The High Commission of India in Colombo has invited applications from Sri Lankan nationals for its Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Commonwealth Scholarship scheme. The scholarship is being offered for studies in prestigious Indian institutes and universities for undergraduate/postgraduate and Ph.D. courses in various domains such as engineering, science, business, economics, commerce, humanities, and arts, among others, but does not include medical/paramedical, fashion design and law courses. The scholarships are for the 2024-2025 academic session.

The scholarship scheme covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course, monthly sustenance allowance, and annual grants for books and stationery. In addition, airfare to the nearest destination in India and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits are also offered. Selected candidates would also be provided hostel facilities inside the respective campus.

The Government of India selects meritorious Sri Lankan nationals for the award of this coveted scholarship. Selection of candidates is done in consultation with Sri Lanka’s Education Ministry. Details will be available on the website of the Ministry at www. mohe.gov.lk. Interested applicants are advised to contact the Education Wing of the High Commission of India, Colombo (0112421605, 0112422788, 0112422789/ eduwing.colombo@ mea.gov.in) or the Education Ministry to learn more about eligibility criteria and selection procedure.

This scheme is in addition to three other fully-funded scholarship schemes announced recently; namely the Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme (undergraduate/postgraduate and Ph.D. courses in various domains such as engineering, science, business, economics, commerce, humanities, and arts, among others.); the Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme (Master’s Degree courses with preference to engineering, science, and agriculture); and the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme (undergraduate courses specifically in the field of information technology, leading to a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Technology).