SIA/NOL SCHOLARSHIP

FAQ - How to Apply for scholarships today?

Getting to know / Applying

I had never really imagined that I would be studying outside India, nor did I really crave for it. I think it was just meant to me.

One day around Jan/Feb 1995, my elder brother Ajay picked up a book from Community Centre Library and borrowed it for me. The title was, "Scholarships for Study in India and Abroad". Those days I was preparing for my ISC (Indian School Certificate) pre-university examinations.

I casually looked through the book and liked what I read of a few scholarships. One that I found interesting was a 100% scholarship for undergraduate studies in Singapore in Science/Engineering/Computers that came with a 6-year bond. Candidates were to have excellent scores in Classes X, XI and XII and be good in extra-curricular activities. The scholarship was co-sponsored by Singapore Airlines and Neptune Orient Lines. Applications were to reach the Singapore Airlines Robinson Road address by April of that year.

I was mulling over the time and effort it would take to apply, when each day was important towards my exams. Plus, it seemed far-fetched. It was then that I visited Siddhartha. I showed him the book and the page on SIA/NOL Scharships. He said, "This scholarship is meant for you. There cannot be a more suitable candidate. You MUST apply for it."

Encouraged by his words, I spent the next 2-3 days in making sure I prepare my application well. Ajay daju helped me prepare a type-written 'bio-data' (didn't know the word resume then). I photocopied all my important certificates and got them attested by the TNA Principal. I even included photographs of my paintings and craftworks. A nice thick application, with a postal charge of Rs 200-300 (huge, considering a post within India cost Re 1 or Rs 2) made its way to Singapore.

One or two months after the application, Mr SK Pandey, my Chemistry teacher in TNA, gave me a newspaper clipping showing an advertisement of the same scholarship. Mr Pandey, a veteran long distance runner who used to run 5 kms a day at the age of 55 in 1995, still believes I applied from the clipping he gave me. He proudly tells this to anybody I'm with, whenever we meet in Gangtok :-)

I had applied and forgotten. There were the ISC in March, Rajasthan Prefects' Tour in April, my trip to Delhi in May to give the DCE/BIT Mesra exams. On May 29, I took the train back to Gangtok from Delhi.

Shortlisted

On June 2, I received a letter telling me that I have been shortlisted for an interview and two short tests at the Taj Bengal, Calcutta on June 8. I couldn't believe it. It was too good to be true. I thought I had to do my best in the interview. Ajay daju suggested I make a new formal sky-blue shirt and trousers for the interview. I did. I reached Calcutta on 7th morning.

The Interview / Tests

- Getting to know Kunje chachaji's family

- Discussing possible questions with Chitra

- The interview at Taj. Form filling. Being dropped in the mercedes.

- Two short tests. Miss Ong. Reimbursements/passport

- Unofficial news of the offer from Miss Ong

- Happiness or disappointment

- Chachi's suggestion

Computer Science in NUS Vs Computer Engineering in NTU

- Going back next morning

- Happy: Computer Engineering in NTU

FAQ - How to Apply for scholarships today?