Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India has launched the “Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC) for the academic year 2023-24 for the children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)/ Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are pursuing Undergraduate courses (except medical courses) in Indian Universities/Institutes. The SPDC scheme provides them financial assistance towards tuition fee, admission fee and post admission charges. Since its launch in 2006-2007, the scheme guidelines have been revised over the years to increase the number of scholarships to 150 and the beneficiary can be of any country provided certain conditions are met.
The main features of the SPDC for the academic year 2023-24 are: The SPDC Scheme is applicable to eligible applicants from NRI/PIO/OCI community in all foreign countries. Students who have already secured admission in Indian institutions are eligible to apply. The scheme can only be availed by 1st year Undergraduate students (not 2nd or 3rd year students) as it provides scholarship for the entire duration of the Undergraduate course.
The scheme is open to following two categories in the age group of 17 to 21 years, as on July 31, 2023. The total number of scholarships under the SPDC programme is 150, out of which 50 slots are reserved for Children of Indian Workers in ECR countries. Further, out of these 50 slots, one-third of slots (i.e. 17 slots ) shall be reserved for those Children of Indian Workers in ECR countries who have studied in India. The selection of applicants for scholarships will be on Merit-cum-Means basis.
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