The Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) is a government initiative introduced in 2006-2007 to promote affordable and quality education in India for children of Indian expatriates. This program provides financial support for undergraduate courses, fostering a connection between the Indian diaspora and their cultural roots.
What is the Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children?
SPDC is designed to assist children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Indian workers in Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries. The program helps cover various educational costs for eligible students pursuing undergraduate courses in India.
Key Benefits of SPDC
The SPDC scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees
- Admission fees
- Other post-admission expenses
Note: Medical and related courses are not included under this program.
Who Can Apply for SPDC?
The scholarship is open to:
- Children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
- Proof of Indian origin, such as PIO/OCI cards or affidavits, is required.
- Children of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Must meet the NRI definition under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Children of Indian Workers in Emigration Check Required (ECR) Countries
- Includes Afghanistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and 13 other countries.
- Proof of ECR status is mandatory.
Number of Scholarships
Every year, the SPDC awards 150 scholarships, distributed as follows:
- 50 scholarships are reserved for children of Indian workers in ECR countries, with one-third allocated to students already studying in India.
- Unutilized seats are redistributed among other eligible applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Applicants must belong to one of the eligible categories.
Age
- Must be between 17 and 21 years of age as of October 1 of the application year.
Educational Qualification
- Completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) with at least 60% aggregate marks.
- Must meet subject-specific requirements for the chosen undergraduate course.
Income Limit
- The total monthly income of parents/guardians must not exceed USD 4,000 (approximately ₹3,37,910).
- A self-attested salary certificate and the latest income tax return are required.
How to Apply for SPDC
- Secure Admission
- Applicants must first gain admission to an approved course at one of the designated institutions in India.
- Submit the Online Application
- Visit the SPDC portal at spdcindia.gov.in.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
Selection Process
- Selection is based on merit, considering the 10+2 performance of the applicant.
- Applicants are advised to ensure the accuracy of submitted details, as misrepresentation may result in disqualification and recovery of funds.
Key Points to Remember
- Beneficiaries remain eligible for scholarships throughout their courses if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Students receiving other government-sponsored scholarships are not eligible for SPDC.
- Misrepresentation of information leads to immediate disqualification and recovery of funds.
This program empowers students from the Indian expatriate community to pursue quality education in India. By reducing financial barriers, SPDC strengthens cultural connections and opens doors to a brighter academic future.
For more details and updates, visit the official SPDC portal: spdcindia.gov.in.
Stay Updated on the Latest Education News
For more updates on education, including information about college admissions, exams, education policies, and study abroad opportunities, follow us regularly.
