National Overseas Scholarship Funds SC Student's MSc at UCL

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 11 November 2026 set out how the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) works in practice, through the account of a 24-year-old student from Maharashtra who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community and is now studying in London. The ministry withheld the student's real name and used the name Rahul Dabhade in its account.

The barrier the scheme removes

The student had set his sights on postgraduate study in Construction Economics and Management at a globally reputed institution, but the cost of an international degree stood in the way. Tuition, living expenses, travel and other academic requirements together put the plan beyond reach despite his academic record. The ministry describes the case as one of talent held back purely by economic and social circumstances rather than by ability.

What the scholarship paid for

Assistance came in 2025-26 under the NOS Scheme of the ministry, and it carried him to an MSc at University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. The support was comprehensive rather than partial.

Where he is now

The student is pursuing his postgraduate programme at University College London, taking part in lectures, tutorials and other academic work. The ministry says the exposure is building specialised knowledge in construction economics, infrastructure development and project management, strengthening his professional competence and broadening his grasp of global practice in the construction sector. Crucially, the assistance removed the risk that the course would have to be abandoned midway for want of money.

The policy intent

Through the National Overseas Scholarship the Government of India promotes educational empowerment, equal opportunity and inclusive development, so that students who deserve it can study at leading foreign institutions and later contribute to the country's progress with the knowledge, skills and expertise they bring back. For examinations the scheme is best remembered by its administering ministry and by the heads of expenditure it covers, since questions are usually set on exactly those two points.