National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities 2026: ₹31,000–₹35,500 Monthly Support
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Quick answer
The National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFPwD) is a central government scheme that provides financial assistance to students with disabilities pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D. degrees. Eligible candidates receive a monthly fellowship of ₹31,000 for Junior Research Fellows and ₹35,500 for Senior Research Fellows, for up to five years. Applications are submitted online via the University Grants Commission's NFPwD portal.
At a glance
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
Benefits
- The fellowship provides financial assistance to students with disabilities to pursue M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees.
- The fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit and the student's disability certificate.
- The value of the fellowship is ₹ 31,000 per month for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and ₹ 35,500 per month for Senior Research Fellows (SRFs).
- The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of five years, including the JRF and SRF periods.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The applicant must be a person with disability (PWD) as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, with at least 40% disability.
- The applicant must have a valid disability certificate issued by the competent authority.
- The applicant must have secured admission to an M.Phil or Ph.D. program in a university/institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- The applicant must have a good academic record.
Documents required
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Matric Certificate.
- Educational Certificates.
- Admission Proof.
- Identity proof.
- Caste Certificate for SC/ST/OBC.
- PWD Certificate.
- Email ID.
- Mobile Number.
How to apply
- 1Visit the University Grants Commission's (UGC) NFPwD website at https://www.ugc.gov.in/.
- 2Go to the Scholarships/Fellowships section and click "View All".
- 3Find the "National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities" link and click "See Detailed Information".
- 4Read the detailed information carefully.
- 5Click "Apply for Fresh Registration (Click Here)" to open the registration form.
- 6Enter the required information, including the captcha code, and click "Register".
- 7Provide the remaining information and upload the required documents.
- 8Click "Submit" to complete the application.
Frequently asked questions
What is this scheme+
A Scheme "National Fellowship For Students With Disabilities" was initiated by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the "Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment".
Who is eligible for the NFPwD scheme?+
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, with at least 40% disability. Students who have secured admission to an M.Phil or Ph.D. program in a university/institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
What is the value of the NFPwD fellowship?+
Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹ 31,000 per month; Senior Research Fellow (SRF): ₹ 35,500 per month.
What is the duration of the NFPwD fellowship?+
The NFPwD fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of five years, including the JRF and SRF periods.
How do I apply for the NFPwD fellowship?+
Students can apply for the NFPwD fellowship through the online application portal of the UGC. The last date for applying for the fellowship is usually in the month of June.
What documents do I need to upload to apply for the NFPwD fellowship?+
1. Disability certificate 2. Mark sheets of all previous qualifying examinations 3. Admission letter to the M.Phil or Ph.D. program 4. Research proposal 5. Two passport size photographs
What are the selection criteria for the NFPwD fellowship?+
The selection criteria for the NFPwD fellowship are as follows: 1. Merit 2. Disability certificate
When will I be notified if I have been selected for the NFPwD fellowship?+
The UGC will notify the selected students through email.
What should I do if I have not been selected for the NFPwD fellowship?+
Students who have not been selected for the NFPwD fellowship can reapply in the following year. They can also explore other funding opportunities for students with disabilities.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)