The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) 2025, offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, is a prestigious opportunity for students from marginalized communities — including Scheduled Castes, Denotified Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans — to pursue fully-funded Master’s and Ph.D. programs at top global universities.
However, not all courses and subjects are eligible for this prestigious scholarship. With the release of the 2025 QS World University Rankings, this blog post provides a comprehensive guide to eligible courses and highlights top-ranked universities where NOS applicants can apply, ensuring you make informed decisions to maximize your scholarship success.
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What Courses Are Eligible for NOS?
According to the NOS guidelines, the scholarship supports Master’s and Ph.D. programs in any field of study at accredited foreign universities, as long as they’re in the Top 500 QS World University Rankings 2025 for Round 1. However, there are specific restrictions:
- Bachelor’s-level courses are not covered.
- Topics or courses focusing on Indian Culture, Heritage, History, or Social Studies on India-based research are not eligible. The Selection-cum-Screening Committee has the final authority to determine whether a topic falls under this category.
- The course must be pursued at a top 500 QS World University Rankings institution (for the first round of selection) or other accredited institutions (for the second round).
Example: A Master’s in Computer Science at MIT (#1) or a Ph.D. in Economics at UCL (#9) is fine, but a Ph.D. in Indian Sociology isn’t.
Eligible fields of study are broadly categorized into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and Management, Health Sciences, and Other Specialized Fields.
Eligible Courses under NOS 2025 (Master’s & Ph.D. Only)
| Category | Eligible Courses |
|---|---|
| STEM | AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Robotics, Civil/Mechanical/Computer Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | Philosophy, Literature (non-Indian), Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, International Relations, Economics |
| Business & Management | MBA, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| Health Sciences | Public Health, Epidemiology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Genomics |
| Specialized Fields | International Law, Human Rights Law, Urban Planning, Sustainable Architecture, Climate Policy, Industrial/Graphic Design (non-Indian themes) |
Below, we categorize these fields, recommend specific courses, and pair them with top QS-ranked universities from the 2025 rankings to guide your application.
1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
STEM fields are highly encouraged under NOS due to their career potential and research significance.
Eligible STEM Subjects
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, Chemical, Aerospace, Biomedical.
- Technology: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Robotics.
- Mathematics: Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research.
- Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Astrophysics.
- Interdisciplinary Fields: Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, Quantum Computing, Bioinformatics.
Top QS-Ranked Universities for STEM (2025)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Rank 1, USA): World-renowned for Computer Science, AI, and Engineering programs. Ideal for Ph.D. research in cutting-edge fields like Quantum Computing.
- ETH Zurich (Rank 7, Switzerland): Excels in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, with strong industry ties.
- National University of Singapore (NUS) (Rank 8, Singapore): Offers top-tier Data Science and Biotechnology programs, with a focus on Asia-Pacific innovation.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Rank 10, USA): Perfect for Physics and Astrophysics, with small class sizes for personalized research.
Why Choose STEM?
- High Employability: STEM graduates are sought after in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing globally.
- Research Funding: Many universities provide assistantships, which NOS permits to supplement allowances.
- Global Impact: Contribute to advancements in AI, renewable energy, or biotechnology.
Tip: Ensure your Ph.D. research avoids India-specific topics. For example, a study on global renewable energy solutions is eligible, but one on India’s solar policy is not.
2. Humanities and Social Sciences
These programs develop critical thinking for careers in policy, education, and research.
Eligible Subjects
- Humanities: Literature (non-Indian), Philosophy, Linguistics, Comparative Religion.
- Social Sciences: Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science (global focus), Economics, International Relations.
- Education: Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, Educational Technology.
Top QS-Ranked Universities for Humanities and Social Sciences (2025)
- University of Oxford (Rank 3, UK): Offers world-class programs in Philosophy and International Relations, with access to global research networks.
- Harvard University (Rank 4, USA): Ideal for Sociology and Economics, with extensive resources for Ph.D. candidates.
