Date -1/04/2024
Indian Council for Cultural Relations
(Scholarship Division)
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDER ICCR
SCHOLARSHIPS
1. DOs and DON'Ts for filling in the application on A2A portal
(i) All applications will be accepted online through AZA ICCR Scholarship Portal
(http:// a2ascholarships.iccr.gov. in) only.
(il) Applications will not be accepted physically in Indian Missions abroad/ICCR/Universities.
(iii) Applications will not be accepted locally (in India)
(iv) Applications should be complete in every detail to avoid rejection of the same by the A2A
portal/University/Institute.
(v) In case of documents available in local language, applicants are requested to upload
certified copies of translations of these documents in English. In case of unavailability of English
transcript, the application will be rejected.
(vi) Applicants applying for Doctoral courses should submit a synopsis along with the
application.
(vii) Applicants wishing to pursue performing arts course should upload the latest video/audio/
YouTube link of their performance.
(viii) Students who are already pursuing Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG)
courses in India and intend to pursue further studies will have to apply afresh through A2A
portal to process their applications, as the applications will not be entertained and processed
physically.
(ix) ICCR scholarships are meant for admissions only in the Indian State/Central
universities/Institutes or colleges affiliated to and recognized by the Indian State and Central
Universities. The list of such Universities/Institutes, empanelled with ICCR, is available on the
Portal.
(x) ICCR does not offer scholarship for Private colleges or Universities.
(xi) Student has the option of applying in 5 Universities/Institutes of his/her choice in preferential
order through AZA Scholarship Portal.
(xii) In order to pursue studies in engineering/science, students should have studied
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at Higher Secondary levels.
(xiii) In Biology-based science subjects, students should have studied Biology, Physics and
Chemistry at Higher Secondary.
(xiv) In order to avoid rejection from Universities/colleges, applicants are advised to make their
subject choices carefully, based on the subjects they have studied at Higher Secondary.
(xv) For admission in UG level courses, it is compulsory to have 10+2 i.e; (12 years) of
schooling. It is, therefore, necessary that the student applying for UG level courses must
complete 12 years of schooling.
(xvi) List of Universities empanelled with ICCR, where applicant can apply, is available on A2A
Portal.
(xvii) List of courses offered and the criteria/pre-requisites for admission in these
Universities/Institutes may be referred to on the respective University website by the applicant.
This is to avoid time delays in processing applications. A2A Portal has web links of each of the
University and courses offered by them.
(xviii) Applicants are advised to read all the instructions on the online portal for filling online
application and leave no field blank.
(xix) Subsequent change of University/Institute or course after ICCR scholarship has been
awarded will not be entertained.
(xx) Students should not be allowed or supposed to do any part time/full time job along with
his/her studies.
(xxi) Age limit for availing scholarship Minimum/Maximum Age limit for students under various
courses is as under:-
PhD - 50 Years maximum
UG/PG - 18- 40 Years
There is no age limit for courses in Hindi/Sanskrit/Indian performing arts such as Kathak,
Bharatnatyam etc.
2. Selection of Subjects, Courses and Universitie
i. For admission to science/engineering courses, an applicant should have studied Mathematics,
Physics and Chemistry at Higher Secondary level to be eligible.
ii. Applicants should clearly mention the course to which they are seeking admission while
mentioning choices.
iii. For choosing options for Universities, applicant must refer to University website or list of
eligible Universities. List of Universities is available on the A2A Portal.
iv. As IITs provide admission in B. Tech Course through a separate procedure, ICCR
scholarships are not offered for the same.
v. For MBA, GMAT score is mandatory.
vi. ICCR does not accept applications for Casual Research/ Diplomas/ Short-term courses.
vii. ICCR does not offer scholarship for MBBS/BDS courses. Also, integrated courses such as in
law are not offered.
viii. Applicants of Ph.D. courses should upload Synopsis (Proposal) of the research work.
3. Medium of instruction and English proficiency
i. Medium of instruction is English in all the Universities in India. Applicants should therefore
have good knowledge of English to the extent that they are able to speak fluently in English and
comprehend lessons in English without any difficulty.
ii. While filling the application, the applicant has to write a 500 word essay in English language,
on one of the topics / subjects mentioned in the A2A Portal.
iii. There is an optional provision of providing marks obtained in English Proficiency Test like
TOFEL/LETS etc. Only the marks obtained in such exams should be filled in.
