In light of recent judicial pronouncement concerning OCI/PIO candidates, the following provisions are made for OCI/PIO candidates.
OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards before 04.03.2021 have the option of applying in various IISc programs EITHER as (a) foreign nationals OR (b) at par with Indian nationals.
Accordingly, OCI/PIO candidates are divided into three categories as follows:
(i) Those OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards subsequent to 04.03.2021* will be considered as foreign national candidates and will be governed by the eligibility conditions for foreign national candidates. For ease of convenience, these candidates are referred to as OCI/PIO (F). The OCI/PIO (F) candidates will be eligible to compete only for the foreign national supernumerary seats.
(ii) Those OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards before 04.03.2021 AND choose to be considered as foreign nationals will be governed by the eligibility conditions for the foreign national candidates and are also referred to as OCI/PIO (F). The OCI/PIO (F) candidates will be eligible to compete only for the foreign national supernumerary seats. These candidates need to apply on the international student admission portal.
(iii) Those OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards before 04.03.2021 AND choose to be treated at par with Indian nationals will be governed by the eligibility conditions for the Indian national candidates and are referred to as OCI/PIO (I). These candidates need to apply for admission on the regular admission portal (i.e., the admission portal for Indian students). At the time of seat allocation, the OCI/PIO (I) candidates shall be considered for the unreserved category (open category) seats. OCI/PIO candidates are NOT entitled to the reservation benefit under the EWS, OBC-NCL, SC or ST categories for the allocation of seats.
OCI/PIO candidates who have obtained their OCI/PIO cards before 04.03.2021 have the option to apply EITHER advised as (a) foreign nationals OR (b) at par with Indian nationals. Candidates need to exercise this option carefully. In the event it is discovered that an OCI/PIO candidate has also applied as OCI/PIO (F) and OCI/PIO(I), then such cases shall be treated as a use of unfair means, and the candidature shall be summarily cancelled.