The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. It is a central sector scheme introduced during the financial year 2005-06 to provide opportunities to students from the Scheduled Castes communities for pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/PhD degrees in Science, Humanities and Social Science streams. The real objective of the fellowship in the form of financial assistance is to take into account the social background of the students from the deprived sections of society and empower them with the opportunity to undertake advanced studies and research.
National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC ) has been declared as Central Nodal Agency (CNA) w.e.f. 01/10/2022 for implementing the scheme that was earlier implemented by UGC. It is responsible for laying down procedures and guidelines for implementing the scheme, including selection of beneficiaries and disbursement of fellowships to selected candidates.
The National Fellowship for Students from Scheduled Caste (SC) Communities aims to empower SC candidates and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape by providing financial support and academic opportunities. This article will shed more light on the details including their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application guidelines.
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Objective
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students serves as a powerful catalyst for promoting social inclusion and academic excellence. Its primary objectives are as follows:
- Enhancing representation of SC students in higher education: The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students aims to increase the number of SC students pursuing advanced studies by providing financial support for M.Phil and PhD programs.
- Encourage SC students to pursue research: This fellowship program encourages students to advanced studies and research that is vital for national advancement.
- Bridge the educational gap: The fellowship helps to address historical disparities in educational attainment between SC students and other social groups by providing equal opportunities.
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Scope of the Scheme
- The scheme provides 2,000 new Fellowships annually to those SC students who are willing to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil/PhD degrees. They must have qualified in either of the following tests in order to become eligible for the scheme:
- National Eligibility Test-Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC
- UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF
- There are 1,500 slots for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) for Humanities/Social Sciences and 500 slots for Junior Research Fellowships for Science stream.
- The scheme is implemented on the pattern of the UGC Fellowships awarded to research students pursuing M.Phil/PhD degrees.
- The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). They are as under:
- Central/State Universities (including constituent and affiliated institutions) included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and having obtained valid accreditation from NAAC.
- Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, recognised by the Central Government in consultation with the UGC and having received valid accreditation from NAAC.
- Institutions fully funded by the State/Central Government and empowered to award degrees.
- Institutions of National Importance as notified by the Ministry of Human Resource Development
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines
The eligibility criteria for the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students are set to ensure that only deserving candidates benefit from the scheme. The key eligibility requirements are as follows:
- The fellowships shall be awarded to candidates for pursuing regular and full time M.Phil./Ph.D. courses in universities/research institutions recognised by the UGC.
- The Scheduled Castes (SC) students who have already secured admission and qualified NET examination will be given preference. Such candidates will be required to join the fellowship within 3 months of the issue of the JRF award letter.
- Those candidates who have not yet secured admission will also be selected in the order of merit in the NET examination. Such candidates will be eligible subject to admission for M.Phil/Ph.D in Universities/IITs/ Institutions.
- Such candidates, who have either cleared their post graduate course or are in their final year of the course, shall be given preference for selection and would be allowed up to 1 year from selection to join. For other students a period of 3 years from the date of issue of award letter shall continue to be allowed for joining.
- A scholar is eligible to receive only one fellowship at a time. Those candidates awarded fellowship under this scheme shall not accept any other fellowship/scholarship or hold any appointment, paid or otherwise, or receive any emoluments, salary, stipend etc from any other source during the tenure of the award (except in case of academic leave of one year). In case, a scholar is already in receipt of any scholarship/fellowship, he/she will have to relinquish either the previous scholarship/fellowship/any other monetary benefit or forgo the selection under this scheme.
- A scholar who does not complete his/her research work during the period of fellowship shall not be eligible to apply again under this scheme.
- A scholar who has fully or partially availed any of these fellowships for PhD earlier also shall not be eligible for fellowship under this scheme.
- After two years of joining JRF, if the progress in the research work of the awardee is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended for a further period of three years as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) as per UGC Fellowship Guidelines.
- As far as the combined course of M.Phil and PhD is concerned, the fellowship will be provided initially for 2 years for M.Phil and after upgradation to PhD course, for another 03 years.
- The fellowship shall be awarded from the date of issue of the JRF award letter under the Scheme or date of joining of the M.Phil/PhD, whichever is later.
- In case of integrated PhD or M.Phil to PhD, the maximum tenure is 5 years including M.Phil period of fellowship. For doing M.Phil, the fellowship shall be granted for two years or up to the date of submission of M.Phil dissertation, whichever is earlier.
- The maximum allowed gap period for continuation from M.Phil to PhD under this scheme shall be 2 years from the date of declaration of result of M.Phil to date of admission to PhD programme. However, the total tenure of fellowship shall remain five years excluding the gap period. No fellowship shall be paid during the gap period.
- The fellowship shall be granted up to the date of submission of PhD thesis or five years of tenure, whichever is earlier. No extension is permissible beyond the total period of five years of fellowship.
- The employees of any University/College/Educational Institution/Central/ State/UT Government shall be excluded from availing Fellowship.
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Benefits
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students offers substantial financial support to its beneficiaries. The benefits include:
The fellowship rates for JRF and SRF will be at par with the UGC Fellowships. As of 1st January 2019, the applicable rates are as follows:
| Particulars | Rates Applicable for JRF | Rates Applicable for SRF |
| Fellowship in all streams | ₹31,000 per month for the initial two years | ₹35,000 per month for the remaining tenure |
| Contingency for Humanities & Social Sciences | ₹10,000 per annum for the initial two years | ₹20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure |
| Contingency for Sciences | ₹12,000 per annum for the initial two years | ₹25,000 per annum for the remaining tenure |
| Escort/Reader assistance (All subjects) for physically and visually handicapped candidates | ₹2,000 per month | ₹2,000 per month |
| House Allowance (HRA)* | @ 8%, 16%, and 24% to students without hostel accommodation, according to Government of India norms applicable in the city/location where the research fellows are working. | |
Important Points:
- Scholars who receive hostel accommodation will only be reimbursed for hostel fees. If they decline hostel accommodation, they’ll forfeit HRA. If the institution can’t provide hostel accommodation, they may offer single accommodation. In this case, the scholar’s actual rent will be reimbursed as per the government’s HRA limit.
