India runs the largest Chevening programme globally, with an annual budget of £1.3 million funding, with 120 new scholarships to Britain each year. These are aimed at promoting dynamic young men and women who, following their academic and professional training in Britain, are likely to contribute to India's social, economic and scientific development. The Scholarships and Alumni Section publicizes the various Chevening schemes, shortlists candidates, conducts interviews to select scholars and helps arrange their programmes in Britain. It holds a comprehensive database of more than 700 scholars who have received British Chevening scholarships since the India programme began in 1987.

The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office is pleased to announce British scholarships for the academic year, beginning September 2000.

Under this scheme, 10 fully funded scholarships (fees and maintenance) are offered to enable academically gifted and dynamic young men and women from India to pursue a one year Master's degree of their choice in the UK in the following subjects: Economics, Politics, International Relations, Public Administration, Business, Finance and Sociology. Indian nationals, no more than 35 years of age, who have an excellent academic record and preferably with professional work experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates should already have a firm offer of admission at a UK university and should furnish evidence at the time of application.

Six fully-funded scholarships (fees and maintenance) are offered to enable academically gifted and dynamic young men and women from India to pursue a one year Master's degree in Human Rights in the UK. Indian nationals, no more than 40 years of age, who have an excellent academic record in Law or a related discipline and work experience in Human Rights are encouraged to apply. Candidates need not have a firm offer of admission at a UK university. The British Council will help place selected candidates at an appropriate institution. Information sheets and application forms are available at all the following British Council offices and libraries across India.

The deadline for applications is 15 April, 2000. Personal interviews will be held in New Delhi in May 2000.

Seven scholarships for citizens of India taking up places to study at the University of Oxford in October 2000. These are for students admitted for a second BA or a one or two year postgraduate course. The scholarships may be held for study in an area relevant to the social, scientific and economic development of India (except Medicine). Candidates who propose to read for a second BA degree should already have a first class bachelor's degree and should apply separately for admission through the Oxford Colleges Admission Office. Candidates who intend to read for a postgraduate degree are required to apply separately for admission through the Graduate Admissions Office. Candidates who have first obtained admission to their proposed course of study at the university can complete scholarships application forms to reach the International Office by 1 April, 2000. Application material may be obtained from the appropriate office at the following address: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD.