The Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed at providing admissions to foreign nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders in premier Indian institutes. This blog provides an overview of the DASA scheme and its key components.
Objective
The primary objective of the DASA scheme is to facilitate the admission of international students in undergraduate and postgraduate engineering and architecture programs in India, thereby promoting India as a global education hub and fostering cultural diversity in Indian campuses.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission under the DASA scheme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a foreign national, PIO, NRI, or OCI cardholder.
- Have completed 12th grade or equivalent with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for undergraduate programs.
- For postgraduate programs, candidates must have a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria set by the participating institutes.
Participating Institutes
The DASA scheme covers a wide range of premier Indian institutes, including:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
- Other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs)
Application Process
The application process for the DASA scheme is entirely online. Candidates need to:
- Fill out the online application form available on the DASA website.
- Submit the required documents, including academic transcripts, passport details, and proof of eligibility.
- Pay the application fee and tuition fees as specified.
Selection Process
Admissions under the DASA scheme are based on the academic merit of the candidates. For undergraduate programs, the SAT scores are considered, while for postgraduate programs, the GRE scores may be required.
The DASA scheme provides a unique opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in India’s leading institutes. By facilitating the admission of foreign nationals and NRIs, the scheme not only enriches the educational environment but also strengthens India’s position as a global education destination.
