India offers 1,000 e-scholarships to Afghan students for 2025–26 under ICCR Scholarship Details Scheme. Learn eligibility, application process, and benefits for Afghan nationals.
India Offers 1,000 E-Scholarships to Afghan Students for 2025–26
Introduction
In a significant move to bolster educational ties and support Afghan youth, India has announced the provision of 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan nationals for the academic year 2025–26. This initiative is part of the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN) under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The scholarships aim to provide Afghan students with opportunities to pursue online undergraduate and postgraduate courses through India’s e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal.
Key Features of the Scholarship
- Number of Scholarships: 1,000
- Eligibility: Afghan nationals aged 18–35 years
- Level of Study: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Platform: e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal
- Coverage: Full tuition fees, e-content charges, examination fees, and other related expenses
- Recognition: Degrees awarded will be recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India
- Certificate Issuance: Physical certificates to be issued by the Indian Mission in Kabul
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply through the official ICCR scholarship portal: The application process involves online registration, submission of required documents, and selection by the respective Indian Missions. Detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria are available on the portal.
Why This News is Important
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
This scholarship initiative underscores India’s commitment to fostering strong educational and cultural ties with Afghanistan. By providing Afghan students with access to quality education, India aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of Afghanistan.
Promoting Educational Opportunities
The scholarships offer Afghan youth an opportunity to pursue higher education without the need to travel abroad. This is particularly significant given the current geopolitical situation and the challenges faced by students in Afghanistan.
Enhancing Regional Stability
Education plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability. By investing in the education of Afghan students, India is contributing to the long-term stability and prosperity of the region.
Historical Context
India has a long-standing tradition of supporting Afghan students. Since 2005, India has been offering approximately 1,000 scholarships annually to Afghan nationals through the ICCR. These scholarships have enabled thousands of Afghan students to pursue higher education in India, fostering people-to-people ties and mutual understanding. The Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN) was introduced to provide online education opportunities to Afghan students, especially in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent geopolitical developments.
Key Takeaways from “India Offers 1,000 E-Scholarships to Afghan Students for 2025–26”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | India has announced 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan students for the academic year 2025–26. |
| 2. | The scholarships are part of the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN) under ICCR. |
| 3. | Eligible applicants must be Afghan nationals aged 18–35 years. |
| 4. | The scholarships cover full tuition fees, e-content charges, and examination fees. |
| 5. | Degrees awarded will be recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN)?
The SSSAN is an initiative by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to provide scholarships to Afghan students for pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses, both in-person and online via the e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal.
2. How many e-scholarships has India offered to Afghan students for 2025–26?
India has offered 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan students for the academic year 2025–26.
3. Who is eligible for these scholarships?
Eligible candidates are Afghan nationals aged 18–35 years who wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in English-medium programs.
4. What expenses are covered under this scholarship?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, e-content charges, examination fees, and other related expenses.
5. Are the degrees recognized in India?
Yes, degrees awarded under this scholarship program are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India.
6. How can Afghan students apply for this scholarship?
Applicants can register and apply online through the official ICCR scholarship portal: a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in.
7. Will students receive physical certificates?
Yes, physical certificates will be issued to selected students by the Indian Mission in Kabul.
8. Why did India introduce e-scholarships for Afghan students?
The e-scholarships aim to provide accessible education for Afghan students, especially considering the geopolitical challenges in Afghanistan, while strengthening India-Afghanistan educational and cultural ties.
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