Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship – A Guide

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for Indian students to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. There are two scholarships under this, OCSI KK Luthra Memorial Scholarship and Anita Banerji Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is applicable for graduate, post-graduate, certificate, and research programs at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. It has been in effect since 1960 for Indian students. 

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India selects one scholar every academic year for the scholarship program. However, the number is subject to change according to the decision of the scholarship association. OCSI is a one-time scholarship program that cannot be renewed during the duration of the course or program. It is a part cost scholarship that helps the students to receive financial grants during the course. 

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Furthermore, students taking admission to any college that is affiliated with the universities mentioned above are also eligible to apply for the OCSI scholarship program. It is a merit-based scholarship applicable for science, social science, humanities, and physical science programs and degrees. The OCSI scholarship covers financial awards, letters of support and assistance from OCSI authority, life membership of OCSI society of India, and mentoring throughout the course work. 

Students with academic excellence can apply for the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship; here are some of the detailed facts and information: 

Important Read: Scholarships in UK

Eligibility for The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship

University of Oxford and Cambridge are the two most preferred university destinations for Indian students. These are the centers of academic excellence holding years of prestige and glory. The scholarship program allows scholars to participate in the financial aid program, making it easy for meritorious students to study at the universities mentioned above. However, due to the less availability of scholarship intakes, there is huge competition and a low acceptance rate. Here are all the eligibility criteria for bachelor’s, masters, and PhD students: 

Eligibility for Bachelor’s Degree

• Candidates should hold permanent citizenship in India. 
• Applicants should be residing in India.
• The maximum age criteria to be eligible for the scholarship is 30 years. 
• Should have completed class 12th with more than 70% marks. The degree should be from a recognized board of study. 
• Must apply only for classroom and full-time undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford and Cambridge University. 
• Should be admitted to the University of Oxford and Cambridge University through a normal admission procedure and criteria. 
• Students applying for this scholarship should be financially stable to fulfill the cost of study and living costs even without the scholarship. 
• Students can also apply for a second bachelor’s degree under this scholarship. They should have 3-4 years of relevant bachelor’s degrees from a recognized Indian university and college.

Eligibility for Master’s Program

• Candidates should hold permanent citizenship in India. 
• Applicants should be residing in India.
• The maximum age criteria to be eligible for the scholarship is 30 years. 
• Students applying for a master’s program should be a graduate. They should have a full-time bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study from a recognized board under formal education from Indian colleges and universities. 
• Students should be financially stable. Even without the scholarship, they should meet the cost of study and living costs. 
• Students should apply for a classroom full-time master’s program at the University of Oxford and Cambridge University. It should be a full-time program of 2 years. 
• Students with a one-year master’s course in LLM, CASM, PGCE, MBA, and Diploma can apply for the scholarship.  
• Students need to take admission at the University of Oxford and Cambridge University through standard admission procedures and criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria for PhD and Research Degrees

• Candidates should hold permanent citizenship in India. 
• Applicants should be residing in India.
• The maximum age criteria to be eligible for the scholarship is 30 years. 
• Students must conduct research resulting in the PhD degree.
• Must take admission to postgraduate courses based on research and development. 
• Must be applying for a PhD or Research course at the University of Oxford and Cambridge University through standard procedure and admission criteria.

Scholarships in UK

• Scholarship for MS in UK
• Sussex India Scholarship
• Oxford University’s Rhodes Scholarship
• Cambridge University Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarship
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
• Hornby Scholarships
• John Kinghorn Scholarship
• Felix Scholarships

Benefits of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship is a financial aid with other benefits. Students applying for this scholarship are eligible for a financial grant on the tuition fee, complimentary lifetime membership of The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India association, and mentoring by an academic official throughout the course duration. Let us learn the benefits of the scholarship in a detailed manner:

• The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships offers equal opportunity to all applicants irrespective of race, color, age, gender, and religion.
•  The scholarship offered to applicants is worth INR 2,00,000, given to Scholarship holders taking admission at the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford. The Scholarship amount or financial aid of INR 1,00,000 can be granted when admission is taken at the Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, from Emmanuel College Cambridge (India) Trust. 
• Students taking admission at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford, are also eligible for a scholarship amount of INR 1,00,000. 
• Candidates will receive a supporting letter. This letter helps the student in getting all kinds of assistance and support during the course or program.
• Students also receive a complimentary membership association under The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India for a lifetime.
• Candidates also receive guidance from a prestigious member or faculty of the scholarship association.

Documentation for the Scholarship

Applicants need to submit the required list of documents at the time of application. Students need to upload the original scanned copies of all the required documents as mentioned below:

• Academic transcripts and certificates of the entire academic record proving the excellent scores and merits
• Valid passport
• Citizenship proof of India
• Financial proof and statement which proves that the students are capable of handling living costs and cost of study even without the scholarship during the program
• Test scores of English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL. Other test scores of standardized extracts examinations as required by the university
• Medical reports
• Passport size photographs

How Can You Apply? 

The application process of granting or applying to the scholarship is entirely online-based. Applicants need to download the application form from the website of The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India. After filling up the complete application form online, they need to return the scanned copy of the completed form by email to the chairman of the scholarship committee, The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India, at the email ID (secretary@oxbridgeindia.com).

Important Dates of Application

The online application forms are available on the official website of the OCSI Scholarship by the end of March. Students need to apply for it within the due date. Check the official website of The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India, to know about the application deadline and other important dates. 

Selection Criteria of the Scholarship

The selection criteria are completely based on academic excellence and other soft skills and leadership qualities. The acceptance rate is very low, and the competition is very high. The sole purpose of the selection criteria is based upon the academic records and degrees.

Students are also judged based on their contribution and positive impact on society. If you have contributed any positive effect to society with your achievements, you have a chance to get the scholarship.

Students with good leadership qualities always gain a competitive advantage over other competitors in the scholarship application. This scholarship has no personal quota system, and every individual is judged based on academic record and excellence.

Conclusion

Since 1960, The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships is a prestigious scholarship program that awards outstanding and meritorious Indian students. It is always a dream to study at the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge for Indian students. The scholarship financial aid helps reduce the tuition fee, mentoring, letters of support, and lifetime membership. If you think you are eligible and meritorious, you can apply for the scholarship. 

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