Last chance to unlock National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students 2026

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) is a prestigious Central Sector Scheme implemented by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) with effect from 1 October 2022. The scheme is formulated and fully funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Introduced in the financial year 2005–06, the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students aims to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) students for pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences at institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The scheme promotes inclusive higher education, research excellence, and equal academic opportunities for SC scholars across India.

Under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC), 2,000 new fellowships are awarded every year, including 1,500 Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) for Humanities and Social Sciences and 500 JRF for Science streams. These fellowships are granted to SC candidates who qualify the UGC NET–JRF or the UGC–CSIR NET–JRF examinations. The selection process, along with the preparation of cut-off marks or percentile criteria, is conducted exclusively by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and NSFDC has no role in determining selections or cut-offs. Importantly, these fellowship slots are over and above the regular SC reservation quota under UGC and CSIR fellowship schemes, thereby expanding research access.

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students provides financial support for up to five years, subject to satisfactory academic performance as recommended by competent authorities. Selected scholars receive fellowship benefits of up to ₹42,000 per month as per JRF/SRF norms, along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) and contingency grants. For Humanities and Social Sciences, contingency assistance is ₹10,000 per annum for the first two years and ₹20,500 per annum thereafter, while Science scholars receive ₹12,000 per annum initially and ₹25,000 per annum subsequently. The scheme supports full-time research scholars across disciplines including Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering.

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026 continues to strengthen educational empowerment, social justice, and advanced research opportunities for SC students in India. With 2,000 annual fellowships, structured financial benefits, 3% reservation for physically handicapped SC candidates, and implementation aligned with UGC fellowship guidelines, the scheme plays a vital role in promoting academic inclusion and national development. Through this initiative, the Government of India reinforces its commitment to supporting talented SC researchers and fostering long-term academic excellence.

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Contents

Objectives of National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students
Scope of National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC)
Eligibility
Fellowship Tenure Structure
Benefits
Required Documents
Important Dates:
Important Links:
Terms and Conditions:
Frequently Asked Questions– National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026

Objectives of National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students aims to provide financial assistance in the form of fellowships to students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
It enables SC scholars to pursue higher studies leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students supports research at Indian Universities, Institutions, and Colleges recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
And it also promotes inclusive higher education and equal research opportunities for SC candidates across diverse academic disciplines.
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students works to reduce financial barriers that will hinder SC students from undertaking full-time advanced research program.
This fellowship enhances the representation of SC scholars in doctoral and post-graduate research studies at the national level.
Through the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India strengthens social justice, educational empowerment, and academic excellence.
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students ultimately contributes to research innovation, knowledge development, and long-term national growth by supporting talented SC researchers.

Scope of National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC)

The scheme provides 2,000 new fellowships every year to Scheduled Caste (SC) students for pursuing advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees. Out of these, 1,500 Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) are allocated for Humanities and Social Sciences, and 500 JRF are allocated for the Science stream.
The fellowship is awarded to SC candidates who have qualified either the National Eligibility Test–Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the UGC–Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF Joint Test.
These 2,000 fellowship slots are over and above the regular reservation quota for SC candidates under the Government’s existing UGC Fellowship schemes. The scheme is implemented on the same pattern as UGC Fellowships awarded to research scholars pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D. program.
The scheme covers all Universities and Institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), including Central and State Universities (with constituent and affiliated colleges) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 with valid NAAC accreditation, Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act with NAAC accreditation, institutions fully funded by the State or Central Government empowered to award degrees, and Institutions of National Importance as notified by the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development).

Implementing Agency of National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students

The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) has been designated as the Central Nodal Agency (CNA) with effect from 01 October 2022 for the implementation of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC). As the implementing authority, NSFDC is responsible for framing and issuing the procedures and operational guidelines for the scheme. This includes overseeing the implementation process, coordination with concerned authorities, and disbursement of fellowship amounts to selected candidates, ensuring smooth and transparent execution of the scheme.

Eligibility

Category & Academic Qualification
The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category as per the relevant State Government list.
The candidate must be pursuing or seeking admission in a regular and full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. program in Universities/Research Institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The applicant must have qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET), UGC–CSIR NET, or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), wherever applicable.
Admission Status & Selection Process
SC candidates who have already secured admission and qualified NET will be given first preference.
Such candidates must join the fellowship within 3 months from the date of issue of the JRF award letter.
If sufficient admitted candidates are not available, candidates without admission will be selected in order of merit based on NET scores, subject to securing admission in a recognized University/IIT/Institution.
UGC should include a field in the application form to capture the current educational status of the applicant.
Candidates who have completed postgraduate studies or are in the final year of PG will be given preference and allowed up to one year from selection to join.
Other selected candidates may join within three years from the date of issue of the award letter.
Fellowship Rules & Financial Conditions
A scholar can receive only one fellowship at a time.
The scholar must declare that he/she will not accept any other scholarship, fellowship, salary, stipend, or financial assistance during the tenure of the award (except academic leave up to one year).
If already receiving any scholarship or financial benefit, the candidate must relinquish the previous benefit or forgo selection under this scheme.
Employees of any University/College/Educational Institution/Central/State/UT Government are not eligible, even if on Study Leave or Extraordinary Leave.
Fellowship Duration & Upgradation
The fellowship is initially awarded as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for 2 years.
After satisfactory progress, it is upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for 3 additional years, as per UGC Fellowship Guidelines.
For M.Phil. + Ph.D. combined program, fellowship is granted for 2 years during M.Phil. and 3 years after upgradation to Ph.D.
The fellowship is payable from the date of declaration of UGC NET/Joint CSIR-UGC NET result (if already admitted) or from the actual date of joining M.Phil./Ph.D., whichever is later.
If already admitted and listed as qualified, the candidate must apply within three months.
Maximum Tenure & Gap Provisions
For Integrated Ph.D. or M.Phil. to Ph.D. program, the maximum fellowship tenure is 5 years, including the M.Phil. period.
For M.Phil., fellowship is granted for 2 years or until submission of dissertation, whichever is earlier.
A maximum 2-year gap is permitted between completion of M.Phil. and admission to Ph.D.
No fellowship will be paid during the gap period.
The fellowship is granted until submission of Ph.D. thesis or completion of five years, whichever is earlier.
No extension beyond five years is allowed.
Reapplication & Ineligibility Conditions
A scholar who fails to complete research work within the fellowship period is not eligible to reapply under the scheme.
Candidates who have fully or partially availed this fellowship earlier for Ph.D. are not eligible to apply again.

Fellowship Tenure Structure

Name of the Course	Maximum duration	JRF	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

Disbursement of Fellowship:

The University must provide confirmation for continuation of fellowship twice every year, on a semester basis, by the 10th day of the first month of each semester.
Upon receipt of this confirmation, the fellowship amount will be automatically released to the research scholar by the 15th of each month, without requiring further approval from the University.
The University is responsible for promptly updating the official portal if a scholar:
- Discontinues the M.Phil./Ph.D. program, or
- Avails inadmissible leave and becomes ineligible for fellowship during that period.
In case of course discontinuation or inadmissible leave, the scholar must intimate the concerned authorities immediately.
Any excess fellowship amount paid after discontinuation or during inadmissible leave must be refunded by the scholar.
If a research scholar remains absent without prior intimation or is/has been on admissible leave, the designated Nodal Officer will:
- Ensure stoppage of automatic fellowship payments, and
- Initiate recovery of any excess payment made to the scholar, wherever applicable.

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Benefits

Particulars	Rates Applicable for JRF	Rates Applicable for SRF
Fellowship in all streams	₹37,000/month for the initial 2 years	₹42,000/month for the remaining tenure
Contingency for Humanities & Social Sciences	₹10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years	₹20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure
Contingency for Sciences	₹12,000 per annum for the initial 2 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)*	@ 10%, 20%, and 30% to students who do not have hostel accommodation, according to the Government of India norms applicable in the city/location where the research fellows are working

Note:

HRA is not granted if the scholar refuses available hostel accommodation.
If hostel accommodation is unavailable, rent reimbursement is allowed within HRA limits.
Additional benefits include medical facilities, leave entitlements (including maternity leave), and other UGC-governed provisions.

Required Documents

Scheduled Caste (SC) Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority
Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Income Certificate (if required)
Recent Passport-Size Photograph
Postgraduate Mark Sheets and Certificates of the previous qualifying examination
Admission Letter / Enrollment Proof for regular and full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. program
Research Proposal
NET / UGC-CSIR NET / GATE Scorecard (as applicable)
Bank Account Details (Passbook or Bank Statement in the applicant’s name)
Hostel Accommodation Proof (if applicable)
Complete Contact Information (Address, Mobile Number, Email ID)
Any other documents specified in the official application form or notification

Important Dates:

Application Deadline: 20 December 2026

Important Links:

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Differences in Admission Systems

Terms and Conditions:

The scheme provides 2,000 new fellowships annually (1,500 for Humanities/Social Sciences and 500 for Science streams).
Of the total fellowship slots:
- 75% are allocated through UGC-NET-JRF.
- 25% are allocated through UGC-CSIR NET-JRF (Science streams).
Unfilled slots in either category will be filled through the respective test in the same academic year.
If 25% or more slots remain unfilled in an academic year, the allocation pattern will be reviewed and revised in the following year.
These fellowships are in addition to SC candidates selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government.
Reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) belonging to the SC category is provided as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, with a minimum of 40% disability required to claim benefits.
Fellowship merit is determined through the NET examination, with preference given to candidates who have already secured admission.
Admitted candidates must join within 3 months from the date of issue of the JRF award letter; failing which, the candidature will be cancelled.
Qualified candidates without admission must secure admission in a regular and full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. program within 3 years from the date of fellowship award.
The concerned University/Institution must verify the authenticity of the Scheduled Caste certificate before allowing fellowship benefits.
The University must confirm continuation of fellowship twice yearly (semester basis), and scholars will receive fellowship payments monthly based on this confirmation.
In cases of discontinuation or inadmissible leave, the scholar must inform the University and refund any excess fellowship amount received.
The Nodal Officer is responsible for stopping payments and recovering overpayments in cases of unauthorized absence or ineligibility.
The decision of the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) regarding the award of fellowship is final and binding, and no appeal is permissible.

Frequently Asked Questions– National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026

1. What is the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026?

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students is a Central Sector Scheme funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and implemented by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC). It provides financial assistance to SC students pursuing full-time M.Phil. and Ph.D. program in UGC-recognized institutions.

2. Who is eligible for the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students?

To apply for the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students, the applicant must belong to the SC category, qualify UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF (or GATE where applicable), and secure admission in a regular full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. program recognized by the University Grants Commission.

3. How many fellowships are awarded under National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students each year?

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students awards 2,000 fellowships annually—1,500 for Humanities and Social Sciences and 500 for Science streams. These are over and above the regular SC reservation quota.

4. What is the fellowship amount under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students?

Selected scholars receive ₹37,000 per month as JRF for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month as SRF for the remaining tenure. The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students also provides contingency grants and HRA as per government norms.

5. What is the maximum duration of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students?

The maximum tenure under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students is five years (2 years JRF + 3 years SRF), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

6. Is admission mandatory before applying for National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students?

Preference is given to candidates who have already secured admission. However, under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students, candidates without admission can also be selected based on NET merit, provided they secure admission within the stipulated time.

7. Can a candidate receive another scholarship along with National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students?

No. A scholar under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students can receive only one fellowship at a time and must not accept any other financial assistance during the tenure.

8. How is the fellowship amount disbursed?

Under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students, the University confirms continuation twice yearly, and the fellowship is automatically released monthly, usually by the 15th, based on certification.

9. Are there benefits for PwD candidates under National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students?

Yes. The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students includes reservation for SC candidates with disabilities (minimum 40%) and provides escort/reader assistance of ₹2,000 per month.

10. What is the application deadline for National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students 2026?

The application deadline for the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026 is 20 December 2026. Applicants must apply through the official NSFDC portal and upload all required documents within the deadline.