Loan Scholarship Process
The J. N. Tata Endowment awards a one-time loan scholarship only at the beginning of the course to Indian nationals for full time Postgraduate/Ph.D./Postdoctoral studies abroad and in India, in all fields, irrespective of caste, creed, gender or community. The amount to be awarded to each Scholar by way of the loan scholarship is determined on the basis of the norms laid down for the purpose, and does not cover the full cost of studies. The amount awarded as the loan scholarship ranges between Rs.1,50,000/- and Rs.6,00,000/-. All applicants do not necessarily qualify for the maximum amount.
The selected scholars may also qualify for a gift scholarship and travel assistance from our allied Trusts as may be decided at the sole discretion of the Trustees of the concerned Trusts. A gift scholarship can be for a maximum amount of Rs. 10,00,000/- and the travel grant can be a maximum of Rs. 50,000/-.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should be Indian nationals who are graduates of a recognised Indian University, with a consistently good academic record and other achievements to their credit. Students in the final year of the degree course and those awaiting results are eligible to apply. Mid-career professionals up to the age of 45, with a good academic record and experience in their fields for further research, specialisation or training may also apply. Candidates need not have the admission/offer letters from the Universities to which they have applied for the academic year 2016-2017 at the time of making the application. Candidates going abroad for seminars, conferences and undergraduate studies are not eligible for the J. N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship.
Selection for the Awards
It is a matter of pride to be called a JN Tata Scholar. Staying true to our founder Jamsetjee Nusserwanjee’s vision of rewarding the brightest and the best, we follow a rigorous selection process. Candidates may note the following points.
Apart from consistent academic performance, we give importance to participation in both co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
A good GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS score is extremely important for those applying overseas. If you have received a low GRE score, it may be advisable to improve upon it, to increase your chances of receiving the loan scholarship.
A good statement of purpose will make a significant difference to your chances. We have provided some guidance on our web site on how you can construct a good statement of purpose.
After the initial screening of applications, candidates who are found suitable and those who have secured the admission will be called to attend the interview at their own expense.
The Interview
Candidates should note that to be shortlisted for an interview is no guarantee of receiving the loan scholarship. The interview carries a significant weightage in the selection process and is conducted at Mumbai by a Technical Committee from March 2016 onwards. Candidates should come prepared with knowledge of their subjects and suggested areas of interest, as they will be examined in depth and detail. The greatest weight will be given to depth of understanding of the chosen area of study and career path. There will be two interviewers, one of who is a subject-expert and the other is Director of the Endowment. We may wherever necessary conduct a preliminary telephonic interview.
The final selection of scholars for the award of the loan scholarship is based on the following criteria:
(1) Performance at the interview;
(2) Results at the final examiniation; and
(3) Evidence of admission to a reputed University.
The Awards will be announced within one week from the time of the interview by mail. The Trustees’ decision on the award of scholarships is final. Correspondence in this regard will not be entertained.
Formalities to be completed
The candidate and the guarantor (preferably a parent or a relative having the capacity to repay the loan) will have to visit the Administrative Office of the Endowment, by prior appointment, to complete the necessary formalities after obtaining the visa. They will be required to enter into a legal agreement with the Trustees and provide documentary evidence of the capacity of the guarantor to repay the loan.
Repayment of the loan begins from the time the scholar starts earning or by the end of the fourth year from the availment of the loan, whichever is earlier. Repayment of the loan must be completed by the end of the seventh year from the date of availing of the loan.
PLEASE NOTE:
(i)All applications have to be submitted online.
(ii)Our office remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
Click below for more information as to who can apply and other info