SPDC scheme is a scholarship scheme of the Ministry of External Affairs to assist the Children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)/ Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are pursuing Undergraduate 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 SPDC Guidelines have been revised subsequently, following which the Scheme has been opened up for diaspora applicants from all countries, with preference being accorded for female applicants in 50% of seats available in each category and medical students pursuing UG courses have also been brought under the purview of the scheme.
2. Ministry has now launched the SPDC Programme for the academic year 2024-25 for the Children of NRIs/PIOs/OCIs pursuing Undergraduate courses in several disciplines in India.
3. Following are the main features of the SPDC for the academic year 2024-25:-
(i) The SPDC Scheme is applicable to eligible applicants from NRI/PIO/OCI community in all foreign countries.
(ii) Students who have already secured admission in Indian institutions are eligible to apply. The scheme can only be availed by 1st year Undergraduate students (other than medical courses). For diaspora students pursuing UG medical courses in Indian Colleges, the duration of scholarship will be from 2nd year to 5th year.
(iii) 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.
(iv) The selection of applicants for scholarships will be on Merit-cum-Means basis.
(v) Applicants from all the categories must have passed grade 11th and 12th from abroad. However, under the category of Children of Indian Workers in ECR countries, who have studied in India, the applicant must have passed grade 11th and 12th or equivalent examination from a system of education recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
(vi) Following institutions are covered under the SPDC Scheme:
(a) Central Universities of India offering Undergraduate courses;
(b) ‘A’ Grade institutions accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognized by UGC.
(c) National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Schools of Planning and Architecture and Indian Institutes of Information and Technology (IIITs) through DASA Scheme.
(vii) The amount of scholarship admissible would be 75% of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC) subject to a maximum of US$ 4,000/- per annum. IEC includes Tuition fees, Hostel fees & other institutional charges (Food charges are excluded).
(viii) The total monthly income of the parent(s) of the NRIs/PIOs/OCIs category applicants should not exceed an amount equivalent to US$ 5000/- and the total monthly income of the parent(s) of the Indian workers in ECR category applicants should not exceed an amount equivalent of US$ 3000/-.
3. The last date for submission of the duly filled-in application forms in the prescribed format is 30 November 2024.
