Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme (MGSS)
The Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme (MGSS) is a scholarship programme run by the Government of India (through the Embassy of India, Kathmandu) for Nepali students studying in Nepal itself.
While many India-Nepal scholarship schemes fund studies in India, MGSS is distinct in that it supports students in Class 11 and Class 12 (10+2 level) within Nepal.
The main aim is to help meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds continue their higher secondary education without financial burden.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for MGSS, applicants must satisfy all of the following:
- Nationality / Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Nepal. Citizenship certificate (of self or parent) must be submitted.
- Current Class / Course: The applicant must be a regular student of Class 11 (non-diploma) in a recognized school or college in Nepal.
- Academic Performance: Must have secured at least 60% aggregate marks in Class 10 (or equivalent).
- Other Scholarships: Must not be receiving a scholarship from any other source.
- Family Income Ceiling: The family’s annual income should be less than NPR 200,000.
- Physically Challenged / Disability: If applicable, you must submit a valid disability certificate from a recognized government authority (CDO, LDO, Municipality, etc.).
Continuation into Class 12
The scholarship is granted initially for Class 11. To continue into Class 12, the student must:
- Submit a copy of the Class 11 mark sheet.
- Submit a “present status certificate” from the school/institute head certifying that the student is promoted to Class 12 and giving the percentage obtained in Class 11.
- The student must have passed Class 11; if failed, the scholarship will be terminated.
Documents Required / To Be Submitted
When applying, and also for continuation to Class 12, the following documents are generally required. Always refer to the official notice in a given year, as there may be slight variations.
1. Passport-size photograph (recent) to be uploaded with the form.
2. Citizenship certificate of the student and/or parent (notarized / attested).
3. Class 10 mark sheet (or equivalent) showing aggregate marks.
4. Attested certificate from Principal / Head of Institution certifying that:
- The applicant is a bona fide student of Class 11.
- The applicant is not receiving any other scholarship.
5. Income certificate / proof issued by local/district government authority (LDO, CDO, District Office, etc.).
6. Disability certificate (if the applicant is physically challenged) from a recognized authority.
7. For continuation to Class 12:
- Class 11 mark sheet
- Present status certificate (promotion to Class 12, percentage) from school head.
Submission mode:
The application is submitted online via the portal (when open).
After selection, documents should be submitted (by email or physically) to the Education Wing of the Embassy of India, Kathmandu (or occasionally via Consulate) by a specified deadline (for example, by December 31 each year).
Scholarship Amount, Duration & Payment
- Annual Stipend / Amount: NPR 24,000 per year for each selected student.
- Duration: 2 years (Class 11 and Class 12)
- Conditions for Year 2 (Class 12): The stipend will be continued only if the student qualifies for Class 12 after passing Class 11 and submits the required documents by deadline.
- Termination Conditions: If the student fails in Class 11 or does not submit continuation documents in time, the scholarship for the second year is terminated.
- Disbursement Mode: The scholarship amount is usually deposited into a bank account opened in the name of the scholarship awardee after verification of documents.Thus, effectively it is NPR 2,000 per month (24,000 / 12 months), though the disbursement schedule might depend on Embassy arrangements.
Timeline / Application Period
- While the dates may vary each year, here is a recent timeline to give you an idea:
- For the 2024–25 cycle, the Embassy called for applications from October 25, 2024 to November 19, 2024 (till 23:59 hrs) via the portal (http://www.goischolarship.com.np)
- The portal is closed at midnight (00:00 hrs) on November 20, 2024.
- After application closing, selected candidates and required documents are managed per Embassy schedule.
- For continuation, document submission deadlines are often December 31 of the relevant year.
Estimated Opening in Future Years
- Based on past patterns, MGSS applications typically open in October / November of each academic year.
- So for a coming cycle, expect notifications in the fall (October / November), keep an eye on the Embassy of India Kathmandu website (Education / Scholarship section) and on the portal (http://www.goischolarship.com.np).
Important Notes & Tips for Applicants
- Read Instructions Carefully: Once the online application is submitted, modifications are generally not allowed. So double check all entries before final submission.
- No Agents / Consultants: The Embassy does not accept applications via intermediaries, education consultancies, or agents. Applications through such means may be rejected outright.
- Use a Valid Email & Keep Credentials Safe: All official communication, reminders, or verification processes will happen via email to the registered address. Do not lose access.
- Timely Submission of Continuation Documents: Failing to submit required documents by the deadline may result in cancellation of the scholarship even for year two.
- Be Honest and Consistent: Enter correct marks, personal information, and upload clear legible documents; mistakes or discrepancies can lead to rejection.
- Keep a Soft & Hard Copy of All Documents: Even though submission is online, keep backups of all your documents, photos, and the acknowledgement receipt.
- Follow Embassy Announcements: Embassy of India, Kathmandu updates its website’s scholarship/education section with latest notices.
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