Studying abroad is a dream for many students in India. It not only provides exposure to a new culture and way of life, but also opens up a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, the cost of studying in a foreign country can be a major deterrent for students and their families. This is where scholarships offered by the Indian government come to the rescue.

The Government of India offers a number of scholarships for Indian students who wish to pursue their higher education abroad. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees, but also provide financial support for living expenses, travel costs, and other associated expenses. Here are some of the top scholarships offered by the Indian government for studying abroad:

1. National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) students:

This scholarship is aimed at providing financial assistance to students from these marginalized communities to pursue Masters or PhD programs in select countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare for the student.

2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan:

This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India in partnership with the Commonwealth countries. It is open to Indian students for pursuing Masters and PhD programs in various fields such as engineering, natural and applied sciences, humanities and social sciences, and medicine.

3. Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships:

This scholarship is offered by the University of Cambridge, UK, in partnership with the St. John’s College. It is available to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, social sciences, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects at the prestigious university.

4. Raman-Charpak Fellowship:

This fellowship is a joint venture between the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR) and the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). It provides an opportunity for Indian students to undertake research for their PhD in any French research institution for up to six months.

5. SAARC Chair Fellowship:

This scholarship is offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to students from SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) to pursue a Masters or PhD program in India.

6. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles:

This scholarship is aimed at the children of serving and retired CAPF and AR personnel to pursue professional courses such as engineering, medicine, law, and management in India or abroad.

7. AYUSH Scholarship Scheme:

This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of AYUSH to students who wish to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, or Bangladesh.

These are just a few of the many scholarships offered by the Indian government for studying abroad. Each scholarship has its specific eligibility criteria and application process. It is important for students to thoroughly research and apply for the scholarships that best fit their educational and financial needs.

In conclusion, studying abroad can be an enriching and life-changing experience for students. The Indian government’s efforts in providing financial assistance through scholarships make this dream a reality for many students. So, if you have the desire to study abroad, take advantage of these scholarships and make your dreams come true!