The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships are prestigious part-cost awards designed to support outstanding Indian students in pursuing undergraduate, second undergraduate, graduate, and research programs at the world-renowned Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK.

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) is a not-for-profit alumni organisation based in New Delhi. The scholarships are awarded on an Equal Opportunity basis, meaning decisions are not influenced by race, colour, religion, disability, sex, or ancestry. It is important to note that relatives of the Executive Committee of OCSI are not eligible to apply.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application window is now open and will close on June 7, 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility and the application process to the scholarship coverage and interview preparation, to help you secure this distinguished award and embark on your academic journey at Oxbridge.

The OCSI scholarships are exclusively applicable to full-time courses at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom. This provides a focused opportunity to study at two of the world's most historic and academically rigorous institutions.

Courses / Fields of Study:

• Research leading to a PhD degree.
• One-year postgraduate courses (e.g., MPhil, LLM, BCL, Diploma, MBA).
• Taught and research-based Master's programmes (e.g., M.Sc., Engineering, Medicine).
• Second Bachelor's degree as an Affiliated Student/Senior Status.
• Standard Bachelor's degree programmes.

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships Awards

The OCSI Scholarships are part-cost awards, meaning they cover a significant portion of your expenses but are not always full scholarships. They are designed to catalyse support for talented Indian candidates who might otherwise struggle to afford the Oxbridge experience.

For the 2025-26 academic year, OCSI is offering the following scholarships:

• OCSI K.K. Luthra Memorial Scholarship: Worth INR 4,00,000, tenable at either Oxford or Cambridge.

• OCSI Anita Banerji Memorial Scholarship: Worth INR 4,00,000, tenable at either Oxford or Cambridge.

• OCSI Nirmal Luthra Memorial Scholarship: Worth INR 4,00,000, tenable specifically at the University of Cambridge.

• The Emmanuel College Cambridge (India) Scholarship: Worth INR 2,00,000, tenable at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

• St. Hilda’s College, Oxford Scholarship: Worth INR 1,00,000, tenable only at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford.

Note: OCSI often secures additional grants and funding throughout the year. All applicants will automatically be considered for any such new awards that become available by June.

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships Amount

The primary OCSI scholarships are valued at INR 4,00,000 each. This financial support is a significant contribution towards your overall costs at Oxbridge.

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships Benefits

Beyond the financial award, an OCSI scholarship offers unparalleled prestige and opportunities.

The eligibility criteria for the OCSI scholarships are strict and must be met in full. The primary goal is to support Indian students who are academically exceptional and have limited prior exposure to Oxbridge.

Who Can Apply for The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships

The scholarship is open to Indian citizens who are ordinarily residents of India and are under the age of 30. Crucially, applicants must have already secured admission to a full-time course at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. Preference is often given to those pursuing graduate and research-based programmes.

The application process is highly competitive and involves a careful screening and interview stage.

Step 1: Secure Admission to Oxford or Cambridge
You must first apply for and receive an offer of admission to a full-time course at either university through their standard procedures. OCSI cannot assist with this process.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying for the scholarship, carefully review all eligibility criteria, particularly regarding nationality, residence, age, and the requirement for an offer from Oxbridge.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the OCSI scholarship application form available on their official website. Ensure all information is accurate and compelling.

Step 4: Submit by the Deadline
All applications must be submitted online by the strict deadline of June 7, 2025.

Step 5: Await Shortlisting
After the deadline, applications are reviewed. Shortlisted candidates for interviews will be informed by Mid-June 2025.

Step 6: Attend the Interview
Shortlisted candidates must attend an in-person interview with the OCSI scholarship committee, tentatively scheduled for Mid-July 2025.

Step 7: Receive the Final Decision
Award offers will be made to selected candidates by July 31, 2025.

Application Timeline for The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships

Adhering to this timeline is critical for a successful application for the 2025 intake.

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will be called for an in-person interview in India (typically in Delhi). This interview is a critical part of the selection process.

The interview will assess your:

• Soft Skills: Presentation, clarity of thought, demeanor, and confidence.

• Hard Skills: Academic excellence, unique proposition in your field, and the potential impact of your studies on India.

• Financial Need: Your overall financial situation for studying abroad.

You must be prepared to discuss your academic goals, your reasons for choosing Oxbridge, and your long-term vision for contributing to society.

• Must be a citizen of India
• Must be ordinarily resident in India
• Must be not more than 30 years of age on 1 September of the year of application for the award

You will need to prepare several key documents for your application and subsequent stages.

• Online Application Form: Completed via the OCSI website.
• Academic Transcripts and Certificates: From your undergraduate degree (and school, if applying for a Bachelor's).
• Proof of Admission: An unconditional or conditional offer letter from the University of Oxford or Cambridge.
• Proof of Age: A passport or other government-issued ID.
• Financial Details: Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide details of their financial resources.
• Essays/Statements: As required by the online application form to demonstrate your academic fit and leadership potential.

FAQs About Oxford and Cambridge Society of India 

1. Who is eligible for the OCSI Scholarship?

You must be an Indian citizen, ordinarily resident in India, under 30 years of age, and must have secured admission to a full-time course at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.

2. What does the OCSI Scholarship cover?

It is a part-cost scholarship. The main awards are worth INR 4,00,000 and act as a significant financial contribution towards your tuition and living expenses at Oxbridge.

3. Can I apply for the OCSI scholarship before getting an admission offer from Oxford/Cambridge?

No. You must have applied for and secured an offer of admission from Oxford or Cambridge before you can be considered for the OCSI scholarship.

4. Is work experience required for the OCSI scholarship?

While not a strict requirement, the scholarship committee looks for evidence of leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others, which is often demonstrated through professional or extracurricular experiences.

5. What is the key selection criteria for the OCSI scholarship?

The primary criteria are academic excellence (being ranked as an outstanding applicant by the Oxford/Cambridge department), a compelling reason for your chosen course, leadership potential, and financial need.

Other Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad