The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme empowers deserving candidates from marginalized communities to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. degrees abroad. The NOS 2025 selection process is highly competitive, with only 125 slots available. Your ranking in the merit list determines whether you secure the scholarship.If you're applying or planning to apply, understanding the selection process is crucial. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how the selection works—and how you can stand out and secure your spot on the merit list.
How Does the NOS Selection Process Work?
The NOS selects candidates based on merit, and it’s a clear, step-by-step system. The selection proces is sourced from the guidelines provided on the official website (https://nosmsje.gov.in).
1. Online Application:
- Apply on nosmsje.gov.in during Round 1 (Feb/March 2025, 40 days open + 4 days for corrections) or Round 2 (Sept/Oct 2025, if slots remain).
- Submit docs like your Aadhaar, caste certificate, degree marksheets (60%+ required), and an unconditional offer letter from a Top 500 QS-ranked foreign university (Round 1). Financial conditions (e.g., “pay a deposit”) are okay, but non-financial ones (e.g., “pass IELTS”) must be cleared.
- Incomplete applications will be auto-rejected, but you can reapply in Round 2.
2. Merit Based on QS Rankings:
- A merit list is created based on the QS rank of the university. The better the university’s rank, the higher your chances of selection.
- For Round 1, only Top 500 QS World University Rankings 2025 count. Your university’s rank sets your place on the merit list—higher rank = higher spot.
- Example: An offer from Oxford (#3) beats one from Monash (#37). In Round 2, Top 500 still gets priority, followed by other QS-ranked or accredited schools.
- Catch: The QS ranking must be for the specific campus where you’re applying.
Example: If you apply to New York University (NYU) Shanghai, only NYU Shanghai’s QS ranking counts—not NYU’s main campus (ranked #43 in 2025).
Tip: Check the latest QS rankings here: Top 500 QS Universities for NOS
3. Tiebreakers (Qualifying Exam Marks):
What if two applicants apply to similarly ranked universities?
In that case: The marks/grades in the qualifying exam (Bachelor's for Master's, Master's for Ph.D.) are used to break the tie.
Example:
- Candidate A: Offer from Harvard University (QS Rank 4) + 75% in Bachelor’s.
- Candidate B: Offer from Harvard University (QS Rank 4) + 82% in Bachelor’s.
→ Candidate B ranks higher.
4. Selection-cum-Screening Committee:
All eligible applications are reviewed by a Selection-cum-Screening Committee, which:
- Verify eligibility (income, caste, age, documents).
- Rank candidates based on QS ranking + marks.
- Recommend candidates for provisional selection [takes ~10-15 days after scrutiny (20-30 days post-application)].
- Maintain a waitlist (up to 50% of total seats).
Their recommendations go to the Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment for final approval.
Aftet that results hit the portal, and you’ll get an email/SMS. Got a grievance? You’ve got 30 days to appeal, but only for scrutiny errors—no new docs allowed.
Key Points:
- No requests for university/course changes are entertained after selection.
- Incomplete applications are rejected without review.
5. Waitlist Details:
- If slots remain after Round 2, a waitlist (up to 50% of slots, ~62 candidates) is created, valid till March 31, 2026.
- Waitlisted? You can reapply in the next cycle (2026-27) while holding your spot. If a selected candidate drops out (e.g., doesn’t join within one year/two intakes), waitlisters move up.
- Example: If 10 SC slots go unfilled, waitlisted SC candidates get first dibs based on merit.
6. Post-Selection:
- Selected? You’ll get a provisional award letter. Submit extra docs (e.g., attested forms, passport copy) within six months for a confirmed award letter.
- Execute bonds (₹100 stamp paper, two sureties), get solvency/health certificates, and book economy-class flights via authorized agents (Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels, IRCTC). If you miss the six-month mark, your award’s get canceled—no extensions!
5 Ways to Improve Your Ranking
Your merit depends on that Top 500 QS offer letter—the higher the rank, the better your chances. Here’s how to stand out:
1. Target Top 500 QS Universities
- Apply early to high-ranked universities (e.g., MIT, Oxford, NUS, ETH Zurich).
- Avoid universities outside the top 500 (unless applying in the second round).
2. Secure an Unconditional Offer
- Conditional offers (e.g., financial proof) are not accepted.
- Contact universities to waive financial conditions by explaining your NOS application.
3. Score High in Your Qualifying Exam
- Your academic score could be the tie-breaker. Aim for 60% minimum, but higher = better.
- If your university uses CGPA, submit an official conversion formula.
4. Apply in the First Round
- First-round candidates have higher priority (only top 500 QS universities considered).
- The second round is less predictable (depends on leftover slots).
5. Prepare Documents Early
- Ensure Aadhar, caste certificate, income proof (ITR/Tehsildar certificate), and marksheets are ready.
- Missing documents lead to automatic rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions on NOS Selection Process
How does NOS decide who gets the scholarship?
NOS picks 125 candidates based on merit—your university’s Top 500 QS rank (e.g., MIT #1, Oxford #3) sets your place. Higher rank = better spot. In Round 1 (by April 27, 2025), only Top 500 QS offers count. Round 2 prioritizes them too, but may include lower ranks if slots remain.
What happens if two candidates have offers from the same university?
If you both have offers from, say, NUS (#8), NOS uses your qualifying exam marks as a tiebreaker—Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for Ph.D. Example: 85% beats 70%. Always submit all semester marksheets with a CGPA conversion if needed!
What’s the Selection-cum-Screening Committee’s role?
The Committee checks your application—eligibility (age <35, income <₹8 lakh), docs (Aadhaar, caste certificate), and offer letter. They rank you by QS rank and marks, then recommend selections. The Minister of Social Justice approves the final list in ~10-15 days.
What’s the waitlist, and how does it work?
If slots are left after Round 2, a waitlist (up to ~62 candidates) forms, valid till March 31, 2026. If selected candidates skip formalities—like bonds or solvency certificates within six months—waitlisters grab those slots, based on merit (QS rank first).
Can I apply in both NOS rounds?
Yes! Pro Tip: Apply in Round 1 (Feb/March 2025) for all 125 slots and Round 2 (Sept/Oct 2025) if you miss out or get a better offer (e.g., upgrade from #100 to #10). It maximizes your chances—don’t skip either!
Can I change my university after selection?
Nope—NOS locks your chosen uni (Guidelines §9b). Want a different one? Reapply in the next round (e.g., Round 2 or 2026-27) with a new offer. Stick to your app to avoid delays!
What happens if I’m waitlisted?
You stay eligible till March 31, 2026. If someone drops out (e.g., misses bond submission), you could snag their slot, based on your merit. Reapply in 2026-27 anyway—it keeps your options open while you wait!