UGC Scholarships – University Grants Commission (UGC)

The University Grants Commission (UGC) scholarships are the various scholarship schemes sponsored by or offered by the University Grants Commission (A statutory body under the Government of India) to support students pursuing higher education at recognized colleges and universities across the country. These scholarships are implemented annually to cater to various student categories, such as meritorious learners and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications are typically accepted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) from April onwards of every academic year.

This article provides detailed information on major UGC scholarships, including eligibility, application process, and benefits.

List of UGC Scholarships

The University Grants Commission offers both UGC scholarships and fellowships, catering to the needs of over 20,000 students every year. Find out all about them in the section below, which contains a comprehensive list of all UGC scholarships and fellowships.

1. Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child: The Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child is offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, Government of India. This initiative aims to promote higher education among girls and compensate for the direct costs of their education. 

Awards: ₹36,200 per annum for 2 years. 

Eligibility: 

• Only for female applicants. 
• Must be below the age of 30.
• Must be the only child in the family. 
• Must have secured admission to a regular full-time first-year master’s degree course in any designated university or a post-graduate college.

2. Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders: The Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders is an initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India. It is offered to university rank holders at the undergraduate level and admitted to a postgraduate course. The purpose of this scheme is to attract talented individuals to pursue postgraduate studies and to strengthen foundational subjects at the undergraduate level. 

Awards: ₹3100 per month for 2 years. 

Eligibility: 

• Must be below the age of 30.
• Must be first or second rank holder at university level. 
• Must be pursuing postgraduate studies in any of the following subjects at the undergraduate level: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Social Sciences, Commerce, or Languages.

3. Post Graduate Scholarships for Professional Courses for SC/ST Candidates: The Post Graduate Scholarships for Professional Courses for SC/ST Candidates is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Education and implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This scholarship aims to provide SC/ST students with financial assistance to pursue postgraduate studies at any professional degree. 

Awards: ME/M.Tech. students selected under this scholarship scheme will receive ₹7,800 per month for the duration of their PG course. Students studying other professional courses will get ₹4,500 per month as the scholarship amount.

Eligibility: 

• Must belong to the SC/ST category. 
• The candidate must be pursuing a postgraduate degree at a professional course. 
• The candidates must be studying in one of the following institutions: 
  • Universities/Institutions/Colleges included under section 2(f) and 12(B) of UGC Act.  
  • Deemed to be Universities included under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 are eligible to receive grants-in-aid from UGC. 
  • Universities/Institutions/Colleges funded by the Central/StateGovernment.
  • Institutes of National Importance.

4. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region: To promote higher education in the North Eastern regions of India, the Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched the Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region. The main objective of the scheme is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), to focus more on professional education and also for the optimum utilisation of NER Budgetary Allocation in North Eastern regions. 

Awards: Up to ₹7,800 per month for selected students

Eligibility: 

• Applicants must be a domicile of the North Eastern Region (NER).
• Parental annual income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh from all sources.
• Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in the year preceding the current application cycle.
• Should have secured admission in the first year of a general, technical, or professional degree course (including medical and paramedical).
• Admission must be in a recognised institution with a valid AISHE code, falling under any of the following categories:
  • Universities/Institutions/Colleges included under section 2(f) and 12(B) of UGC Act.  
  • Deemed to be Universities included under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 are eligible to receive grants-in-aid from UGC. 
  • Universities/Institutions/Colleges funded by the Central/State Government.
  • Institutes of National Importance.

5. Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship for Research in Social Sciences: The Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship for Research in Social Sciences is a prestigious initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India. This fellowship aims to support higher education for single girl children pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Sciences by providing financial assistance. 

Awards: 

• Fellowship of ₹25,000 per month for the initial 2 years and ₹28,000 per month for the remaining tenure.
• A contingency grant of ₹10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and IR 20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Escort and reader assistance of ₹2,000 per month (for persons with disabilities).