4. More than one application of one candidate on A2A Portal will lead to disqualification of
candidate.
5. It is a compulsory requirement of Indian Universities/institutes for foreign students to have a
passport to study in India, which also include applicants from countries not requiring passport
for travel to India.
6. Passport size photograph of applicant with white background and visibility of both ears should
be uploaded.
7. The application once submitted by student will directly go to selected Universities/Institutes
through A2A Portal.
8. The application will be scrutinized by the respective Universities/Institutes for eligibility of
admission of applicant in the applied course and stream.
9. Indian Universities/educational institutes are autonomous and independent bodies and have
their own eligibility criteria. It is, therefore, for the students to satisfy themselves about the
course chosen and about the Universities. Decision on admission is solely that of the respective
University/Institute and queries on this thus should not be directed to ICCR. Admission is
provisional till the time Universities satisfy themselves of the authenticity of requisite documents
from the students. If on arrival, it is found that the student does not possess the required original
documents on the basis of which the admission has been finalized, the students will themselves
be responsible for the consequences including denial of admission by the Universities and
student will have to return to his/her country at own cost. ICCR will not bear cost on such
student's return airfare. The students while coming to India to join their respective
University/Institute should invariably bring the following documents:
(i) Original documents relating to their qualifications for verification by the respective
University/Institute.
(ii) English Translation of the documents in original.
(iii) Certified copy of the syllabus of the last qualifying examination.
(iv) Valid passport with appropriate visa. Student visa for Undergraduate/Post graduate studies
and research visa for Ph D studies.
(v) Award of scholarship letter issued by the concerned Indian Mission/Post abroad.
(vi) Undertaking from the student that the course and the University as conveyed is acceptable
and that he/she will not request for change at the time of admission.
(vii) Undertaking from the student that they have read the terms and conditions/Guidelines of
ICCR scholarship as specified in the Scholarship Manual 2023-24 [The one time undertaking
will be applicable even when scholarship manual is updated (as per para 36 like provision)],
available on ICCR website.
10. Admission of student by one or more than one Indian University does not guarantee award
of ICCR sponsored scholarship. Indian Mission/Post for the respective country will decide on the
award of scholarship to applicant and will issue letter of award of scholarship. For award of
scholarship, the decision of the concerned Indian Mission/Post is final and any query regarding
it should be taken up with them.
11. It is reiterated that the admission remains provisional till the time Universities verify the
authenticity of original documents. If original documents are not found in order on which
provisional admission has been granted by University, the admission offer will be revoked and
the students) will have to return to their country at their own cost. In case Association of Indian
Universities (AIU) Equivalence Certificate is required the offer letter for allotment of scholarship
should be processed only after the AlU Equivalence Certificate has been obtained by the
student. Once the scholarship is considered, Indian Mission/Post will issue an offer of admission
with award of scholarship for acceptance of by applicant. Applicant will have 7 days time to
accept / reject the offer. In case applicant wishes to accept the offer, an automated acceptance
letter, signed digitally by applicant, has to be submitted by the applicant on portal for further
process.
12. After submitting the acceptance, the applicant should approach the concerned Indian
Mission/Post for issuance of appropriate Student/Research Visa with the required documents
and letter of award of ICCR scholarship.
13. Once the Indian visa is granted, a copy of the visa should be uploaded by the applicant on
AZA Portal.
14. Pre-departure formalities
(i) The student should request the Indian Mission/Post to book the ticket up to (if offered in the
scholarship) the airport nearest to the place of University/college where the admission has been
confirmed. While booking the ticket, students must ensure that there is sufficient gap between
the timings of the connecting flights so that there is enough time to complete the transit
formalities, particularly in view of the Covid-19 induced restrictions or regulations. There have
been instances when the students have missed their connecting flights due to insufficient
layover.
(ii) The student should also check the allowed baggage regulations. There may be difference of
baggage allowance in domestic and international flights. Students must carry the baggage
equivalent to the limit of the lower category (domestic / international). In any case, ICCR will not
pay any additional amount on account of excess baggage.
