The application process is similar for all Indian government scholarships, and candidates cannot apply directly on their own behalf. Notices inviting applications are sent out by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to Indian embassies overseas. Applicants apply through their local Indian embassy, which nominates selected candidates to the ICCR. Applications must include copies of all relevant educational certificates, three passport photos, a certificate of English proficiency and proof of HIV-negative status. Once in India, successful candidates will be subject to compulsory HIV testing. Any student found to be HIV-positive will be immediately repatriated and required to refund the scholarship. Most scholarships are tailored for specific subject areas, or reserved for students from particular countries or ethnic backgrounds.
India is the largest of the 54-member states of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) awards grants to students from 15 other Commonwealth countries. This enables successful candidates to study in India at any level from undergraduate to Ph.D., but tends to promote graduate-level work. Preference is given to candidates who have not previously studied in India.
The General Cultural Scholarship Scheme (GCSS) supports foreign students from Asian, African or Latin-American backgrounds for undergraduate and graduate degrees, doctoral research and post-doctoral work. The broad range of eligible subjects includes architecture, humanities, sciences, engineering, commerce and agriculture. Medical studies are not eligible as these are covered under separate schemes. The GCSS is offered annually through the Indian embassies of 76 countries in Africa, the Middle-East and Asia.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship is for studying visual and performing arts, from certificate and diploma courses to doctoral degrees. Sixty of these awards are available to candidates from countries signed up to the Cultural Exchange Program with India. The ICCR scholarships cover most student expenses, including tuition fees, a living allowance and medical expenses.