Eligibility: 

• The scholarship is open for single girl children and transgender candidates.
• The applicant must be pursuing a regular, full-time Ph.D. programme in Social Sciences at a recognised Indian University/ Institution/ College.
• The maximum age limit for general category applicants is 40 years and 45 years for SC/ST/OBC and PwD.
• The students pursuing their Ph.D. through distance education cannot apply for this scholarship.

6. Emeritus Fellowship: The Emeritus Fellowship is an initiative launched by the University Grant Commission for retired teachers of India. This scholarship was built for the purpose of providing financial assistance to teachers who want to continue research in their respective field of specialisation but require financial assistance in order to do so. 

Awards: 

• An honorarium of ₹31,000 per month for 2 years.
• A contingency of ₹50,000 per annum.

Eligibility: 

• The fellowship is open to highly qualified, superannuated and experienced teachers of recognised institutions/colleges/ universities.
• The applicant must have contributed to his/her service career with quality research and published work.
• The fellowship allows the awardee to work with a well-defined time-bound action plan up to the age of 70 years.

7. Dr. S. Radharkrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship: The Dr. S. Radharkrishnan Post-Doctoral Fellowship is a fellowship initiated by the University Grant Commission for young researchers. The objective of this fellowship is to provide an opportunity to carry out the advanced studies and research in Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences including languages in Indian Universities/Institutions. Tenure of the fellowship is 3 years with no provision for further extension. 

Awards: 

• A fellowship of ₹31,000 per month.
• A contingency grant of ₹50,000 per annum.
• An escort reader assistance of ₹30,000 per month in case of PWD (Person with disability).

Eligibility: 

• The applicant must be within 35 years of age for general category and 40 for reserved categories. 
• Be PH.D. degree holders in relevant fields of studies like Sciences, Humanities and Engineering and Technology. 
• Must not have availed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from UGC.
• They must have secured 55% marks at UG level, 60% marks at PG level for general category.  For reserved categories, 50% marks at UG level, 55% marks at PG level is mandatory. 

8. Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme in Sciences: The Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme was initiated by the University Commission Grant in 2007 with the recommendation of the Empowered Committee moderated by professor M.M. Sharma. The scheme is open for full-time research work, predominantly to young researchers preferably below 35 years of age who have been awarded their Ph.D. Degree under science faculty. 

Awards: 

• Fellowship of ₹43,800, ₹45,000 and ₹46,500 per month for the first, second and third year respectively.
• Contingency grant of ₹1 Lakh per annum.

Eligibility: 

• The fellowship is open for aspirants below 35 years, relaxation in age will be given to SC/ST/OBC Women.
• Only Ph.D. awarded unemployed candidates will be eligible for the award of Post Doctoral Fellowship.
• The candidate must have a doctorate degree in the relevant subject preferably with published research work to their credit. 

9. Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Women Candidates: The University Commission Grant (UGC) has initiated the Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Women Candidates for unemployed female candidates who hold a Ph.D. degree. This scheme aims to support the applicants to carry out advanced research and studies. There are 100 available seats each year with a 5 year tenure. 

Awards: 

• Fellowship of ₹38,800 per month for fresh candidates and ₹46,500 per month after two years.
• Contingency of ₹50,000 per annum for five years.
• Escorts/Reader assistance of ₹2000 per month (fixed) in cases of PWD (Person with disability).

Eligibility: 

• The applicant needs to be a Ph.D. degree holder and under the age of 55. There is an age relaxation of 5 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PWD.
• In the case of the general category, a minimum of 55% of marks at the UG level and a minimum of 60% of marks at the PG level is mandatory. For reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD), a minimum of 50% of marks at the UG level and a minimum of 55% of marks at the PG level is mandatory.
• Transgender people are also eligible to apply. 

10. Post-Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST Candidates: The University Commission Grant (UGC) has initiated the Post-Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST Candidates for candidates who belong to the SC/ST category. This scheme aims to support the applicants to carry out advanced research and studies in Science, Engineering and Technology and Humanities and Social Sciences.

Awards: 

• Fellowship of ₹38,800 per month for the first 2 years and ₹46,500 per month after two years.
• A contingency of ₹50,000 per annum for 5 years.
• Escorts and reader allowance of ₹2,000 per month (for PwD applicants).

