The Goa Scholars Scheme seeks to encourage youngsters to pursue their post-graduation and doctoral studies in recognized institutes in India or abroad. Launched in 2004-05, it is managed by the state directorate of higher education and provides a maximum of 15 meritorious and outstanding young candidates with scholarships every year. This week we look at the various steps involved in availing the scheme.
Eligibility criteria
- The candidate should be less than 32 years old
- Should be born in Goa and domiciled in the state for at least 15 years
- Should have passed the qualifying undergraduate degree examination from an institution in Goa
- Should have achieved a meritorious rank in the qualifying degree examination as per the criteria adopted by the screening committee of the directorate of higher education
- Should have obtained admission to an institution of proven excellence in India or abroad for undertaking post-graduate studies
- Those candidates who have passed the qualifying under-graduate degree examination from a reputed institution outside Goa may also be considered for a certain number of scholarships, provided they fulfill other conditions mentioned above
Approved Courses
- The course must require full-time attendance
- The institution where the admission is obtained should be accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, National Board of Accreditation or similar accrediting bodies in India
- The course offered by the institution must be recognized by any recognizing authority approved by Government of India or Government of Goa such as University Grants Commission, Medical Council of India, etc
Documents Required
- Application form for the Goa Scholars Scheme. It is available at no cost at the directorate of higher education office
- Marksheets of Class X, XII and graduation
- Domicile/Residential certificate. This can be obtained from the office of the sub-divisional magistrate
- Birth certificate
- A certified copy of admission letter/document from the institution concerned
- A 300-word essay highlighting the candidate’s strengths and vision for the future. It should also contain the reason why the candidate should be considered for this particular scholarship
- A recent passport-size photograph
Procedure for application
- Every year the directorate of higher education invites applications in the prescribed format from eligible students by announcing the scheme in local dailies and on its website. A deadline for submission is also specified, beyond which submissions are not considered
- All applications are registered and a registration number is provided to the applicant. The registration number must be quoted in all the subsequent correspondence with the directorate
- Following the scrutiny of applications, shortlisted applicants are required to appear for a personal interview before the selection committee, and may also be required to submit additional details regarding the institution or course
Quantum of scholarship grants
- The amount of financial assistance granted to the selected Goa Scholars (National) is Rs 3,00,000 per year, tenable for two years
- Selected Goa Scholars (International) are granted a one- time financial assistance of $20,000
- The disbursement is made in Indian Rupees in all cases
Points to remember
- In order to provide adequate opportunities to women applicants, at least 40% of the Goa Scholars Scheme in any particular year is for women. Only when the adequate number of women do not apply or are found to be ineligible, the scholarship is transferred to others
- Any candidate who has been shortlisted and interviewed earlier is not eligible to apply for the scheme again
- Any false information submitted in the application shall be treated as a cognizable offence under the Indian Penal Code
- In the event that the applicant is selected for a course that involves deadlines in relation to payment of fees and other charges, it is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange the finance for meeting such deadlines. In such cases, the financial assistance granted under the scheme can be utilized to pay back the bridging loan obtained by the applicant from relatives, friends or banks
Address/Contact details
Directorate of Higher Education, Fifth floor, Junta House, Panaji, Goa – 403001
Phone: 2425585, 2120824
Email: dir-dhe.goa@nic.in
