The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025-26 offers a life-changing opportunity for SC, DNT, and other marginalized students to pursue Master's or Ph.D. studies abroad and the application window for Round 1 is open till April 27, 2025. But many eligible candidates miss out simply due to confusion or mistakes in the application process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to apply, which documents to prepare, and tips to avoid getting rejected.
Table of Contents
Where to Apply?
All applications must be submitted online only at the official portal: www.nosmsje.gov.in
Application Timeline (Round 1)
The process involves two rounds: Round 1 (March 19–April 27, 2025) and Round 2 (Sept/Oct 2025). Each round runs for 40 days, followed by a 4-day correction window.
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Window | 19 March 2025 to 27 April 2025 |
| Correction Window | 29 April to 2 May 2025 |
| Application Duration | 40 days + 4 days for corrections |
✳ You can apply in the second round (Sept/Oct) if slots remain unfilled.
Documents to Be Uploaded for NOS 2025 Application (As per Annexure-I)
Below is the complete list of documents you’ll need to upload on the NOS portal when applying for the National Overseas Scholarship 2025-26. Get these ready to avoid any last-minute stress!
Important Notes:
- All documents must be in PDF format, max 3 MB each.
- Upload your photo and signature in JPEG/JPG format, max 100 KB each.
- Missing or wrongly formatted docs? Your application will be rejected—double-check everything!
| No. | Document | Details & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| i. | Aadhaar | Your Aadhar card—mandatory! No Aadhar? Use Enrolment ID instead. |
| ii. | Caste Certificate | Proof of SC, DNT, or Labourer/Artisan status, issued by a state authority. |
| iii. | Birth Certificate | Shows your DOB (under 35 as of April 1, 2025). 10th certificate can substitute. |
| iv. | Current Address Proof | Where you live now—e.g., utility bill or ration card. |
| v. | Permanent Address Proof | Your permanent address—same as current if applicable, else separate proof. |
| vi. | High School/10th/Secondary Marksheet | Matches your registration details—name, DOB, etc. |
| vii. | Qualifying Degree/Provisional Certificate | Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s (for Ph.D.)—official proof you’ve passed. |
| viii. | All Semester Marksheets (Combined PDF) | Every semester of your qualifying degree, merged into one PDF, showing 60%+. |
| ix. | Proof of CGPA/SGPA Conversion Formula | If your marks are in CGPA/SGPA, upload the university’s formula to convert to %. |
| x. | Unconditional Offer Letter | From your foreign university (Top 500 QS for Round 1)—full letter, signed. |
| xi. | Employer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) | If employed, your employer’s approval to apply—on letterhead. |
| xii. | Gap Certificate | Explains breaks > 6 months after your degree—e.g., affidavit or work proof. |
| xiii. | Family Income Certificate | Tehsildar-issued, showing total family income under Rs. 8 lakh (FY 2023-24). |
| xiv. | Income Tax Return (ITR) | Combined PDF of ITRs for all family members filing taxes—skip if not applicable. |
| xv. | Father Income Certificate | His income proof—separate from family certificate if needed. |
| xvi. | Mother Income Certificate | Her income proof—same as above. |
| xvii. | Spouse Income Certificate | If married, your spouse’s income proof (includes in-laws for women). |
| xviii. | Self-Income Certificate | Your own income (e.g., from a job)—separate from family total. |
| xix. | Sibling or Child One Income Certificate | Income of sibling/child under 18 (Family member #1)—if contributing. |
| xx. | Sibling or Child Two Income Certificate | Family member #2—same rule. |
| xxi. | Sibling or Child Three Income Certificate | Family member #3—same rule. |
| xxii. | Applicant’s Photo | Clear headshot—JPEG/JPG, 100 KB max. |
| xxiii. | Applicant’s Signature | Your signature—black ink, clear, JPEG/JPG, 100 KB max. |
Step-by-Step NOS 2025 Application Process
Step 1: Register on the NOS Portal
- Visit www.nosmsje.gov.in
- Click on "Candidate Registration"
- Fill in:
- Category: Pick yours (SC, DNT, Labourers/Artisans) from the dropdown.
- State/District: Your domicile state and district.
- Date of Birth: DD/MM/YYYY format, per your 10th certificate (must be under 35 as of April 1, 2025).
- Name: First, middle (if any), last—exactly as on your 10th certificate.
- Mobile: A 10-digit number you can access.
- Email: Your active email—it’s your User ID!
- Password: Min. 8 characters, with 1 capital, 1 number, 1 special character (e.g., @Pple123).
- Captcha: Type the case-sensitive code shown.
- Result: You’ll get a confirmation email with your User ID (email) and password—keep them safe!
Step 2: Log In and Fill the Form
Where: Log in with your User ID and password.
Sections to Complete:
- Personal Details: Full name (auto-filled), father’s/guardian’s name, gender, marital status, Aadhar number (or Enrolment ID if pending), 10th board details.
- Address: Current and permanent (same or separate)—include house no., street, state, district, PIN.
- Emergency Contact: Name, address, number, email of someone in India.
- Foreign University: Master’s/Ph.D., field of study, research title (for Ph.D.), university name, country, admission date, join/end dates.
- Qualifying Exam: Degree name (Bachelor’s/Master’s), college, marks (60%+), CGPA conversion (if needed).
- Employment: Current/previous job details (if any)—office, salary, NOC if employed.
- Siblings & NOS: Any sibling awarded NOS before? List them.
- Visa: Applied or obtained? Type (e.g., J-1 for USA).
- Family Income: List all contributing members (parents, spouse, etc.), their income, ITR status.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
- Upload all documents in proper format and sequence as mentioned in Annexure-I above.
- Combine multi-page mark sheets or ITRs into one PDF file.
- Ensure documents are clear, complete, and named properly.
Step 4: Review & Final Submit
- Carefully review every section before clicking Submit.
- Once submitted, you cannot edit unless it's during the correction window.
*You can make changes only between 29 April to 2 May 2025.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
| Mistake | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Missing Aadhaar | Upload your Aadhaar card or Enrolment ID — without it, your application won’t be accepted. |
| Blurry Documents | Use a scanner, not your phone camera. All uploads must be clear and readable PDFs. |
| No Offer Letter | First secure unconditional admission from a top 500 university. You cannot apply without it. |
| CGPA Conversion Missing | If your marks are in CGPA/OGPA, upload the conversion formula authenticated by your university. |
| Late Submission | The portal closes at 11:59 PM on April 27. Don’t wait till the last minute — start now! |
Download Official Manual for How to Apply for NOS: Click here
Frequently Asked Questions on NOS Application Process
Can I apply for the NOS 2025 without an admission offer from a foreign university?
No. You must have an unconditional offer letter from a top 500 ranked foreign university to be eligible.
What’s an ‘unconditional offer letter,’ and why do I need it?
It’s a firm acceptance from a foreign university (Top 500 QS for Round 1) with no conditions like “pay first.” You need it to prove you’re admitted—apply to unis now, as NOS won’t wait!
My marks are in CGPA—will that work?
Yes, but you must upload a university-issued formula converting CGPA to percentage (e.g., 7.5 CGPA = 71.25%). Without it, your application will be rejected.