Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme (Nepal)
Edit ScholarshipICCR scheme reserved for Nepali nationals to pursue postgraduate and PhD courses at Indian universities, administered via the High Commission of India in Kathmandu.
Overview
The Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme is a fully funded programme run by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous body under India's Ministry of External Affairs. It is set aside for Nepali nationals who want to pursue postgraduate (Master's) or doctoral (PhD) study at universities and institutions in India. The scheme is administered through the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, and applications are routed through ICCR's online Admissions to Alumni (A2A) portal.
The scheme reflects the close educational and cultural ties between India and Nepal. It carries the name of the late Sushma Swaraj, a former Indian Minister of External Affairs, and the "Silver Jubilee" label marks a milestone in the bilateral relationship. For students from Nepal, it offers a route to advanced study without the financial burden that usually comes with an overseas degree.
What makes this scheme notable is that it sits on top of ICCR's standard financial scale, which is consistent across ICCR schemes. That means selected students get tuition, a monthly living stipend, housing support, a contingency grant for study materials, and medical cover. Slots are limited and shared between PG and PhD applicants, so selection is competitive and strong academic records matter.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India |
| Host Country | India |
| Degree Levels | Master's and PhD |
| Value | Full tuition plus monthly stipend, house rent allowance, contingency grant and medical cover on the standard ICCR scale |
| Deadline | Annual window announced by the Embassy/High Commission of India in Nepal; check the A2A portal each cycle |
| Eligible Nationalities | Nepal (foreign nationals only) |
| Official Website | a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements
You must be a citizen of Nepal. The scheme is for foreign nationals only, so Indian citizens and people of Indian origin holding an Indian passport are not eligible. You also cannot already be studying in India under another scholarship when you apply.
Academic Requirements
For a Master's place you need a completed Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and for a PhD you need a relevant Master's. Indian universities set the minimum marks for admission to each programme, and competitive applicants usually have a consistent record across previous study. Your chosen course and university must accept your prior qualifications.
Language Requirements
Most ICCR-supported programmes are taught in English, so you should be able to read, write and speak English comfortably. The application typically asks for a short essay in English, and you may upload TOEFL or IELTS scores as extra proof if you have them.
Age & Other Requirements
ICCR schemes apply age ceilings that differ by level, with higher limits for doctoral applicants. The official call for the cycle lists the exact age range, so confirm it before you apply. You also need a passport valid well beyond your intended course, plus medical fitness to study abroad.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full course tuition fees at the host Indian institution
- A monthly living stipend on the ICCR scale (around ₹20,000 for PG and ₹22,000 for PhD students)
- House rent allowance when hostel accommodation is not provided, set by academic level and city tier
- An annual contingency grant for books, stationery and study materials
- A one-time thesis or dissertation grant for PhD scholars
- Medical cover through a health insurance arrangement during your stay
Figures follow the published ICCR scale and can be revised between cycles, so treat the official call as the final word on amounts.
How to Apply
- Register on the A2A portal. Create an account at the ICCR scholarship portal and select the Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee scheme for Nepal.
- Choose your programme and universities. List your preferred courses and institutions in order. Picking realistic options that match your background improves your placement chances.
- Complete the online form. Fill in your personal, academic and contact details carefully, making sure they match your supporting documents.
- Upload documents. Add scanned copies of transcripts, certificates, passport, photo, medical fitness certificate and your essay or study plan.
- Submit before the deadline. Review everything, then submit. The Embassy of India in Kathmandu shortlists and forwards eligible applications to ICCR.
- Attend any interview. Some cycles include an interview or counselling step at the mission. Respond promptly to any communication.
- Accept your offer. If selected, you receive a provisional admission and scholarship offer. Complete the acceptance and visa steps to confirm your place.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form from the A2A portal
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous study
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph
- A statement of purpose or study/research plan
- English translations of any documents not originally in English
- Medical fitness certificate
- Language proof such as TOEFL or IELTS, where available
- For PhD applicants, a research proposal and any letters of support
Key Dates & Deadlines
ICCR schemes run on an annual cycle tied to the Indian academic year, which usually starts around July or August. The application window for Nepal typically opens in the first half of the year and is announced by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and on the A2A portal. Because exact opening and closing dates shift each year, check the portal and the mission's notices rather than relying on last year's dates.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Apply early so you have time to fix document or upload problems
- Write a focused study or research plan that connects your goals to specific Indian programmes
- List a sensible spread of universities rather than only the most competitive ones
- Keep names, dates and marks consistent across every document
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving documents in a language other than English without a certified translation
- Submitting at the last minute and risking portal or upload issues
- Choosing courses that do not match your previous qualifications
- Ignoring requests from the Embassy for clarification or interview
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme?
Nepali nationals who want to study a Master's or PhD programme at an Indian university and who are not already on another scholarship in India.
What does the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition plus a monthly stipend, house rent allowance, an annual contingency grant, a PhD thesis grant and medical cover on the standard ICCR scale.
What is the deadline for the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship?
There is an annual window set by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and published on the A2A portal. Dates change each cycle, so confirm them on the portal.
Which degree levels does the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship support?
Postgraduate (Master's) and doctoral (PhD) study. It is not an undergraduate scheme.
Does the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship pay for flights?
ICCR schemes generally include return economy airfare, but confirm the airfare terms in the current official call before you travel.
How do I apply for the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship?
Register on the A2A portal, choose the Nepal scheme, complete the form, upload your documents and submit before the deadline. The Embassy then shortlists applicants.
Is there an age limit for the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship?
Yes, ICCR applies age ceilings that vary by level, with a higher limit for PhD applicants. The exact figures are in the official call for the cycle.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship?
It is not always mandatory, but you must be able to study in English. A TOEFL or IELTS score strengthens your application and may be requested by some institutions.
Can I apply for a PhD under the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship?
Yes. PhD places are offered alongside Master's places, and PhD scholars also receive a one-time thesis or dissertation grant.
How many slots are available under the ICCR Sushma Swaraj Silver Jubilee Scholarship?
Slots are limited and shared between PG and PhD applicants, which makes the scheme competitive. The exact number for each cycle is set by ICCR.