State to notify revamped Vivekananda scholarship scheme next week

Jaipur: The Rajasthan govt is to notify the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence next week, ending months of uncertainty for aspirants but with a major overhaul.College EducationCommissioner Nathmal Didel told TOI that the notification is expected Wednesday, with the application process to begin soon after. “The objective is to ensure students receive offers without delay and can join their academic programmes on time,” Didel said.The biggest change this year is expected to be the cap on overseas scholarships. While the scheme previously covered around 300 students, finance dept sources said the number is likely to be reduced to 100-125, making the selection process considerably more competitive.With fewer scholarships available, only students securing admission to top global universities are expected to make the cut. The income criterion will remain unchanged, with preference continuing to be given to families earning less than Rs 8 lakh annually. The existing 30% quota for women will also continue.The delayed notification is expected to disadvantage many aspirants. Admission cycles at several leading international universities have already closed, meaning only students who applied two to three months ago are likely to benefit from the scholarship this year.

“Students applying after the notification, or at this stage, may find it difficult to secure admission, as most top universities have already completed their admission process. Those who planned in advance stand a much better chance,” said Madhusudan Gupta, an education consultant with SI-UK.The revised scheme also expands opportunities for students seeking admission to Indian institutions. Besides universities featured in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), the dept will include several reputed institutions that are not part of the rankings but have established academic credentials.Students will be able to apply for programmes in disciplines such as architecture, medicine, management, agriculture and law under the revised list.