Eligibility: 

• The maximum age limit for male applicants is 50 years while for female applicants it is 55 years.
• The applicants should have scored 50% marks at the UG level and 55% marks at the PG level.
• Transgender candidates can also apply.
• Candidates should undertake postdoctoral research at Indian Universities, Institutions and Colleges as indicated below:
  • Universities/Institutions/Colleges included under Section 2(f) and 12 (B) of UGC Act.
  • Deemed to be Universities included under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 and eligible to receive grants-in-aid from UGC.
  • Universities/Institutions/Colleges funded by the Central/State Government.
  • Institutes of National Importance.

11. National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students: The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students is provided to SC students for pursuing higher education that eventually leads to Ph.D. degree in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/ Colleges that is 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 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. 

Awards: 

• Fellowship in Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences include JRF of ₹25,000 per month for the initial two years and SRF of ₹28,000 per month for the remaining tenure.
• The contingency for Humanities and Social Sciences is ₹10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and ₹20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Contingency for Science, Engineering & Technology is ₹12,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and ₹25,000 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Escorts and reader assistance of ₹2,000 per month (for blind and physically handicapped students).

Eligibility: 

• The students who have passed their postgraduation examination and have registered for an M.Phil./Ph.D. course can apply for this fellowship.
• The fellowship is open for transgender candidates.

12. National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students: The National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category to enable them to pursue higher education (M.Phil or Ph.D.) after completing post-graduate degree.

Awards: 

• Fellowship in Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences include JRF of ₹25,000 per month for the initial two years and SRF of ₹28,000 per month for the remaining tenure.
• The contingency for Humanities and Social Sciences is ₹10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and ₹20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Contingency for Science, Engineering & Technology is ₹12,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and ₹25,000 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Escorts and reader assistance of ₹2,000 per month (for blind and physically handicapped students).

Eligibility: 

• Students having a postgraduate degree are eligible for the fellowship.
• The applicant must be registered in a full-time regular M.Phil./PhD course at a university/college/institution recognised by UGC.

13. National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities: The National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities is a fellowship scheme launched by the government of India to empower students with disabilities to pursue higher education leading to degrees such as M. Phil. and Ph.D. The fellowship aims to provide basic knowledge to the students so that they can get a job easily.

Awards: 

• Monthly stipend of  ₹16,000 for initial 2 years and for remaining tenure  ₹18,000 per month.
• The contingency allowance for Humanities, Commerce and Social Science is  ₹10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and  ₹20,500 for the remaining tenure.
• The contingency allowance for Science, Engineering & Technology is  ₹12,000 and  ₹25,000 for the remaining tenure.
• Departmental assistance of  ₹3,000 per annum
• Escorts/reader assistance of  ₹2,000 per month (for blind and physically disabled candidates).

Eligibility: 

• The fellowship is open for students with disabilities who have been enrolled in a PhD/MPhil programme at a University or academic institution.

14. Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students: The Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students is formulated and funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The scheme is open to candidates who belong to one of the Minority Community and are pursuing higher studies such as regular and full time M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Engineering & Technology. 3% fellowships are reserved for Physically Handicapped candidates belonging to Minority Communities as per provision laid down by the Government of India.

Awards: 

• Fellowship of ₹25,000 per month (JRF) for the initial two years and ₹28,000 per month (SRF) for the remaining tenure.
• The contingency for Humanities, Social Sciences and commerce is ₹10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and ₹20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• The contingency for Science is ₹12,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and ₹25,000 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Escorts and reader assistance of ₹2,000 per month (for blind and physically handicapped students).

Eligibility: 

• The fellowship is applicable to students belonging to minority communities i.e. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsi and Jain.
• The student must be enrolled in a full-time and regular M.Phil./PhD programme.
• The annual income of the family should not be more than ₹2.5 Lakhs from all sources.
• The minimum percentage of marks to be obtained by the candidates in post graduation is 50%.
• Transgender applicants can also apply for the fellowship.