(jii) Immediately on purchase of ticket, the students should upload their travel details on the A2A
portal to enable the relevant ICCR Zonal and sub Zonal Office to make necessary
arrangements. Flight details should ideally be conveyed at least 15 days prior to the journey. If
airport reception faciliation is not required, students should specifically mention that they do not
require any assistance at the airport on arrival.
(iv) Students should go through the Covid Protocol/ requirements at all relevant points in their
route such as RT-PCR test/ quarantine requirements and follow the same to avoid any
complications. Student may check with the concerned Indian Mission/post the latest Covid-19
regulations in India applicable to them at the time of their travel. All such expenses on Covid-19
including on related test will not be borne by ICCR.
(v) Students should carry yellow fever/other such vaccination certificate wherever necessary.
(vi) Students are advised to carry with themselves at least US$ 700 or equivalent to Indian
Rupees. 50,000/- to meet immediate expenses. This is suggested since there may be a time
period between first arrival and receipt of first stipend.
(vii) On arrival, students should contact the respective Zonal/Sub Zonal Office of ICCR and get
themselves registered with them. Students must also get themselves registered with Foreign
Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within a period of 14 days of their arrival in India. This is in
addition to contacting the University/Institute being joined. As a good practice, the students
should also inform their respective Embassy/diplomatic representative in India about their stay
in India on arrival.
(viii) Each student has to procure a medical insurance policy for a value of at least Rs. Five
lakhs or equivalent. As per the latest ICCR guidelines, medical insurance is compulsory for the
students (at their cost). Students may buy medical insurance in their country before departure or
on their arrival in India. It is up to the students to select the insurance package. During the ICCR
scholarship in India, in case of no medical insurance, ICCR is not liable to bear the medical
expenses of the scholar. In case of exigencies, the student should contact his/her respective
Embassy/diplomatic representative in India.
15. Once travel arrangements are completed, 'Travel Details' should be filled in by the applicant
on A2A Portal. An email should also be sent to the International Student Advisor (ISA) of the
University endorsing copy to ICCR Zonal/Sub Zonal Office for arranging reception on arrival in
India. This should be done at least 15 days prior to departing for India so that transit
accommodation details and coordinates of concerned person(s) who will receive them are
informed to the student.
16. On arrival, student is advised to buy a local Mobile Sim-Card.
17. On arrival a welcome kit shall be handed over to student. The kit will contain addresses,
email, mobile no. of Zonal/Sub Zonal Office, International Student Advisor (ISA), FRRO, city
guide booklet, financial norms of Scholarship Scheme in which student is enrolled, bank
account opening process and any other relevant information as deemed appropriate by Zonal/
Sub Zonal Office.
18. Immediately on their arrival, students will have to open an account with bank for which bank
opening form and a letter from ICCR's Zonal/Sub Zonal Office/University concerned would be
required recommending immediate opening of bank account at the nearest branch of State
Bank of India. Students should carry with them passport-size photographs for opening the bank
account. It is important to note that student will not be paid any money in cash or otherwise till
the bank account is opened. Therefore student must carry minimum money as advised above to
meet initial expenditure. Three months advance stipend/scholarship through direct bank transfer
will be released once bank account is opened and registered with ICCR.
19. After completing the requisite formalities, student should fill up the Joining Report (JR) in
prescribed Performa and get it duly counter signed by International Student Advisor/Head of
Department of University. The columns related to Tuition fee/other compulsory fees structure for
the entire duration of course in the Joining Report are to be filled in and certified by ISA/HoD of
University/Institute. While filling up the JR, it is advised to fill the details related to date of birth,
nationality, course, college details, registration number etc with utmost care.
20. The Joining Report complete in all aspects should be uploaded on the A2A portal/submitted
with concerned Zonal/Sub Zonal office within one month of joining the University/Institute. It may
be noted that unless the JR is received by the Zonal/Sub-Zonal office, except for advance
stipend, no other money will be released.
21. ICCR will aim to organize an Orientation Programme for newly arriving students within the
first few weeks of their arrival. Cultural immersion programmes shall be organized by Zonal/Sub
Zonal Office in due course.
