Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship For Scheduled Caste Candidates 2026 – Five‑Year Financial Assistance
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Quick answer
The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) for Scheduled Caste candidates is a central scheme providing five‑year financial assistance to SC/ST students pursuing full‑time M.Phil or Ph.D programmes. Eligible candidates receive the fellowship through an online application process advertised in Employment News and leading newspapers. Applications are submitted via the official portal of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Five‑year fellowship with financial assistance |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) Scheme for Scheduled Caste is formulated and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice &Empowerment. The scheme is open to candidates who belong to Scheduled Caste and are pursuing higher studies such as regular and full-time M.Phil.and Ph.D.degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology. There are 2000 slots for Scheduled Caste every year for all the subjects. 3% fellowships are reserved for Persons with Disabilities candidates belonging to SC categories as per the provision laid down by the Government of India.
Benefits
- Five‑year fellowship in the form of financial assistance for M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies
- 2000 slots available every year for Scheduled Caste candidates across all subjects
- 3% of the fellowships reserved for Persons with Disabilities belonging to SC categories
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Candidate must belong to SC or ST and have passed the post‑graduate examination in the relevant subject
- Candidate must be registered for full‑time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programme
- Transgender candidates are eligible to apply under the scheme
- Candidates must be pursuing full‑time research without JRF of UGC‑NET or UGC‑CSIR NET
Who cannot apply
- Candidates already receiving JRF from UGC‑NET or UGC‑CSIR NET are not eligible
Documents required
- Post‑graduate degree certificate or mark sheet
- Proof of SC/ST category (caste certificate)
- Proof of transgender identity if applicable
- Registration proof for M.Phil./Ph.D. programme
How to apply
- 1Visit the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (as advertised in Employment News and leading newspapers)
- 2Look for the online application link for Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Candidates
- 3Register/login and fill in the required personal, academic and category details
- 4Upload the scanned copies of the required documents
- 5Submit the application and keep a copy of the acknowledgement
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Candidates?+
Candidates belonging to SC or ST who have passed their post‑graduate examination and are registered for full‑time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programmes are eligible. Transgender candidates may also apply.
How many fellowships are available each year under this scheme?+
There are 2000 slots for Scheduled Caste candidates every year for all subjects.
Is there any reservation for persons with disabilities?+
Yes, 3% of the fellowships are reserved for Persons with Disabilities belonging to SC categories.
What is the duration of the fellowship?+
The fellowship is initially awarded for a period of five years.
How can I apply for the fellowship?+
Applications are invited online once a year through advertisements in Employment News and leading newspapers; candidates must apply via the official portal of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Which ministry formulates and funds the RGNF‑SC scheme?+
The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) Scheme for Scheduled Caste is formulated and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
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)