New Delhi- Numerous students and their families are experiencing profound distress due to the delayed announcement of the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme results this year.

Traditionally, the NOS results have been declared on May 26th for the past two years, offering students the necessary assurance to pursue their higher education aspirations. However, this year, despite the Election Commission's clear directives to avoid disrupting educational activities, the NOS department has yet to release the merit list.

The delay in the announcement is not just a bureaucratic issue but has significant personal and emotional repercussions for students and their families.

Many students have received admission offers from prestigious universities in Australia and the USA, with academic sessions set to commence in July. Tragically, some universities have already withdrawn their offers due to the delay. The hard work, dedication, and dreams of these students are now at risk.

This situation is particularly dire for students from marginalized Scheduled Caste communities. For these students, the NOS scholarship represents a beacon of hope and opportunity.

The delay in results is not merely an inconvenience; it is a profound disruption to their lives and futures. The lack of communication further exacerbates the situation. When students reach out to the provided contact numbers for inquiries, their calls often go unanswered, leaving them in a state of confusion and despair.

The process to secure a place at a university involves several time-sensitive steps: receiving a provisional letter, obtaining the 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies' (CAS) certificate, and then applying for a visa. Delays in any of these steps can mean the difference between securing a future or losing a precious opportunity.

Moreover, it is understood that post-election, with the formation of the new cabinet, there have been further delays as the ministers have not yet signed off on the necessary files.

This additional delay is incredibly disheartening, especially as it may now affect students who have intakes in September as well. The futures of these students, their years of hard work, and their dreams of higher education are hanging by a thread.

The implications of this delay are profound. If the NOS results are not announced soon, many students may be forced to defer their admissions, losing a whole year of academic progress. This is not just a delay; it is a disruption to their lives, hopes, and dreams.

Activists and concerned individuals are raising their voices. Rajiv Khobragade, a volunteer from The Platform for Justice and Human Rights, a Maharashtra-based organization, has written a letter to the central government and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging immediate action.

In Maharashtra alone, around 150 students have had to withdraw their admissions due to the delayed NOS results. The delay is causing significant stress, depression, and frustration among applicants.

Many students are facing issues with university demands for fees, and when they try to call the NOS department, their calls often go unanswered. If calls are answered, the only response given is that the results will be released next month, providing no clarity or transparency about the declaration of the NOS results.

The lack of communication and transparency has led to increased depression and frustration among the applicants. Activists have raised concerns and demanded the immediate declaration of the NOS results to prevent further harm to the students' futures. The situation requires urgent attention and swift action to ensure that these hardworking students do not miss out on their dreams of higher education.

The delay in the National Overseas Scholarship results is not merely an administrative lapse; it is a profound disruption to the lives and futures of countless students. Immediate action is needed to announce the results and provide clear communication channels for the affected students. The future of these young scholars depends on it.