New Delhi: Over 400 candidates, a majority of them from the Gulf, have applied for the Indian Government's scholarships for overseas Indians to pursue their undergraduate studies here.

Of the applicants for the 100 scholarships from the Gulf, the largest number of 87 candidates are from Oman, followed by 76 from Kuwait, 60 from Saudi Arabia, 31 from the United Arab Emirates and 27 from Bahrain, a press statement of the Ministry Of Overseas Indian Affairs said.

Interestingly, more than 78 applications have been received from Sri Lanka - the first time ever from the South Asian island nation.

The last date for application was September 9.

The common entrance tests, to be held on October 26, will be organised in 40 countries where there is a large concentration of persons of Indian origin.

The entire process will be completed by November, so that the selected candidates are able to join their education institutes in time for the new session. IANS