National Fellowship for SC Students 2026: Up to ₹35,000 Monthly Fellowship, Eligibility & Application

At a glance

About the scheme

Launched during the financial year 2005-06 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, this Central Sector Scheme supports Scheduled Caste scholars in completing advanced full-time research in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Implemented through the University Grants Commission (UGC), the scheme awards 2,000 fresh fellowships annually to SC students enrolled in recognised universities, institutes of national importance, and accredited institutions across India.

Benefits

• 2,000 new fellowships offered annually (1,500 for Humanities/Social Sciences and 500 for Sciences).
• JRF fellowship of ₹31,000 per month for the initial two years.
• SRF fellowship of ₹35,000 per month for the remaining tenure.
• Contingency allowance for Humanities and Social Sciences: ₹10,000 per annum for JRF and ₹20,500 per annum for SRF.
• Contingency allowance for Sciences: ₹12,000 per annum for JRF and ₹25,000 per annum for SRF.
• Escort or Reader Assistance of ₹2,000 per month for physically and visually challenged scholars.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) at 8%, 16%, or 24% as per Government norms for candidates not residing in hostels.
• Direct payment into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
• Must be pursuing regular and full-time studies or research leading to an M.Phil or PhD degree.
• Must have qualified either the UGC NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR NET-JRF Joint Test.
• Research must be at a UGC-recognised Central or State University, NAAC-accredited Deemed University, fully government-funded degree-awarding institute, or an Institute of National Importance.
• The scholar must not hold or receive any other fellowship, monetary benefit, or scholarship simultaneously.
• For PwD quota consideration within the SC category, a minimum degree of 40% disability is mandatory.

Who cannot apply

• Employees of any university, college, educational institution, Central, State, or UT Government, even if on study leave or extraordinary leave.
• Scholars who have previously availed of any fellowship for PhD, whether completely or partially.
• Scholars who failed to complete their research work during an earlier fellowship tenure under this scheme.

Documents required

• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Aadhaar number
• Self-attested degree or mark sheet of the last qualifying examination
• Fee receipt of the current course year
• Bank account details of an Aadhaar-linked bank account
• Caste certificate issued by an SDM, Tehsildar, or competent authority
• Declaration certificate

How to apply

1. 1Look out for the online notification and advertisement issued by UGC inviting applications from NET qualified candidates.
2. 2Visit the official UGC online application portal to register and fill in the fellowship form.
3. 3Upload the required documents, including your caste certificate, academic mark sheets, and current fee receipt.
4. 4Submit your completed application online before the stated deadline.
5. 5Check the merit list results published on the UGC website.
6. 6Download the JRF award letter from the UGC online application portal and join the fellowship within three months if already admitted.

Frequently asked questions