- University of Cambridge (Rank 5, UK): Renowned for Literature and Political Science, offering a historic academic environment.
- University of Toronto (Rank 25, Canada): Strong in Education and Psychology, with a diverse international student body.
Why Choose Humanities and Social Sciences?
- Global Perspectives: Exposure to diverse intellectual frameworks enhances critical thinking.
- Policy Roles: Graduates can work in global organizations like the UN or think tanks.
- Interdisciplinary Options: Combine with technology, e.g., Digital Humanities.
Tip: In your application, emphasize the global relevance of your research. For instance, a Master’s in International Relations exploring global trade policies is eligible, but one on India’s foreign policy is not.
3. Business and Management
Ideal for leadership roles in corporate, government, or social enterprises. NOS allows degrees like MBA or specialized business Master’s.
Eligible Subjects
- Business Administration: MBA, Master’s in Management, specializations in Finance, Marketing, Operations.
- Economics and Finance: Financial Engineering, Behavioral Economics, Investment Management.
- Entrepreneurship: Innovation Management, Social Entrepreneurship.
- Supply Chain and Operations: Logistics, Operations Research.
Top QS-Ranked Universities for Business and Management (2025)
- University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) (Rank 11, USA): Top-tier MBA with specializations in Finance and Entrepreneurship.
- University of Chicago (Rank 21, USA): Renowned for Economics and Behavioral Finance programs.
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (Rank 50, UK): Excels in Management and Economic Policy, with a global alumni network.
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) (Rank 15, Singapore): Offers innovative MBAs focused on sustainability and technology.
Why Choose Business and Management?
- Career Versatility: Opportunities in consulting, startups, or multinational corporations.
- Practical Learning: Programs include case studies, internships, and industry projects.
- Networking: Access to global business leaders and alumni networks.
Tip: Highlight global business trends in your application, such as sustainable supply chains, rather than India-specific markets.
4. Health & Life Sciences
Health-related disciplines have high global relevance, especially post-pandemic.
Eligible Subjects
- Medicine and Allied Fields: Public Health, Epidemiology, Global Health, Clinical Research.
- Biomedical Sciences: Molecular Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Genomics.
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology: Drug Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Health Policy and Management: Healthcare Administration, Health Economics.
Top QS-Ranked Universities for Health Sciences (2025)
- Johns Hopkins University (Rank 32, USA): World leader in Public Health and Epidemiology, ideal for global health research.
- UCL (University College London) (Rank 9, UK): Strong in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience, with cutting-edge facilities.
- University of Melbourne (Rank 13, Australia): Offers top programs in Health Policy and Clinical Research.
- King’s College London (Rank 40, UK): Renowned for Pharmacology and Mental Health studies.
Why Choose Health Sciences?
- Global Impact: Address issues like pandemics or chronic diseases.
- Research Opportunities: Access to grants and labs for innovative projects.
- Diverse Careers: Roles in academia, healthcare, or policy-making.
Tip: Focus on universal health challenges. For example, a Ph.D. in Epidemiology studying global disease patterns is eligible, but one on India’s public health system is not.
5. Other Specialized Fields
Niche subjects like law, sustainability, and design are accepted under NOS if globally focused.
Eligible Subjects
- Law: International Law, Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law.
- Architecture and Urban Planning: Sustainable Architecture, Urban Design, Smart Cities.
- Environmental Studies: Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Development.
- Creative Arts and Design: Graphic Design, Animation, Industrial Design (non-Indian cultural focus).
Top QS-Ranked Universities for Specialized Fields (2025)
- Columbia University (Rank 34, USA): Offers top programs in International Law and Sustainable Architecture.
- Université PSL (Rank 24, France): Strong in Environmental Studies and Urban Planning, with a focus on sustainability.
- Monash University (Rank 37, Australia): Excels in Design and Environmental Policy, with a global outlook.
- University of Edinburgh (Rank 27, UK): Ideal for Human Rights Law and Creative Arts.
Why Choose Specialized Fields?
- Emerging Demand: Fields like sustainability and international law are growing rapidly.
- Unique Expertise: Stand out in competitive job markets with specialized skills.
- Interdisciplinary Appeal: Combines elements of STEM, Humanities, and Business.
Tip: Verify your chosen university’s QS ranking, as top 500 institutions are prioritized in the first round of NOS selection.
Top 10 QS-Ranked Universities for NOS Applicants (2025)
For quick reference, here are the top 10 universities from the 2025 QS World University Rankings, all eligible for NOS applicants:
| Rank | University | Country | Notable Fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MIT | USA | AI, Robotics, Engg. |
| 2 | Imperial College London | UK | Tech, Medicine |
| 3 | University of Oxford | UK | Humanities, IR |
| 4 | Harvard University | USA | Economics, Public Health |
| 5 | University of Cambridge | UK | Sciences, Literature |
| 6 | Stanford University | USA | Entrepreneurship, CS |
| 7 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland | Engg., Robotics |
| 8 | National University of Singapore | Singapore | Data Science, Biotech |
| 9 | UCL | UK | Biomedical, Social Sciences |
| 10 | Caltech | USA | Physics, Quantum Computing |
Note: Check specific program rankings on topuniversities.com to ensure alignment with your field.
Application Tips for NOS 2025
- Stick to QS Top 500: Only these are accepted in Round 1. Use topuniversities.com to confirm.
- Avoid India-Focused Topics: NOS explicitly prohibits this. Choose global research problems.
- Craft a Focused SOP: Align your academic goals with universal issues (climate change, AI ethics, global health).
- Double-Check Eligibility: Income limit, age cap (35 years), and minimum 60% marks are strict cutoffs.
- Prepare Early: Universities abroad have early deadlines. Start your application + language tests (IELTS/TOEFL) well in advance.
Important Notes
- Financial Benefits: The NOS covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel, making it one of India’s most generous scholarships. Supplemental university funding (e.g., MIT research assistantships) is allowed.
- Networking: Studying at top universities connects you with global leaders, enhancing career prospects.
- Post-Study Commitment: Return to India within 30 days of course completion and stay for one year to contribute to nation-building.
- Interesting Fact: The 2025 QS rankings highlight Asia’s rise, with NUS (Rank 8) and NTU (Rank 15) in Singapore offering affordable, high-quality programs ideal for NOS applicants.
| National Overseas Scholarship 2025-26 Quick Links | |
| NOS Selection Process | Top 500 QS Universities for NOS |
| How to Apply for NOS | NOS Eligibility Criteria |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Which courses are eligible for the NOS 2025?
Eligible fields include:
STEM: Engineering, AI, Data Science, Biotechnology, Physics.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Philosophy, International Relations, Sociology (non-India-focused).
Business and Management: MBA, Finance, Entrepreneurship.
Health Sciences: Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences.
Specialized Fields: International Law, Sustainable Architecture, Environmental Studies. Courses on Indian Culture, Heritage, History, or Social Studies are not eligible. -
Are Bachelor’s degrees covered under the NOS 2025?
No, the NOS only supports Master’s and Ph.D. programs. Bachelor’s-level courses are not eligible.
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How can I ensure my course or research topic is eligible?
Choose topics with a global or universal focus, avoiding India-specific themes. For example, a Ph.D. in global climate change mitigation is eligible, but one on India’s environmental policies is not. Consult the NOS portal (nosmsje.gov.in) or the Selection-cum-Screening Committee for clarification.
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Can I work part-time while studying under the NOS?
Yes, part-time work is allowed if permitted by the university and host country’s visa regulations, but it should not interfere with your studies. Check with your university’s international office for guidance.
Final Thoughts
The National Overseas Scholarship 2025 isn’t just financial aid — it’s your passport to global knowledge, top-tier mentorship, and a career that can impact lives worldwide. Choose your subject carefully, aim for QS Top 500 universities, and keep your research globally relevant.
Visit nosmsje.gov.in to apply and explore official guidelines.