SPDC Scholarship 2026: Get $4,000/Year for UG Admission in India
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Introduction
You have secured your UG admission in an NIT or a top Central University. You are happy about the low CIWG fees. But what if we told you that the Indian Government might actually pay you to study there?
It is called the SPDC Scheme (Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children).
For the 2026 Intake, this "hidden gem" scholarship offers up to $4,000 USD (approx. ₹3.3 Lakhs) per year to children of NRIs and PIOs. If you are a child of an Indian worker in the Gulf earning a modest income, this scholarship can essentially make your entire engineering or arts degree 100% Free.
In this guide, we break down the strict income criteria, the list of eligible countries, and the application process to help you claim this financial aid.
Highlights: SPDC Scholarship at a Glance
Feature | Details |
Scholarship Name | Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) |
Provided By | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Govt of India |
Amount | 75% of Tuition/Hostel Fees (Max $4,000 USD/Year) |
Eligible Countries | 69 Countries (Including all Gulf nations) |
Target Audience | Children of NRIs, PIOs, & ECR Workers |
Course Eligibility | UG Admission Only (B.Tech, MBBS*, BBA, etc.) |
Income Limit | $3,000 - $5,000 per month (Family Income) |
*Note: For MBBS, the scholarship is available from the 2nd year onwards.
1. Who is Eligible? (The 2 Categories)
The SPDC is not for every NRI. It is specifically designed for lower-to-mid-income families. There are two main categories for 2026 eligibility:
Category A: Children of Indian Workers in ECR Countries
Who are they? Parents working in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) who have "Emigration Check Required" status or hold lower-income jobs.
Income Limit: The total monthly family income must be less than $3,000 USD (approx. ₹2.5 Lakhs/month).
Where must you study? You can have studied Class 11 & 12 either in the Gulf OR in India. (This is a special exemption for ECR workers).
Category B: Children of NRIs / PIOs / OCIs
Who are they? Standard NRIs living in any of the 69 eligible countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).
Income Limit: The total monthly family income must be less than $5,000 USD (approx. ₹4.1 Lakhs/month).
Where must you study? You MUST have completed Class 11 & 12 outside India.
2. What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship does not give you cash in hand. It reimburses your expenses.
Tuition Fees: Covered.
Hostel Fees: Covered.
Admission Fees: Covered.
Food Charges: NOT Covered.
The Calculation:
The Govt pays 75% of your "Institutional Economic Cost" (IEC) up to a maximum of $4,000 per year.
Example: If your NIT fee + Hostel is ₹2 Lakhs ($2,400), the Govt pays 75% of that = $1,800.
Example: If your Private University fee is ₹8 Lakhs ($9,600), the Govt pays the cap = $4,000.
3. Which Universities are Eligible?
You cannot just join any random college. To get SPDC financial aid for UG admission, you must be enrolled in:
Central Universities: (e.g., Delhi University, BHU, JNU).
NITs, IIITs, SPAs: (Admitted via DASA/CIWG).
'A' Grade Institutions: Colleges accredited by NAAC with an 'A' Grade.
UGC Recognized: The university must be recognized by the UGC.
Warning: Distance education or "Management Quota" seats in unrecognized colleges are NOT eligible.
4. Documents Required for Application
The application process is entirely online on the spdcindia.gov.in portal. You will need:
Self-Attested Salary Certificate: A document from the parent's employer stating the monthly salary. (Crucial for proving the Income Limit).
Admission Letter: Proof that you have secured a seat in an eligible Indian university.
School Transcripts: Class 11 and 12 mark sheets (Min 60% aggregate required).
Passport/Visa Copies: Proof of NRI/PIO status.
Affidavit: Stating you are not receiving any other scholarship (Govt of India does not allow double-dipping).
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for SPDC if I am in the CIWG category?
Ans: Yes! This is the best strategy. You get the low fees of CIWG plus the scholarship of SPDC. Since CIWG fees are low (~$750/year), the SPDC will likely cover nearly 75% of your hostel and tuition costs, making it almost free.
Q2. Is SPDC available for PG admission?
Ans: No. The scheme is strictly for the first year of Undergraduate courses (B.Tech, B.A, B.Sc, B.Com, etc.). It does not cover Masters or PhDs.
Q3. When does the application open?
Ans: Usually in July/August after the admission season is over. You apply after you have joined the college.
Q4. Does the scholarship renew every year?
Ans: Yes, for all 4 years. However, you must pass every subject in your first attempt. If you fail a subject (get a backlog) in the 1st year, the scholarship is cancelled for the 2nd year.
Q5. Can medical students apply?
Ans: Yes, but only from the 2nd Year onwards. First-year MBBS students are not eligible.
Q6. What if my parent is self-employed?
Ans: You must submit a recent Income Tax Return (ITR) filed in the foreign country to prove your monthly income is under the $5,000 limit.
Q7. Is the $4,000 given in Rupees or Dollars?
Ans: It is transferred in Indian Rupees directly to your student bank account in India.
Q8. Are OCI cardholders eligible?
Ans: Yes, provided they meet the income criteria and have studied Class 11 & 12 abroad.
Conclusion
The SPDC Scholarship is the Indian Government's way of saying "Welcome Home." For Gulf families struggling with the rising costs of study abroad, this scheme is a financial lifeline.
If your family income falls within the bracket ($3,000 or $5,000), do not miss this. It is essentially free money left on the table.
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