Padho Pardesh Scheme apply now: For many students belonging to minority communities, the dream of studying abroad often felt out of reach. High tuition fees, living costs, and the burden of education loans made overseas education a distant goal. To support such students, the Government of India launched the Padho Pardesh Scheme, a program that gave hope and opened doors to global opportunities.
This scheme was not just about money—it was about faith, empowerment, and giving talented youth a chance to shine on international platforms. Sadly, from the 2022-23 academic year, this scheme has been discontinued, leaving behind a legacy of support and countless stories of success.
What Was the Padho Pardesh Scheme?
The Padho Pardesh Scheme was designed to provide interest subsidies on education loans for students from minority communities who wanted to pursue Master’s, M.Phil., or Ph.D. degrees abroad.
By covering the interest during the moratorium period (the study years plus some months after), the government ensured that families did not have to worry about the heavy financial burden in the initial years. Instead, students could focus on their education and careers, confident that their dreams would not be stopped due to lack of money.
Who Benefited from the Scheme?
The scheme was especially dedicated to students from India’s minority communities – Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. It offered a helping hand to families with an annual income of up to ₹6 lakh, ensuring that even those from modest backgrounds could dream big.
Loans had to be taken under the IBA model education loan scheme from scheduled banks, and admissions were required in recognized foreign universities. From engineering to management, from research to professional courses, the scheme made sure that talented youth had a global stage to showcase their abilities.
Why Was the Scheme Discontinued?
From the academic year 2022-23 onwards, the government decided to discontinue the Padho Pardesh Scheme. The reason behind this move was the overlap with other education support schemes and the fact that better interest rates had become available in the financial market.
While the decision was made with policy alignment in mind, for many students it felt like a door closing. “Ab hum kahan se madad lein?” became a common concern among aspiring scholars who were hoping to apply.
The Impact of Its Closure
The ending of the Padho Pardesh Scheme has created mixed emotions. For those who already availed it, the support remains a blessing. But for future aspirants, the closure has brought uncertainty.
Education abroad is not just about a degree; it’s about exposure, research opportunities, and confidence-building. Without schemes like this, students from financially weaker sections may find it harder to step onto the global stage.
Alternatives for Students
Even though Padho Pardesh has ended, students can still explore other options such as:
- National Overseas Scholarship Scheme (for SC, ST, OBC and other eligible groups).
- State-sponsored overseas scholarships by various state governments.
- Bank education loans with partial subsidies or government-backed support.
While these may not fully replace Padho Pardesh, they still offer a path forward for determined learners.
The Padho Pardesh Scheme will always be remembered as an initiative that gave wings to thousands of students from minority communities. It made the impossible possible for many, proving that with the right support, talent knows no boundaries.
As the scheme comes to an end, students must now look for other opportunities and scholarships. After all, “Sapne kabhi rukte nahi… bas raaste badalte hain.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from official government notifications and portals before making any educational or financial decisions.
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