Difference Between DASA and CIWG Scheme
The Indian government has launched two distinct programmes, DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) and CIWG (Children of Indian Workers in Gulf), to offer admission possibilities to students who want to pursue undergraduate engineering courses in India.
The eligibility requirements are the primary distinction between these two programmes. Foreign nationals, People of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who have passed their qualifying exam (12th standard or equivalent) outside of India are eligible for the DASA scheme. However, the CIWG programme is exclusively open to the children of Indian expatriates who have earned their qualifying diplomas (12th grade or equivalent) from foreign institutions accredited by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Yet another important distinction between these The total number of seats is two schemes. A specific number of seats are set aside in participating engineering colleges under the DASA scheme for foreign nationals, PIOs, and NRIs. Depending on the institute and the course chosen, there are different numbers of seats available. A defined percentage of seats (5%) in each member institute are reserved for qualified candidates under the CIWG programme, in contrast.
Both programmes have distinct eligibility requirements and selection processes. It is advisable to browse the official websites of the programmes to learn more about the requirements for applying, the eligibility requirements, and other pertinent details.
DASA Scheme
The total number of seats is two schemes. A specific number of seats are set aside in participating engineering colleges under the DASA scheme for foreign nationals, PIOs, and NRIs. Depending on the institute and the course chosen, there are different numbers of seats available. A defined percentage of seats (5%) in each member institute are reserved for qualified candidates under the CIWG programme, in contrast.
Both programmes have distinct eligibility requirements and selection processes. It is advisable to browse the official websites of the programmes to learn more about the requirements for applying, the eligibility requirements, and other pertinent details. It is available to applicants from the UK and abroad, and it covers a variety of subjects, such as advanced materials, terrorist prevention, and cyber security. The DASA Scheme offers continuing help and direction throughout the development process, and successful applicants earn funds to develop their ideas.
Also Read: What is DASA scheme and eligibility criteria
CIWG Scheme
The Indian government implemented the CIWG (Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme) to offer interest subsidies on education loans taken out by students from economically underprivileged sections of society (EWS). The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, introduced the programme in 2009.
Students who qualify may get an interest subsidy on their education loans via the CIWG Scheme up to the moratorium period, during which they are not required to return the loan. The grant is offered at a rate of 2% annually and is valid for the whole length of the programme plus one year or six months after obtaining employment, whichever comes first. The assistance is given for loans up to up to Rs. 7.5 lakhs in total.
Students who meet the following requirements are eligible for the CIWG Scheme:
They must have been accepted into a technical or professional programme at a college or university that the Indian government has approved.
They must fall under the government's definition of the EWS category.
They must have passed a difficult entrance exam or been chosen through a selection procedure on the basis of merit.
Through the bank from which they are borrowing the money for their education, students can apply for the CIWG Scheme. The bank receives the subsidy and transfers it to the student loan account.
Difference Between DASA and CIWG Scheme
| Scheme | DASA Scheme | CIWG Scheme |
| Country | United Kingdom | India |
| Launch Year | 2016 | 2009 |
| Objective | Accelerate the development of innovative ideas and technologies for defence and security | Provide interest subsidy on education loans to economically weaker sections |
| Administered by | Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Ministry of Defence | Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India |
| Eligibility Criteria | Open to UK and overseas applicants, focused on defence and security challenges | Open to Indian applicants belonging to economically weaker sections pursuing technical or professional courses |
| Funding | Provides funding opportunities through open calls, themed competitions, and rapid impact projects | Provides interest subsidy at a rate of 2% per annum on education loans up to a maximum of Rs. 7.5 lakhs |
| Application Process | Applicants apply through DASA, and funding is provided for the development of ideas and technologies | Applicants apply through the bank providing the education loan, and the subsidy is provided directly to the bank, which then passes it on to the student's loan account |
| Duration | Provides ongoing support and guidance throughout the development process | Subsidy is available for the entire duration of the course plus one year or six months after getting a job, whichever is earlier |
Also Read: JEE MAIN now compulsory for DASA admissions
Conclusion
The DASA and CIWG programmes are two distinct government programmes intended to promote various development sectors. While the CIWG Scheme, managed by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development, offers interest subsidies on education loans for economically disadvantaged sections of society pursuing technical or professional courses, the DASA Scheme, administered by the UK Ministry of Defence, focuses on accelerating the development of innovative ideas and technologies to address defence and security challenges. Both programmes have the same overall goal of promoting development, but they have different geographic focus, eligibility requirements, and application procedures. In the end, both programmes are significant efforts that seek to promote progress in their respective fields.
FAQs on Difference Between DASA and CIWG Scheme
Ques 1. What is the DASA Scheme?
Ans. The DASA (Defence and Security Accelerator) Scheme is a UK government initiative that provides funding and support for the development of innovative ideas and technologies to address defence and security challenges.
Ques 2. What is the CIWG Scheme?
Ans. The CIWG (Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme) is a government of India initiative that provides interest subsidies on education loans for economically weaker sections of society pursuing technical or professional courses.
Ques 3. Who is eligible for the DASA Scheme?
Ans. The DASA Scheme is open to applicants from the UK and overseas, and it covers a wide range of topics, including cyber security, countering terrorism, and advanced materials.
Ques 4. Who is eligible for the CIWG Scheme?
Ans. The CIWG Scheme is open to Indian applicants belonging to economically weaker sections of society pursuing technical or professional courses.
Ques 5. What is the objective of the DASA Scheme?
Ans. The objective of the DASA Scheme is to accelerate the development of innovative ideas and technologies to address defence and security challenges
