Difference between Dasa and Ciwg

DASA and CIWG are two education policies in India. DASA provides admission opportunities to foreign nationals, PIOs, and NRIs, while CIWG provides financial assistance to meritorious students from Scheduled Castes to pursue higher education.

DASA vs. CIWG: Understanding the Differences

Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) and Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries (CWIG) are two different schemes introduced by the Government of India to support the education of students, especially those living abroad.

DASA is a scheme by the Ministry of Education that provides admission opportunities to foreign nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, architecture, and pharmacy in participating institutions in India. Under the DASA scheme, eligible students can apply for admission to participating institutions based on their SAT scores or equivalent. The scheme aims to provide access to quality education in India to foreign nationals and NRIs and to promote diversity in Indian educational institutions.

Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) and Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries (CWIG) are two schemes introduced by the Government of India to support the education of students. While both schemes aim to promote education and provide access to quality education in India, they have some fundamental differences. In this article, we will discuss the differences between DASA and CWIG.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for DASA and CWIG differ significantly. DASA provides admission opportunities to foreign nationals, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, architecture, and pharmacy in participating institutions in India. To be eligible for the DASA scheme, the applicant must have completed their 12th standard or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate in the qualifying examination. The applicant must also have a valid SAT score.

In contrast, the CWIG scheme provides financial assistance to children of Indian workers in Gulf countries to pursue higher education in India. To be eligible for the CWIG scholarship, the applicant must be an Indian citizen and have completed their 12th standard or equivalent from a recognized board with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate. Additionally, the applicant must be the child of an Indian worker in the Gulf countries who is either currently employed there or has returned to India after working there.

Coverage of Expenses

The coverage of expenses also differs between DASA and CWIG. Under the DASA scheme, the applicant is required to pay the tuition fees, hostel fees, and other fees as per the institution's norms. However, the fees for foreign nationals are higher than those for Indian students. The fees for NRIs and PIOs are also higher than those for Indian students but lower than those for foreign nationals.

On the other hand, the CWIG scheme provides financial assistance to eligible students for tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. The scholarship covers up to 75% of the total expenses, subject to a maximum of Rs. 20 lakhs per student. However, the applicant must pay the remaining amount.

Admission Process

The admission process for DASA and CWIG also differs. Under the DASA scheme, eligible applicants must apply online through the DASA portal. The application fee for foreign nationals is USD 300, while for NRIs and PIOs, it is INR 12,000. The admission is based on the SAT scores or equivalent. The seat allotment is based on the choices filled by the applicants and the availability of seats in the participating institutions.

In contrast, the application process for the CWIG scheme involves applying through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the respective State Government portals. The selection process involves a preliminary screening based on the eligibility criteria, followed by an interview. The final selection is based on the merit list.

Participating Institutions

The participating institutions for DASA and CWIG also differ. Under the DASA scheme, the participating institutions include National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) in India. The scheme also includes some state-funded institutions and some private institutions.

In contrast, the CWIG scholarship is applicable to all institutions in India that are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and other relevant regulatory bodies.

Scholarship Amount

The scholarship amount for DASA and CWIG also differs. Under the DASA scheme, there is no scholarship available. The applicant is required to pay the tuition fees, hostel fees, and other fees as per the institution's norms.

On the other hand, the CWIG scheme provides financial assistance to eligible students.