In a significant push toward educational equity, the Telangana Government has announced a major expansion of its Overseas Education Fund, effectively doubling the number of students who will benefit from financial assistance to pursue higher education abroad.
Under the revamped scheme, more students from BC, SC, ST, and EBC categories will now receive state support for international studies. The number of total beneficiaries has been increased from 1,110 to 1,900.
Expansion Across Categories
- Under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Overseas Education Fund, beneficiaries from the Backward Classes have been increased from 300 to 700 with 500 slots reserved for general BC students and 200 for students from the Economically Backward Class (EBC).
- For the Ambedkar Overseas Education Fund, which supports SC and ST students, the number of SC beneficiaries has been raised from 210 to 500, while ST beneficiaries have increased from 100 to 200.
Government’s Vision
- Officials said the decision reflects the vision of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to provide equal global educational opportunities for students from marginalized backgrounds. The move also addresses the growing demand among Telangana students aspiring for higher studies in foreign universities.
- The expansion aims to ensure that financial limitations no longer hinder talented students from achieving international academic exposure.
Financial Assistance and Benefits
- Each selected student will be eligible for financial aid up to ₹20 lakh, which covers tuition fees, visa expenses, and one way airfare. The funds will be released based on eligibility and verified admissions to recognized foreign institutions.
- The total number of students supported through the program is expected to grow by more than 130%, marking one of the most ambitious expansions in recent years.
Eligibility and Application Details
- Students applying must have at least 60% marks in graduation and valid scores in international qualifying tests such as GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
- Applicants must belong to families with an annual income below ₹5 lakh, and only one student per family can avail of the benefit. The scholarships are open for postgraduate and doctoral studies in select countries as per government norms.
- Applications for the Ambedkar Overseas Scholarship 2025 to 26 are currently open through the official state portal until November 19.
Challenges Ahead
- While the initiative has been widely welcomed, experts caution that proper monitoring is essential to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process. Timely disbursement of funds, verification of university admissions, and follow up on academic progress are crucial for the program’s long term success.
- Some have also suggested that the government encourage students to return and contribute to the state’s development after completing their studies abroad.
Conclusion
- By doubling the number of students eligible for overseas education scholarships, the Telangana Government has taken a bold step toward empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- This initiative not only strengthens Telangana’s commitment to inclusive education but also enhances its global presence by nurturing a generation of globally trained professionals.
- The true success of the scheme will, however, depend on effective implementation, fair selection and sustainable support for students beyond financial aid.
