ICCR Scholarships Slots under the ICCR Scholarship Scheme for Indian Culture (A1209) for pursuing study of Indian Culture such as dance, music, theatre, performing art, sculpture, Indian languages, Indian cuisine, etc. for the academic year 2021-22
The Consulate General of India, Hambantota is happy to announce that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is offering l00 scholarship slots under the ICCR Scholarship Scheme for Indian Culture (A1209) at Indian Universities/Institutes in the academic year 2021-22. The “ICCR Scholarship Scheme for Indian Culture" encompasses wider facets of Indian culture and not just limited to dance and music but also includes performing art, theatre, sculpture, Indian cuisine, etc. The scholarship will also provide international airfare to students.
The admission procedure will be as follows:
i) The applications from interested students for academic year 2021-22 will be invited online through ICCR's A2A Scholarship portal http://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in. The A2A Scholarship Portal will be operational from 15th March 2021 for foreign students to apply for admission. Last date of application to be submitted by students online is 30 May 2021. By 25 June 2021, concerned Universities will intimate whether the applications have been accepted/rejected.
ii) Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of admission in Indian Universities / Institutes and not more than 30 years of age. Those below 18 years of age are entitled to take admission.
iii) Students can apply to reputed institutes, University/Institutes with accreditation of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) (A and above) rating / National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) (rank between 1 - 150) are listed on A2A Scholarship Portal for admission of foreign students through ICCR. Applications are to be directly sent by students to the respective universities they select.
iv) Applicants can apply to 5 Universities / Institutes in the order of their preference of study. The admission, as far as possible, shall be given as per applicant's preference. However, there may be a situation when students do not get admission in their preferred Universities/Institutes due to limited number of seats on offer. Students should be prepared to receive admission from any of their five preferences.
v) Applicants will be required to submit a 500-word essay in English to ascertain English Proficiency. Applicants can also submit their TOFEL/ IELTS etc. Standardized Test scores, if available. Depending on the institute's requirement, student may have to submit additional documents/evidence of knowledge in the specialized field of dance, music, theatre, art, etc. for this scholarship. Applicants must go through institute's website carefully for such additional requirements. Arrangements are also being made to have the Universities/Institutes conduct interview of the applicants online, if possible.
vi) The disbursement of scholarship payment to selected students will be through Public Financial Management System (PFMS), via direct benefit transfer.
vii) The guidelines of all schemes are available on the Portal. Students are advised to visit University / Institute website and do thorough research of courses offered, eligibility criteria and general information about the university / institute before applying for admission. The students should ensure that they are eligible for the course and meet the eligibility criteria and should submit relevant documentation as required by the Universities in addition to the basic certificates mentioned in the application form. They should always refer to the universities Handbook / University Grants commission's website and the concerned university / institute's website for eligibility criteria etc.
viii) Selected students will be provided with return economy class airfare to the nearest airport and 3rd AC Train fare to the place of study, if required.
ix) Applicants to note that compulsory personal medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for availing of ICCR's scholarship. It is compulsory for all ICCR scholarship students to procure Medical Insurance policy with minimum sum assured for Indian Rupees Five Lakhs which is equivalent to US$6800 per annum. Applicants are advised that when they travel to India, they must have medical insurance coverage on their own either before travel or immediately after reaching India. Students are free to purchase medical insurance from any of the insurance companies of their choice. However, to facilitate, the A2A Portal has two insurance companies for referral purpose. The revised medical norms of ICCR can be seen in the A2A Portal.
x) Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the educational institute and the living condition in the place of study they are opting for. The Consulate will assist and guide on the various aspects of the living and studying in India.
xi) Please note that ICCR may amend some provisions of scholarships from time to time and it is incumbent on students to accept the revised norms.
xii) Students may prefer to stay in the Hostel of the institution if available for security purposes. However, students are allowed to stay in private accommodation if the concerned institute does not insist on staying in their hostel.
xiii) Detailed guidelines on the process of applying for ICCR Scholarships online on the A2A Portal and the procedure and norms governing the same is given on the www.a2ascholarships.lccr.gov.in
xiv) For any clarification you may please contact Ms. Indu Paranavithana / Mr. R. Nishantha Cultural Clerk/ Librarian, Consulate General of India, Hambantota at pic.hambantota@mea.gov.in
