£35,000 scholarship per student set up in honour of the Prime Minister of India exclusively for Indian students to read for PhD & MPhil degrees in science, technology and social sciences at the University of Cambridge.

St. John's College, Cambridge yesterday announced the prestigious ‘Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships' at the residence of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Honourable Prime Minister of India.

The scholarship programme has been set up exclusively for Indian students to read for PhD & MPhil degrees at St John's College in areas such as science, technology and social sciences.

St John's College, where Dr Singh studied for a First in Economics in the late 1950s, is seeking to award £35,000 scholarships to each PhD student for up to three years, with three scholarships already planned for the year 2008-09.

The scholarship would be based on merit through a special test, in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Large organizations like Rolls-Royce India, BP Foundation and the Tata Group have agreed to sponsor this scholarship.

The scholarship programme is administered by the British Council which has a proven track record in managing prestigious scholarships like the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, British Chevening Scholarships and others.

A selection committee, comprising an appropriate nominee from each sponsor and a panel of academics and others selected by the college will be set up in India to make recommendations to the college regarding the profile of applicants.

“We are a nation of young people. Once unleashed, the energy of our youth will drive India onto a new growth path. This scholarship will encourage Indian scholars to enhance their expertise in the area of research. With our recent unprecedented economic growth of over 9 percent per year, this scholarship will prove to further strengthen the education ties between India and the UK.” said Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India.

“St John's College values its strong association with India. This scholarship is our way to honour Dr. Manmohan Singh for his pioneering role in the economic transformation of his country; one of the greatest achievements of any of our alumni,” said Professor Christopher M. Dobson, Master of St. John's College.

“It is a privilege to have Dr. Manmohan Singh as a graduate and Honorary Fellow of St John's College. We are confident that this scholarship programme will bring lasting benefits to the future generations of Indian students and help strengthen the Indo-UK ties even further.” Professor Dobson added.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Alison Richard, will be making a two-week visit to India in January 2008, celebrating the existing relationship and developing new collaborations with academic, business and political communities.

For information on how to apply email delhi.scholarship@in.britishcouncil.org

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