15. National Fellowship for OBC Candidates: The National Fellowship for OBC Candidates is a UGC fellowship scheme funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment under Government of India. Under this scheme, the unemployed OBC candidates are financially supported to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil. and PhD degrees in fields of Science, Humanities, Social Sciences and Engineering & Technology. A total of 1000 candidates are awarded this UGC fellowship every year. 

Awards: 

• Fellowship in Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences include JRF of INR 25,000 per month for the initial two years and SRF of INR 28,000 per month for the remaining tenure.
• The contingency for Humanities and Social Sciences is INR 10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and INR 20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Contingency for Science, Engineering & Technology is INR 12,000 per annum for the initial 2 years and INR 25,000 per annum for the remaining tenure.
• Escorts and reader assistance of INR 2,000 per month (for blind and physically handicapped students).

Eligibility: 

• The students who have passed their post graduation and have registered for M.Phil./PhD courses can apply for the fellowship.
• The annual income of the family should not be more than INR 6 Lakh from all sources.
• Transgender candidates can also apply for the fellowship.

UGC scholarship results

After the closure of the application period for UGC scholarships and fellowships, the evaluation process begins. The University Grants Commission conducts a thorough verification of the applications in coordination with the institutions and the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Scholarships are awarded to candidates who meet all eligibility requirements and are successfully verified by the institution and relevant authorities. For fellowships, the selection may include an interview and recommendation by an Expert Committee constituted by the UGC, depending on the scheme. The final list of selected beneficiaries is published on the official UGC website and/or the NSP portal. Applicants are advised to regularly check these portals for updates and result announcements.

UGC scholarship disbursement

The disbursement of all UGC scholarships and fellowships is done through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, in accordance with Government of India policy. The scholarship amount is credited directly to the Aadhaar-seeded savings bank account of the beneficiary. Therefore, it is mandatory for applicants to have an active and valid bank account in their name, preferably in a nationalised bank, and to ensure their Aadhaar number is correctly linked to that account at the time of application.

UGC scholarship renewal

Scholarships awarded under UGC schemes are generally disbursed annually or on a semester basis, depending on the course structure and scholarship terms. Renewal of the scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progress and adherence to the scholarship conditions. Beneficiaries must submit a progress report at the end of each academic year, duly signed by the Head of the Department (HoD) and either the Registrar, Principal, or Head of the Institution. The format for the renewal report is typically provided on the UGC or NSP website. Failure to maintain required academic standards or to submit the progress report on time may result in the discontinuation of the scholarship.

UGC Scholarships – FAQs

What are UGC scholarships?

UGC scholarships, provided by the University Grants Commission under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, are financial aid schemes designed to support students pursuing higher education in UGC-recognized institutions, including central/state universities, deemed universities, and colleges. These scholarships cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, offering both merit-based aid and need-based aid for economically weaker sections, with many integrated into the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for streamlined access.

How are UGC scholarship results announced?

UGC scholarship results are announced primarily on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after verification by institutions and the respective state or central nodal officers. The list of selected candidates is published on the NSP portal and occasionally on the UGC website. Students can track their status by logging into the NSP dashboard. Notifications may also be sent via email or SMS.

How can students apply for UGC scholarships?

Students must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal by registering an account, filling in academic, personal, and bank details, uploading documents like Aadhaar, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), mark sheets, and a bona fide certificate. Aadhaar must be linked to the bank account. Some scholarships also require institutional verification.

How is the UGC scholarship amount disbursed?

UGC scholarship amounts are disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT via PFMS. Disbursement happens after verification by the institution and nodal authorities and UGC approval. Funds are released monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the scheme. Delays may occur due to verification or documentation issues.

Is renewal of UGC scholarships automatic each year?

No, UGC scholarship renewals must be applied for annually through NSP. Students must submit a continuation certificate, recent mark sheets, and updated documents. Satisfactory academic performance (usually 50–60% marks) and compliance with eligibility, attendance, and conduct requirements are mandatory. Non-compliance may lead to cancellation.