Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme (MPGSS) stands as a prestigious initiative launched by the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, to recognise and empower talented young scholars pursuing postgraduate and doctoral education. Named after former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, this scheme reflects the state government's commitment to fostering academic excellence and promoting higher education among Goan youth.

Goa possesses a significant student population in the 18-35 years age group with immense potential waiting to be tapped. The Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme directly addresses this opportunity by encouraging and supporting meritorious students to pursue their Master's (PG) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in nationally and internationally reputed institutions. The state recognises that quality education and advanced research contribute significantly to building human capital essential for sustainable development.

The primary objective of the Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme remains to incentivise outstanding academically gifted students who demonstrate exceptional merit and potential. By providing substantial financial support, the scheme enables these scholars to pursue cutting-edge research and advanced studies without financial constraints. The initiative particularly focuses on attracting talented individuals to world-class institutions, both within India and internationally, thereby strengthening Goa's contribution to national and global academic and research spheres.

Under the Goa Manohar Parrikar Scholarship Scheme, the Directorate of Higher Education shall select 40 outstanding scholars annually. In exceptional circumstances, with proper justification and approval from the government, up to 50 awards can be granted. Each selected scholar receives either Rs 6,00,000 (for studies in India) or Rs 15,00,000 (for studies abroad) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to their bank accounts.

This comprehensive scholarship programme aims to enhance the state's overall effort in promoting quality education, fostering research and development, and encouraging innovation among its youth population. By supporting brilliant scholars pursuing higher qualifications, the Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme ensures that talented individuals can fully concentrate on their academic and research pursuits while contributing meaningfully to the state's development in the future. Apart from this, the central government also runs a scheme for PhD courses, such as the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme and National Fellowship Scheme.

Scheme Benefits

• Financial award of Rs 6,00,000 for postgraduate or PhD studies in India
• Financial award of Rs 15,00,000 for postgraduate or PhD studies abroad
• Every year, 40 students will be selected for the scheme.
• Disbursement through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiary's bank account
• Recognition as an official Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholar by the state government
• Priority consideration for future research grants and academic opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant age must not exceed 35 years as on 1st January of the scholarship year
• Minimum 15 years of continuous residence in Goa OR 7 years if of Goan origin with proof (birth certificate of parent/grandparent born in Goa)
• A qualified degree examination passed from an institution preferably located in Goa
• Minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in a qualifying degree, with 70% aggregate marks required for shortlisting
• Bonafide student of the PG/PhD institution pursuing a postgraduate or doctoral programme for the academic year of application
• Institutions must be listed in QS/THE/NIRF rankings or accredited by NAAC for the preceding two years
• Should not have engaged in any canvassing or brought political pressure (disqualifying factor)

Required Documents

• Valid Aadhaar Number
• Bonafide Certificate from the institution (mentioning programme name, start and end dates)
• Institution ranking/accreditation certificate (QS/THE/NIRF ranking or NAAC accreditation proof)
• All academic transcripts (SSC, HSC, Graduation, and current PG/PhD semester marks)
• Proof of Goan residency (15 years) or birth certificate of parent/grandparent if of Goan origin
• CGPA/FGPA conversion certificate from university (if applicable)
• Bank account details (account number, IFSC code, Aadhaar-seeded account confirmation)
• Updated CV (only if shortlisted for interview)
• Write-up of 500 words (only if shortlisted for interview)

Steps to Apply

• Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme Application can be submitted online.
• To submit the same, students need to visit dhe.goa.gov.in.
• Under the scheme section, click on Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme to access the SUGAM Portal.
• Register on the SUGAM Portal using your Aadhaar Number, Email ID, and Mobile Number. (Note: Only one application per Aadhaar allowed)
• Log in and select the "Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme" service to access the Goa Scholar Portal.
• Fill all application sections
  • Personal information
  • SSC/HSC/Graduation marks
  • PG/PhD programme details
  • Institution ranking/accreditation proof
  • Bonafide certificate details.
• Review the form and submit for e-signing using your Aadhaar authentication.
• Enter the OTP received on your mobile to complete the e-signature.
• Preview your complete form to ensure all sections are filled correctly and all documents are attached.
• Click the "Submit" button to finalise the online submission.
• Receive confirmation email with registration number.
• Log in to the Dashboard and download your submitted application document.
• Print the downloaded application document as-is without any changes.
• Attach all supporting documents in the specified order.
• Submit a hard copy by post/courier or hand delivery to the address given below:
  • Directorate of Higher Education, Goa Education Complex, Alto-Porvorim, Goa 403521.
• Monitor the DHE website for the Screening Committee's shortlist. Respond promptly to any emails regarding discrepancies or additional information.
• If shortlisted, submit an updated CV and a 500-word write-up ("Why your name should be considered") before the interview date.
• Appear for an interview (in-person or video conferencing). Interview carries 30% weightage along with academic achievements (45%), extra-curricular activities (10%), and institution reputation (15%).
• Check the DHE website and email for the final selection announcement. Selected candidates receive award details and disbursement information through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Relevant Links

• Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme Application Form.
• Goa Manohar Parrikar Scholars Scheme Application Status
• Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme Application Guidelines.
• Goa CM Scholarship Portal.

Contact Information

• Goa Directorate of Higher Education Contact number:
  • 08322410824
  • 08322415585
• Goa Directorate of Higher Education Email Helpdesk: dir-dhe.@nic.in