SCHOLARSHIPS

12.1.0 National and External Scholarship Divisions of Department of Education administer a number of scholarship/fellowship programmes meant for Indian students, for further studies/research in different universities/institutions in India and abroad. These include programmes sponsored by the Government of India and those offered by foreign countries. Major programmes under which scholarships/fellowships were awarded during 1995-96 are the following:

National Scholarship Scheme

12.2.0 Under this scheme, scholarships are awarded for post-matric studies on merit-cum-means basis. The rates of scholarships vary from Rs.60/-p.m. to Rs. 120/-p.m. for day scholars and Rs. 100/- to Rs.300/- p.m. for hostellers, depending on the course of study. The income ceiling of the parents for eligibility of scholarship is Rs.25,000/-per annum.

Scholarships to Students from Non-Hindi Speaking States for Post- Matric studies in Hindi

12.3.0 The scheme was started in 1955-56, with the objective to encourage study of Hindi in Non-Hindi Speaking States/Union Territories and to make available suitable personnel to man teaching and other posts where knowledge of Hindi is essential. Two thousand five hundred scholarships were allocated to various Non-Hindi speaking States/Union Territories during 1995-96. The rates of Scholarships vary from Rs.50/- to Rs. 125/- per month, depending upon the course of study.

Scheme of National Scholarships at Secondary Stage for Talented Children from Rural Areas

12.4.0 This Scheme has been in operation since 1971-72. The aim of the scheme is to achieve greater equalization of educational opportunities and to provide a fillip to the development of potential talents from rural areas by educating them in good schools. The scheme is being implemented through State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The distribution of Scholarships is made on the basis of Community Development Blocks in each States/Union Territories. The Scholarships are awarded at the end of the middle school stage (Class VI/VIII) and continue upto the secondary stage including +2 stage. The selection of the students is made by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations with the help of the NCERT/SCERTs. The rate of scholarships varies from Rs.30/- to Rs.100/- per month depending upon the course of study.

Scholarships/Fellowships offered by Foreign Governments under Cultural Exchange Programmes

12.5.0 Under the Cultural Exchange Programmes, the scholarships are given to Indian students by the donor countries for higher studies in the respective countries. The awards of scholarships for post graduate studies leading to Ph. D. and post Doctoral Research in the fields of Basic Sciences (Pure and Applied), Engineering and

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Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences are made available by various foreign governments and agencies, 46 Scholars have been sent to China, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland and Poland till January, 1996.

Commonwealth Scholarships/Fellowships are offered by Government of U.K., Canada, etc.

12.6.0 Under this programme, scholarships/fellowships are awarded to Indian Nationals for higher studies/research/ training in U.K., Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are prestigious ones and are very beneficial to the country as well as Educational and Professional development of the beneficiaries. The scholarships are made available for studies in about 25 disciplines including medicine. 31 scholarships have been utilised during 1995- 1996.

Nehru Centenary (British) Fellowship/Award

12.7.0 Under this Scheme, Indian students are sent to U.K. for higher studies/research in the fields of Economics, English language and Literature, International Relations, Energy Conservation and small Business Development. 15 fellowships are offered by the British Government and 3 scholars have been sent abroad so far and others are expected to leave shortly.

British Council Visitorship Programme

12.8.0 Under this Programme, 67 Scientists, Academicians and Medical Specialists have been benefited till January, 1996 for mutual appreciation of important developments in their areas of specialisation.

Confederation of British Industry Overseas Scholarship Scheme

12.9.0 Under this scheme, the Confederation of British Industry, London offers scholarships to Indian nationals for advance professional training in the subject fields of Engineering and Technology. The Indian Nationals, who are working in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science & Bio Medical Engineering Industries, particularly from those who have collaborative agreement with U.K. firms, are eligible for these scholarships. Under this scheme, offers for training of 6 candidates were received and 3 candidates utilised the offer.

Australian Development Co-operation Scholarship

12.10.0 The Government of Australia offered 28 scholarships to Indian nationals on Merit basis for post-graduate and higher studies/research leading to a Doctoral Degree in the subject fields of Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences. All of the 28 scholarships have been utilised.

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