- If scholars arrange their own accommodation, they are eligible for HRA based on the government’s ceiling and city categorisation. To claim HRA, they must submit a monthly confirmation certificate in the prescribed format to the institution.
- Medical facilities, leave (including maternity leave), and other benefits follow the guidelines of the UGC’s fellowship program.
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Duration of Fellowship
| Name of the Course | Maximum Duration | Admissibility of JRF and SRF | |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | ||
| M.Phil | 2 years | 2 years | NIL |
| Ph.D | 5 years | 2 years | Remaining 3 years |
| M.Phil. + Ph.D. | 5 years | 2 years | Remaining 3 years |
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Selection Process
The selection process is based on the NET or CSIR NET-JRF merit, with preference given to admitted candidates. However, non-admitted candidates may also be selected on the basis of merit and they must secure admission within three years. Admitted candidates must join within three months, or their candidature will be cancelled. The genuineness of SC certificates is verified, and the UGC’s decision is final. Results are published on the UGC website, and award letters can be downloaded online.
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Required Documents
The applicants are required to submit a set of documents after selection for verification. These required documents include the following:
- Caste certificate issued by a competent authority
- Disability certificate (if required)
- Marksheets/certificates of the previous qualifying examination
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-sized photograph
- Bank account details (passbook/statement)
- PAN card
- Contact information such as address, phone number, and email
- Admission letter for M.Phil/PhD program
- Research proposal
- NET or UGC-CSIR NET scorecard (if applicable)
- Hostel accommodation proof (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if required)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Any other documents as specified in the application form
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC): Disbursement of Fellowship
- The university will confirm the continuation of the fellowship twice a year, on a semester basis, within the 10th of the initial month of each semester.
- Based on this certification, research scholars will receive their fellowship within the 15th of every month without requiring further university intervention.
- The university will update the portal if any research scholar discontinues the course or is/has been on inadmissible leave, thus rendering them ineligible for the fellowship during that period.
- If a candidate discontinues the course or is on inadmissible leave, they are responsible for notifying the university and may be liable to refund any overpaid fellowship amounts for the period beyond the date of discontinuation or inadmissible leave.
- In the case of unauthorised absence or admissible leave, the concerned nodal officer will be responsible for stopping the automatic generation of the fellowship and recovering any overpaid amounts.
Important Dates!
The application window for the National Fellowship for SC Students typically opens once a year. Applicants must stay well informed about the following important dates:
- Application Start Date: Generally in the month of August or September (tentative)
- Last Date for Application Submission: Around October or November (tentative)
- Merit List Announcement: Typically within two months after the submission/deadline (tentative)
FAQs on National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC)
Is there any age limit for applying to the National Fellowship for SC Students?
No, there is no age limit applicable to candidates for applying to the National Fellowship for SC Students.
Can the students from private universities apply for the National Fellowship for SC Students?
Yes, the SC students from UGC-recognised universities, including private institutions are eligible to apply for this fellowship.
How many fellowships are awarded each year under the National Fellowship for SC Students?
Approximately 2,000 fellowships are awarded annually.
Can I apply for the fellowship if I’m already enrolled in a PhD program?
No, the fellowship is typically awarded to students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees.
What are the forms of financial support provided under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students?
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students offers a range of financial benefits to support M.Phil and PhD scholars. For M.Phil candidates, a monthly stipend of ₹31,000 is provided for the first two years. For PhD candidates, the stipend increases to ₹35,000 after two years and continues until the completion of the research program. Additionally, a contingency grant is offered: ₹10,000 per annum for Humanities and Social Sciences in the first two years and ₹20,500 for the remaining tenure, while Sciences, Engineering, and Technology students receive ₹12,000 for the first two years and ₹25,000 thereafter. House Rent Allowance (HRA) is also available as per the institution’s guidelines for students who are not residing in hostels.
Which of the universities and institutions are covered under the National Fellowship for SC Students?
The fellowship covers all universities and institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). They are as under:
- Central/State Universities: These include constituent and affiliated institutions included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and must have valid accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
- Deemed Universities: These are institutions recognized by the Central Government in consultation with the UGC and must have valid accreditation from NAAC.
- Government-Funded Institutions: Institutions fully funded by the State/Central Government and empowered to award degrees are eligible.
- Institutions of National Importance: Institutions designated as such by the Ministry of Human Resource Development are also included.
Who is the Central Nodal Agency (CNA) for implementation of National Fellowship for SC Students?
National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) has been declared as Central Nodal Agency (CNA) w.e.f. 01/10/2022 for implementing the scheme that was earlier implemented by UGC. It is responsible for laying down procedures and guidelines for implementing the scheme, including selection of beneficiaries and disbursement of fellowships to selected candidates.
What happens to those applicants who have not yet secured admission in their M.Phil and PhD programme?
Those candidates who have not yet secured admission will also be selected in the order of merit in the NET examination. Such candidates will be eligible subject to admission for M.Phil/Ph.D in Universities/IITs/ Institutions.