Government of India Scholarship
by Chandramouli Kumar Karn

Twenty first century is the century of ideas. Ideas can be generated by undergoing proper academic training. Educational opportunities are not limited to India in the present day global village. In recent years, students of Mithila, Bihar and India have become relatively more outgoing in pursuing higher education. Education is of prime importance to fulfill the dream of better Mithila, better Bihar or better India. Higher education received from abroad carry more weight due to the Indian psychology. Therefore, vigorous efforts are required to be put by our younger generation to grab the offering anywhere and everywhere in the world. A point should be noted in this regard, “in absence of education, all claims of development would be like writing on the sand”.
 
Government of India has bi-lateral and multilateral agreements with several countries for exchange of students for higher studies. A large number of foreign students are studying in India and as per the reciprocity; a large number of Indian students are enrolled in foreign universities. Most of the countries provide scholarship/ stipends in accordance with the agreement. Scholarships in developed countries are well known and filled up almost immediately. But lesser known countries also provide these opportunities and members of our community can benefit from these avenues. For example, scholarships in countries that have recently joined European Union can be a very good bet. The rush is less here and opportunities are immense because of its integration into European Union. Students should harness these opportunities.
 
Advertisement/ Notification about these scholarships are given by the Government (Ministry of Human Resource Development) in Employment News. Forms are invited from eligible students by HRD ministry. After scrutinizing these forms and in some cases taking interview of candidates, students are recommended to the Embassy of the concerned country in Delhi or sent to the respective organization in the countries that are offering scholarship. Embassy officials may also take interview and thereafter students are informed about their selection. Quantum of scholarship depends upon the agreement with the Government of India. Recently a dedicated website www.educationsupport.nic has been launched by the Government to help prospective students. Students interested in availing this opportunities should visit this site regularly.