AI SummaryMadhya Pradesh government runs the Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme for students from backward classes who want to study abroad. This scheme pays for postgraduate, Ph.D. and post-research studies at well-known international institutions, and it is fully active in 2026 with fresh payments already released to selected students this year.
In July 2026, the Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department released a total of ₹1,53,33,888 as scholarship money for three selected students. These students got admission at top foreign universities like University College London, Carnegie Mellon University and Monash University.
Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme - Introduction
The Madhya Pradesh government has been running this scheme since 1st January 2007 through the Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department. It helps students from backward classes who clear their earlier exams with good marks but cannot afford the high cost of studying in a foreign country. The scheme covers the study costs so that money problems do not stop a bright student from getting a good education abroad.
Students get admission at foreign institutions on the basis of QS world rankings. After the student receives the offer letter from the university, the department pays the tuition fee, accommodation cost, air travel fare and other required costs for the selected course.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme |
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Nodal Department | Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department |
| Eligible People | Students from backward classes (OBC) |
| Benefit Type | Scholarship for foreign study |
| Launch Date | 1st January 2007 |
| Application Mode | Offline at district office |
| Official Website | bcwelfare.mp.gov.in |
Latest Update 2026
The scheme is running and giving results in 2026. On 13th July 2026, Minister of State for Minority Welfare Krishna Gaur said that the department had released ₹1,53,33,888 in total for three selected students of the state. The students and their universities are:
- Aman Ali from Datia got ₹47,23,465 for General LLM at University College London (UCL) in the UK.
- Dhruv Jaiswal from Indore got ₹68,51,543 for PG in Product Development at Carnegie Mellon University in the USA. The payment was released on 8th July 2026.
- Himanshu Lokhande from Bhopal got ₹37,58,880 for Master of Cyber Security at Monash University in Australia. The payment was released on 8th July 2026.
The department has also invited re-applications from eligible candidates against 17 vacant seats under the scheme for the year 2025-26. Students can check the MP State Scholarship Portal at hescholarship.mp.gov.in for this notice.
Benefits
The scholarship covers the main costs of studying abroad. After the student gets the offer letter from the university, the department pays the tuition fee, accommodation cost and air travel fare. Students from backward classes who clear the selection do not have to pay for these big expenses from their own pocket.
Students who need a loan to cover extra study costs can also check the Dr Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for OBC and EBC students, which lowers the interest burden on education loans.
Eligibility
Students from backward classes can apply if they meet the conditions given below. The final eligibility is checked by the selection committee formed by the state government.
- Marks: The student must have secured first class or at least 60% marks (or an equal grade) in the previous qualifying examination.
- Experience: For Ph.D. and post-research programs, the student needs 2 years of experience in the related field.
- Age: The student must be below 35 years of age as on 1st January of the application year. The committee can allow a relaxation of up to 10 years in special cases.
- Income: The annual income of the student and family must not be more than the income limit fixed for the creamy layer.
Backward class students who want to study in India can also check the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Backward Class Students and the MP Post Matric Scholarship scheme for study support inside the state.
Application Process
The application process is offline and the form is free. The department publishes the advertisement in newspapers by the end of June every year. Follow the steps below to apply.
STEP 1 - Wait for the advertisement in newspapers, which is published by the end of June every year, or check the official website bcwelfare.mp.gov.in and the CM Helpline scheme page for the notice.
STEP 2 - Visit the office of the Assistant Director, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department at your district collectorate to get the official application form.
STEP 3 - Fill in every required detail and attach your recent passport-size photograph along with self-attested copies of all supporting documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application and documents to the designated authority before the deadline, and collect the acknowledgement receipt. This receipt shows the date and an application reference number for tracking.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying. Self-attested copies of all the documents below have to be attached with the application form.
- Marksheet of the previous qualifying examination.
- Offer letter or admission proof from the foreign university.
- Ph.D. degree or research enrollment certificate (for research programs).
- Experience certificate (for research applicants).
- Birth certificate for age proof.
- Valid income certificate.
- Caste certificate.
- Valid passport.
- Aadhaar card.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
References
Official website of Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department, Madhya Pradesh
Scheme details on the official department portal
Scheme dashboard on CM Helpline, Madhya Pradesh
View detailed scheme guidelines on CM Helpline
MP State Scholarship Portal for the re-application notice (17 vacant seats)
News report on ₹1.53 crore scholarship release (July 2026)
FAQ's
What is the Backward Classes Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme?
It is a scholarship scheme run by the Madhya Pradesh government for students from backward classes who want to do postgraduate, Ph.D. or post-research studies in foreign countries. The scheme pays for tuition fee, accommodation and air travel costs.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Students from backward classes (OBC) who have secured first class or at least 60% marks in their previous exam, are below 35 years of age, and whose family income is within the creamy layer limit can apply.
Is work experience required for research programs?
Yes, students applying for Ph.D. and post-research programs need at least 2 years of experience in the related field.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be below 35 years of age as on 1st January of the application year. The committee can relax this by up to 10 years in special cases.
What is the income limit?
Family income must not be more than the income limit fixed for the creamy layer to qualify for this scholarship.
Is the application process online or offline?
The application process is offline. The form is free and can be collected from the office of the Assistant Director, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department at the district collectorate.
Is a passport required to apply?
Yes, a valid passport or proof that the passport application process has been started is required.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers tuition fee, accommodation cost, air travel fare and other required costs related to studying abroad.
Is the scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is fully active. In July 2026, the department released ₹1,53,33,888 for three selected students studying at University College London, Carnegie Mellon University and Monash University.