefits:The scheme is operational till 31 March 2030. Incentives are available for 5 consecutive performance years, subject to meeting eligibility conditions.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must be a citizen of India.
Applicant must have a benchmark disability of 40% or more.
Applicant must have obtained a confirmed admission offer for a Master's or PhD degree program in any of the selected fields of study at a recognized university abroad.
Age limit: Not exceeding 35 years as on the last date of application.
Income ceiling: Total family income from all sources should not exceed INR 6,00,000/- per annum.
No prior overseas scholarship or similar opportunity availed.

How To Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should visit the official website of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) or the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.https://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/
Download the application form from the website.
Fill out the application form with all the required details accurately.
Attach all the necessary documents as specified in the application guidelines.
Submit the completed application form along with the documents to the designated authority, typically the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, New Delhi, before the specified deadline.
Applications are usually invited once a year. Keep checking the official website for notifications.

Documents Required

Proof of Indian Citizenship (e.g., Passport, Aadhaar Card).
Disability Certificate (issued by a competent medical authority, showing at least 40% disability).
Proof of Admission/Offer Letter from a foreign university for Master's or PhD.
Mark sheets and Degree certificates of all passed examinations (from matriculation onwards).
Proof of annual family income (e.g., Income Certificate from Tehsildar/DM, Salary Slips of parents, IT Returns).
Caste Certificate (if applicable).
Age proof certificate.
Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Scanned copy of the application form duly signed.

FAQ’s

What is the age limit for applying to this overseas scholarship?

The age limit for this scholarship is not more than 35 years as of the application deadline. You need to ensure you meet this age criterion to be eligible.

Can students with a 30% disability apply for this scheme?

No, this scheme is specifically for students who have a benchmark disability of 40% or more. You will need a valid certificate from a competent medical authority to prove this percentage.

What is the maximum annual family income allowed for this scholarship?

The total family income from all sources for the applicant should not exceed INR 6,00,000 per annum to be eligible for this scholarship.

Which countries are covered under this scholarship program?

The scholarship is available for pursuing higher education in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The specific fields of study will be mentioned in the official notification.

How will I get the scholarship money for my studies abroad?

The scholarship will cover various expenses including tuition fees, living costs, passage costs (airfare), visa fees, medical insurance, and a stipend for books and study tours, as per the norms set by the government.

Do I need to have my admission confirmed before applying for the scholarship?

Yes, you must have obtained a confirmed admission offer from a recognized university abroad for a Master's or PhD program in a relevant field before you can apply for this scholarship.

Where can I find the official application form and detailed guidelines?

You can find the official application form and detailed guidelines on the website of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, at https://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/. Keep checking this site for the latest updates and application notifications.

Is there any fee for applying to this scholarship?

The provided information does not mention any application fee for this scholarship. However, it's always best to check the official notification and application form for any such details.