22. ICCR Zonal/ Sub Zonal offices have a WHATSAPP group for foreign students and shall
remain in touch with them through it or other means on a regular basis.
23. The student should ensure that regular half yearly progress report/results of semester
exams along with certificate of attendance issued by Head of Department/ ISA of
University/Institute and the valid medical insurance policy are submitted to ICCR Zonal/Sub
Zonal Office for smooth release of stipend etc.
24. After admission, the students are advised to stay in the University/college hostel. However,
in case they choose to stay in private accommodation, they will have to give an undertaking that
they themselves are responsible for their security. If they are staying in University/College
hostel, they would have to adhere to hostel policies. Failing to observe hostel rules will lead to
disciplinary action by University/College.
25. Residential address outside of the enrolled University/Institute should be informed to ICCR
Zonal /Sub Zonal Office and FRRO compulsorily. In case of change of accommodation, the new
address should also be conveyed to ICCR Zonal/Sub Zonal Office and FRRO immediately.
26. ICCR has the right to bring in changes in the scholarship policy as well as financial terms of
the scholarship and implement it as and when it is decided so by ICCR under
intimation/dissemination of decision through Zonal/ Sub Zonal Offices, to which every current
ICCR scholar has to abide.
27. No student shall indulge in criminal/anti-social activities or political activities or Anti-India
activities or in violation of the laws of India/relevant Indian State/UT. If found indulged in such
activities and thus rusticated by the University/Institute, the ICCR scholarship will be terminated
immediately.
28. In case of any mishappening all expenditure on repatriation of student or otherwise will be
borne by the student or the family members or their embassy in India. The student should give
an undertaking to this effect, duly countersigned by one of the family members and submit to
the Indian Embassy/Consulate.
29. The scholarship tenure cannot exceed a period of 3 weeks after declaration of consolidated
results of all the semesters/final year by the respective University/Institute. The tenure of
scholarship for regular Ph.D student is 3 years. It should be an endeavour of each research
student to complete the dissertation work within 3 years of regular Ph.D. study tenure. In any
case, extant ICCR norms restrict the maximum period of scholarship up to 5 years for Ph.D
course. In addition ICCR provides maximum 6 months of scholarship to defend the thesis / for
Viva Voce for Ph.D.
30. It is emphasized that ICCR scholarship is only for the individual applicant so awarded, for
the duration of the enrolled course in India. As such, ICCR is not liable in any manner,
financially or otherwise, for other individuals related to the ICCR scholar.
31. Students should keep informed the Zonal/Sub Zonal Office about their movement within
India. If, leaving for their country/abroad, intimation or permission from Zonal/Sub Zonal Office
may be obtained.
32. Scholarship shall be disbursed on the basis of regular progress of the student at his/her
course. In case student fails in prescribed examination and does not get promoted to next level
of study/programme, the scholarship will be discontinued. No scholarship shall be paid for
clearing backlog (there is a special provision however for Afghan scholarship schemes).
33. In case a new student fails in first year, his/her scholarship would be suspended for one -
year and he/she would have to self finance his/her studies. Scholarship may be revived from
next year (at the end of 2nd year) provided student clears the first year. In case student fails
second time, his/her scholarship will stand terminated and he/she would have to complete
his/her course as a self finance student or return to his/her country on own expense, if so
chosen. In any case, scholarship would not be given for more than the prescribed length of
course. The same applies if it occurs in any of the other years.
34. Student should fill up the Alumni Form available on A2A
(http://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in/home) Portal as well as on India Alumni portal
(https://indiaalumni.almaconnect.com) before leaving India. This will help alumni of ICCR to be
in touch for future ICCR activities and will also be helpful in future for Indian Missions/Posts
abroad to remain engaged with the Alumni.
35. It should be ensured that the local bank account is closed before leaving India. This will
ensure security from misuse of the dormant bank account.
36. This Manual supersedes provisions in previous versions and is applicable for all current
ICCR scholars in India. Supplementary regulations/provistions may be issued/intimated
separately from time to time.
37. ICCR strives to ensure welfare of ICCR scholars during their stay in India. ICCR Hqrs and
its Zonal/Sub Zonal Offices welcome suggestions/feedback from its scholars any time.
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