The first step towards a Rhodes Scholarship is submission of application.  

Candidates can submit their applications by downloading the same from the official website. The filled in applications are to be sent to the Secretary of the Selection Committee by registered post. Candidates should make their applications well within the time stipulated for the same. The calling of applications and last date of submission of filled in applications is usually over by the first week of August and so the candidates should check the official website for the exact dates.  

Next the candidates have to appear for interview.

The procedure for selection consists of two sets of interviews. The preliminary, personal interview is held at the regional centres. The regional centres in India are Mumbai (Pune), Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi. Candidates who are successful in the regional interviews are then called for Final Interview. The final interview is usually held during the month of December. No candidate can be selected without appearing for the final interview. The granting of an interview is entirely within the discretion of the Selection Committee.

Candidates appearing for the interview are required to take with them their original certificates. The travelling expenses of candidates (2nd class return rail fare) invited for the final interview is paid by the Rhodes Trust.

The candidates are required to submit attested copies of certificates to prove eligibility as follows. As evidence of age they should submit an attested copy of either the school leaving certificate or an extract from a University Register signed by the Registrar. The evidence towards courses taken and degree, honours and other academic distinctions obtained must be formally certified by the Registrar or any other responsible officer of the candidate's University. The candidates should send attested copies only as these will not be returned.

Along with the copies of certificates, the candidate is required to send a signed essay (preferably typed) which should include details about the proposed course of study at Oxford, general interests and activities, including sports and future aims of the candidate. The essay should not exceed 1000 words and should be written in simple and direct English.

The candidate should give the reference (names and addresses) of six persons well acquainted with the candidate, under at least three of whom he/she must have studied. It must be ensured that at least three of the six referees write about the candidates academic ability and attainments. These references are used while making application to Oxford Colleges. Candidates should bear in mind that they should give the references of such people who know the candidate and their strengths and weaknesses well, rather than providing reference of prominent persons of the country who do not know the candidate well as the referees will have to answer enquiries about the candidate.

The candidates should send two unmounted passport size photographs.

Those candidates who get short listed will be required to get a medical certificate on a special form provided by the Rhodes Trust, from an approved doctor.

The Rhodes Trustees have the right to cancel the selection of a candidate if there is any adverse report about him or her.