Post Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST Candidates 2026: ₹38,800–₹46,500 per month
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Quick answer
The Post Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST candidates provides financial support to unemployed Ph.D. holders from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities to pursue postdoctoral research in Indian universities and institutes. Selected fellows receive a monthly fellowship of ₹38,800 for the first two years and ₹46,500 from the third year onwards, along with an annual contingency grant of ₹50,000 and other allowances. Applications are submitted online once a year through the UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship portal at https://pdfss.ugc.ac.in/default.aspx.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Key Benefits |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The scheme is implemented by the University Grants Commission under the Ministry of Education to promote advanced research among SC/ST Ph.D. holders.
Benefits
- Fellowship: ₹38,800 per month for the first 2 years and ₹46,500 per month from the third year onwards
- Contingency grant: ₹50,000 per annum
- Departmental Assistance: 10% of the Post Doctoral Fellowship payable to the host institution
- Escorts/Reader/Assistance: ₹2,000 per month (fixed) for physically disabled and blind candidates
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): as per university/institution rules, with provisions for hostel accommodation or reimbursement subject to GOI norms
- Medical facilities: no separate/fixed medical assistance; fellows may avail medical facilities available at the host university/institution
- Leave: 30 days per year plus public holidays; maternity/paternity leave at full fellowship rates once during tenure; academic leave up to one year without fellowship and contingency
- Duration of fellowship: five years, with no provision for extension
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Must hold a doctorate degree in the relevant subject; provisional degree certificate accepted if degree not yet awarded
- Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
- Only Ph.D. awarded unemployed candidates are eligible
- Upper age limit: 50 years for male applicants and 55 years for female applicants as of the last date of receipt of online applications
- SC/ST candidates must have at least 50% marks at the undergraduate level and 55% marks at the postgraduate level
- Upload a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the proposed research place, duly forwarded by the Head of Department and the Registrar/Director/Principal
- Transgender candidates are eligible to apply; reservation will be followed as per Government of India norms
- Reservations for SC/ST and Persons with Disability candidates apply as per constitutional provisions and GOI instructions
Documents required
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Proof of age
- Mark Sheets/Grade Cards & Degrees
- Caste certificate
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- Income Certificate, if applicable
- Bank account details
- NOC/Undertaking
- Any other document, if required
How to apply
- 1Verify your eligibility and gather all required documents.
- 2Visit the UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship portal at https://pdfss.ugc.ac.in/default.aspx.
- 3Register or log in and fill out the online application form.
- 4Upload scanned copies of the required documents (Aadhaar, photograph, proof of age, mark sheets, degree certificates, caste certificate, disability/income certificates if applicable, bank details, NOC).
- 5Submit the application before the closing date announced in the advertisement.
- 6Track your application status through the portal.
- 7If shortlisted, appear for the interview before the Expert Committee (no TA/DA will be paid).
- 8Upon selection, join the fellowship within three months from the date of issue of the award letter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Post Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST candidates?+
It is a central government scheme by the Ministry of Education, implemented by the University Grants Commission, to provide financial assistance to unemployed SC/ST Ph.D. holders for postdoctoral research in Indian universities and institutes.
Who is eligible for the PDFSC/STC scheme?+
Unemployed candidates holding a Ph.D. degree, belonging to SC or ST categories, with at least 50% marks at UG level and 55% at PG level, and within the age limits (male ≤50 years, female ≤55 years) are eligible. Transgender candidates may also apply as per GOI norms.
What is the age limit for male and female applicants?+
The upper age limit is 50 years for male applicants and 55 years for female applicants as of the last date of receipt of online applications.
What is the amount of fellowship per month under the scheme?+
The fellowship is ₹38,800 per month for the first two years and ₹46,500 per month from the third year onwards.
What is the contingency grant provided per annum?+
An annual contingency grant of ₹50,000 is provided to the fellow for the five‑year tenure.
Is there any escorts/reader assistance for disabled candidates?+
Yes, escorts/reader assistance of ₹2,000 per month (fixed) is provided for physically disabled and blind candidates.
What is the duration of the fellowship?+
The tenure of the fellowship is five years, with no provision for further extension.
How to apply for the scheme?+
Applications are invited online once a year through advertisements in leading newspapers and Employment News. Candidates must apply via the UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship portal at https://pdfss.ugc.ac.in/default.aspx by following the steps outlined in the application process.
What documents are required for the application?+
Required documents include Aadhaar card, passport‑size photograph, proof of age, mark sheets/grade cards and degrees, caste certificate, disability certificate (if applicable), income certificate (if applicable), bank account details, NOC/undertaking, and any other document as specified.
Is there any provision for extension of the fellowship beyond five years?+
No, the scheme does not provide for extension; the fellowship tenure is fixed at five years.
Are transgender candidates eligible to apply?+
Yes, transgender candidates are eligible to apply; reservation will be followed as per Government of India norms.
What is the selection process for the fellowship?+
Applications are scrutinised by a screening committee; shortlisted candidates are called for an interview before an Expert Committee constituted by the UGC. The Commission’s decision is final, and no TA/DA is paid for the interview.
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