Centre for Development Studies - [CDS] Scholarship 2025: Eligibility & Application

The Centre for Development Studies - [CDS], located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, offers a focused set of scholarship opportunities aimed at supporting students through merit, need, and targeted fee waivers. These scholarships include government-funded programs for regional cooperation and a limited number of endowment awards. The scholarships especially highlight funding support for international students and marginalized groups, in line with the institute’s mission to promote inclusive education in development studies.

Centre for Development Studies - [CDS] Scholarships Overview

Scholarships at CDS are designed to promote academic excellence and inclusivity by providing tuition and living support for eligible candidates. Key benefits often include monthly stipends intended to cover educational expenses, while some scholarships focus specifically on international cooperation and underrepresented student groups.

• Merit-based waivers (board/university/entrance scores)

• Need/EWS-based support (primarily via government schemes)

• Category-based (SAARC scholarships, endowments, reserved category fee exemptions)

Centre for Development Studies - [CDS] Eligibility

Eligibility for scholarships at CDS is anchored in both academic achievement and socio-economic background. For the main postgraduate program, candidates require a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks, except for SC/ST and Persons with Disability (PWD) applicants, who can apply irrespective of marks. SAARC country scholarships require a recognized equivalent undergraduate degree with strong academic credentials. Other scholarships and fee waivers typically require proof of category status or fulfillment of specific criteria such as minimum entrance scores, income limits, or demonstrated merit [1][3].

Centre for Development Studies - [CDS] Required Documents

Applicants for scholarships must furnish proof of eligibility through verified documentation. These requirements ensure fair and thorough assessment for all awards.

• SSC/Birth certificate for age verification

• Mark sheets (bachelor’s/master’s as applicable)

• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC or PwD, if applicable)

• Endorsements for SAARC nationality (for international scholarships)

• Proof of income (where applicable for need-based support)

Centre for Development Studies - [CDS] Application Process

Applications for scholarships at CDS are processed during the general admission window, either as part of program entry or through separate institute procedures. All applications are submitted offline for domestic candidates, accompanied by the correct documentation, and must be submitted before published deadlines. For SAARC scholarships, applications are sent by email with scans of signed forms, ensuring early and precise submission is crucial to eligibility [1][3].

Centre for Development Studies - [CDS] Scholarship Details

The following table outlines the key scholarships at CDS, summarizing the eligibility criteria, primary benefits, and important notes on each opportunity. All funding is subject to verification and the availability of program slots.

Centre for Development Studies - [CDS] Additional Notes

Scholarship renewal typically requires maintenance of minimum CGPA, satisfactory attendance, and sustained conduct throughout the course duration. Awardees must comply with institute codes, and in most cases, scholarships cannot be combined with other major funding. The SAARC scholarship and endowment awards at CDS are capped annually based on available funds and candidate eligibility. Applicants should confirm any quotas or changing criteria during admissions cycles for the latest updates.