The Government of Goa has long emphasized the encouragement of young citizens to join the nation’s defence forces. In line with this commitment, the Directorate of Higher Education administers the Goa State Scholarship to NDA Cadets, a specialized financial assistance scheme designed exclusively for students from Goa undergoing rigorous training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune. This scheme aims to support cadets who come from financially weaker families but possess exceptional dedication, courage, and passion to serve the country. By easing financial burdens through monthly scholarships and one-time allowances, the Government of Goa seeks to ensure that no deserving candidate abandons his dream of joining the armed forces due to lack of financial resources. The scholarship not only promotes equal opportunity but also uplifts underprivileged candidates who aspire to serve the nation with honor.

Important Dates of the Scheme

• Portal Opening Date: 18 August 2025
• Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
• Mode of Application: Offline submission through the Directorate of Higher Education
• Scholarship Duration: Upto 24 months or the duration of the NDA course, whichever is less

These dates are crucial for all eligible cadets who wish to apply within the prescribed timeline.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Goa State Scholarship to NDA Cadets has been conceptualized with several major objectives:

1. To Support Economically Weaker NDA Aspirants

Many students from humble backgrounds aspire to join the National Defence Academy but face financial challenges during training. The scheme ensures that financial limitations do not hinder their academic or military pursuits.

2. To Encourage Goa’s Youth to Join Defence Services

The scholarship serves as a motivational tool that inspires more young individuals from Goa to explore careers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

3. To Promote Equal Opportunities in Defence Careers

The scheme ensures that students from marginalized or economically disadvantaged groups, including SC/ST/OBC communities, receive equitable access to financial aid.

4. To Provide Financial Relief During NDA Training

NDA training involves various expenses such as uniforms, study materials, travel, and personal requirements. The scheme covers part of these costs to ease the cadet’s financial burden.

5. To Strengthen Nationalism and Service Motivation

By supporting cadets who choose a challenging and patriotic career path, the Government of Goa aims to promote a culture of service, discipline, and national pride among youth.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Exclusive Scholarship for NDA Trainees

This scholarship is specifically designed for candidates enrolled in the National Defence Academy, making it distinct from general state scholarships.

2. Monthly Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets receive a fixed monthly scholarship for the duration of their training, subject to scheme terms.

3. One-Time Outfit Allowance

A unique feature of this scheme is the one-time outfit allowance provided to cadets to help purchase uniforms and essential training gear.

4. Financial Support for Economically Disadvantaged Families

Applicants must meet the income ceiling criteria, ensuring that assistance reaches those who genuinely require financial support.

5. Special Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC Cadets

Higher income limits are applicable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes.

6. Simple Offline Application Process

Applications can be submitted directly to the Directorate of Higher Education, ensuring easy accessibility for all applicants.

Scholarship Amount

The Goa State Scholarship to NDA Cadets offers two major financial benefits:

1. Monthly Scholarship

• ₹1,000 per month
• Awarded for up to 24 months or the duration of the NDA course, whichever is shorter.

This provides consistent support for living and training-related expenses.

2. One-Time Outfit Allowance

• ₹12,000 (one-time payment)
  This allowance supports cadets in purchasing uniforms, belts, shoes, caps, badges, and other essential clothing and accessories needed during training.

Together, these benefits significantly reduce the financial burden on NDA cadets from poor families.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Goa State Scholarship to NDA Cadets, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Birth or Domicile Requirement

The cadet must:

• Be born in Goa, or
• Have domicile in Goa for at least 15 years.

2. Income Criteria

The annual income limit varies by category:

• General Category:
  • ₹15,000 per month (₹1,80,000 per year)
• SC/ST/OBC Category:
  • ₹37,500 per month (₹4,50,000 per year)

3. Course Requirement

• The applicant must be currently undergoing training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune.

4. No Other Financial Assistance

• The cadet must not be receiving any other scholarship, freeship, or financial assistance from external sources.

5. Documentation Requirements

• Applicants must provide valid documents such as ID proof, income certificate, and domicile certificate to establish eligibility.

Reservation Policy

The scheme adheres to a supportive and inclusive reservation policy:

1. Special Income Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC Candidates

Candidates from reserved categories enjoy a higher income limit for eligibility.

2. Equal Selection Opportunity

All eligible candidates are treated equally, and there is no cap on the number of cadets selected based on caste.

3. Social Equity Focus

The scheme ensures that underprivileged communities receive equal access to financial support for NDA training.

Distribution of Scholarships

1. Disbursement Authority

The Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, is responsible for the distribution of scholarship funds.

2. Mode of Payment

• The scholarship is disbursed directly to the cadet through an approved payment method after proper verification.

3. Frequency of Payment

• Monthly payments are made during the training period, and the outfit allowance is released once.

4. Duration of Benefit

• Payments continue for a maximum of 24 months.

5. Renewal Requirements

• Cadets must maintain good conduct and satisfactory progress in their NDA training.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for the Goa State Scholarship to NDA Cadets is completely offline.

Step 1: Visit the Directorate of Higher Education

• Applicants must go to:
  Directorate of Higher Education, DTE Building, Alto-Porvorim, Bardez, Goa.

Step 2: Obtain the Application Form

• Collect the printed application form from the office.
• Applicants may also request a form from the concerned authority.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Enter all mandatory details carefully.
• Attach a passport-sized photograph signed across.

Step 4: Attach Required Documents

Include self-attested copies of:

• Birth Certificate or Domicile Certificate
• ID card issued by NDA
• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Any other supporting documents

Step 5: Submit the Application

• Submit the completed application along with documents to the designated authority at the Directorate.

Step 6: Acknowledgment Receipt

• Collect an acknowledgment receipt confirming successful submission.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following:

• Passport-size photograph
• NDA Identity Proof
• Birth or Domicile Certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Income Certificate
• Any other document requested by the Directorate