Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) 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 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 2025-26 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 2025-26:
I. The SPDC initiative is open to qualified candidates from the NRI, PIO, and OCI communities residing in any country worldwide.
II. Eligibility is extended to students who have already gained entry into Indian educational institutions. The grant is available to those in their first year of an undergraduate program (other than medical courses); however, for diaspora students enrolled in undergraduate medical degrees, the scholarship period spans from the second year through the fifth year.
III. A total of 150 scholarships are available through the SPDC. Of these, 50 positions are specifically designated for the children of Indian workers in ECR nations. Within this specific group, 17 slots (one-third of the 50) are further set aside for those children of ECR-based workers who completed their prior schooling within India.
IV. The selection of applicants for scholarships will be on Merit-cum-Means basis.
V. Generally, all applicants are required to have completed their 11th and 12th-grade education outside of India. The exception applies to children of Indian workers in ECR countries who studied domestically; these students must have completed their 11th and 12th grade (or an equivalent level) through an educational framework officially recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
VI. The scholarship is valid for students attending the following types of institutions:
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 financial aid provided covers 75% of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC), with a yearly ceiling of US$ 4,000. This cost includes tuition, housing, and various institutional fees, though it specifically excludes the cost of meals.
VIII. Financial eligibility is determined by parental earnings: the combined monthly income for parents of NRI, PIO, or OCI applicants must be no more than US$ 5,000. For parents of children in the ECR worker category, the monthly income limit is set at US$ 3,000.
4. The last date for submission of the duly filled-in application forms in the prescribed format is 30 January 2026.
5. A copy of the SPDC guidelines for the academic year 2025-26 is attached herewith for reference.
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