Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) Schemeand launch of portal 'spdcindia.gov.in'

As you are aware the Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) Scheme introduced by Government of India was previously applicable to NRIs and PIOs of 40 countries for undergraduate programmes. The Scheme has now been revamped and the guidelines are attached.  Some important changes in the scheme are:

1. SPDC is applicable to NRIs and PIOs of 66 countries including Japan.
2. The scheme is applicable to four categories of applicants: PIOs & NRIs of 66 countries, children studying abroad or studying in India of the Indian workers in ECR countries. Kindly see the guidelines for details on ECR countries.
3. The number of scholarships available is 150 of which 50 seats are reserved for children of Indian workers in ECR countries.
4. Applicants are required to apply for scholarships before 23rd September, 2016 through the portal ‘spdcindia.gov.in’ after they obtain admission in the approved list of educational institutions. The portal enables online submission of application, processing and building an alumni network.
5. The scheme covers institutions like National Institute of Technology (NIT), Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), School of Planning and Architecture, ‘A’ Grade institutions accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC), and all other institutions covered under Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme.
6. The Nodal Officer for SPDC is Ms.Vani Rao, Joint Secretary(OIA-II), Ministry of External Affairs, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Tel.91-11-24676210, Fax. 91-11-26882431, email: jsoia2@mea.gov.in. For queries please write to Mr. P. Bharadwaj, Deputy Secretary(OIA-II) at email: dsoia2@mea.gov.in. For local queries please write to Shri Sajjan Kumar, Vice Consul at email cgindia@indconosaka.org

GUIDELINES FOR ACADEMIC SESSION 2016-2017