Under the Scheme, fellowship is provided to Scheduled Caste students for pursuing higher education leading to Ph.D degree in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/ Colleges recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC). The Scheme provides 2000 new slots every year (500 for science stream and 1500 for Humanities and Social Sciences) to such SC students who have qualified the National Eligibility Test- Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC or UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF joint test. These slots are over and above the number of SC students selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government for UGC Fellowships.
Are you a Scheduled Caste (SC) student aspiring to reach the pinnacle of academic excellence? The National Fellowship for SC Students is a premier Central Sector Scheme designed to provide financial backing for those pursuing advanced research degrees.
Managed by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), this fellowship ensures that financial constraints do not hinder your path to a doctorate.
Fellowship Highlights
The scheme supports research across Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences in recognized Indian Universities and Colleges.
| Feature | Details |
| Total Annual Slots | 2,000 new fellowships per year |
| JRF (Humanities/Social Science) | 1,500 slots |
| JRF (Science Stream) | 500 slots |
| Maximum Tenure | 5 years |
| Implementation Agency | NSFDC (Central Nodal Agency) |
Financial Assistance & Stipend Rates
The fellowship rates are at par with UGC Fellowships and provide comprehensive coverage for scholars.
Monthly Stipend
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹31,000 per month (for the first 2 years).
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹35,000 per month (for the remaining tenure).
Annual Contingency Grants
- Humanities & Social Sciences: ₹10,000 (JRF phase) / ₹20,500 (SRF phase).
- Sciences: ₹12,000 (JRF phase) / ₹25,000 (SRF phase).
Additional Benefits
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided at 8%, 16%, or 24% based on city categorization for those not in hostels.
- Escort/Reader Assistance: ₹2,000 per month for physically and visually handicapped candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Category: Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Qualifying Exams: Must have qualified the UGC-NET-JRF or the Joint CSIR-UGC-NET-JRF.
- Course Enrollment: Must be pursuing regular and full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. in a UGC-recognized university.
- Exclusions: Employees of any University, College, Government, or UT administration are excluded from the scheme, even if on study leave.
How the Selection Process Works
Selection is strictly based on the merit achieved in the NET-JRF or CSIR-NET-JRF examinations.
- Preference for Admitted Students: Candidates already enrolled in a Ph.D. or M.Phil. program are given preference.
- Merit List for New Students: If slots remain, candidates who have not yet secured admission are selected based on merit.
- Joining Timeline: Admitted students must join within 3 months of receiving the award letter. Those not yet admitted have up to 3 years to secure admission.
How to Apply & Access Results
The application process is handled through the NSFDC portal.
- Verification: Your University/Institution will verify the genuineness of your SC Certificate before you can avail of the benefits.
- Results: Merit lists and results are published directly on the NSFDC website.
- Aadhaar Requirement: Aadhaar is mandatory for identity verification and direct disbursement of funds into your bank account.
Important Terms to Remember
- No Double Benefits: A scholar can only receive one fellowship at a time and cannot hold any paid appointment during the tenure.
- Progress Reviews: The fellowship is extended to the SRF level after 2 years based on a satisfactory progress report.
- Gap Period: A maximum gap of 2 years is allowed when transitioning from M.Phil. to Ph.D., though no stipend is paid during this gap.
Need Help? NSFDC has established a grievance redressal portal and call center specifically for JRF/SRF scholars.
