NFSC 2024 or National Fellowship for SC Students 2024. Apply Online for SC National Fellowship – The National Fellowship (NF) Scheme for Scheduled Caste is formulated and funded by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
In India, Scheduled Castes (SCs) are considered to be one of the most marginalized communities, with a history of social, economic, and political oppression.
To address this issue, the Government of India has initiated various programs and schemes to uplift the status of SCs in society, including the National Fellowship for SC Students.
National Fellowship for SC Students
The National Fellowship for SC Students is a scheme that provides financial assistance to SC students who are pursuing higher education.
The aim of this fellowship is to encourage SC students to pursue higher education and research and to provide them with opportunities to enhance their employability.
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 provision laid down by the Government of India.
The objective of the National Fellowship for SC Students scheme is to provide five year fellowships in the form of financial assistance to students from SC categories, as notified by the Central Government to pursue higher studies such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. at Indian Universities/ Institutions/ Colleges as indicated below:
| Name of the Fellowship | UGC Fellowship to SC Students 2024 |
|---|---|
| Title | UGC Fellowship to SC Students 2024 |
| Subject | Ministry of Social Justice has released National Fellowship to SC Students 2024 notification |
| Fellowship issuing Agency | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
| Category | Fellowship |
| Number of SC Fellowships | 2000 JRFs per year |
| NFOBC website | https://nfsc.ugc.ac.in/ |
| UGC Schemes Web Portal | https://www.ugc.ac.in/ugc_schemes/ |
| Read the Guidelines | UGC National Fellowship for SC Students |
- Universities/Institutions/Colleges included under section 2(f) and 12(B) of UGC Act.
- Deemed to be Universities included under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 and eligible to receive grants-in-aid from UGC.
- Universities/Institutions/Colleges funded by Central/State Government.
- Institutes of National Importance.
National Fellowship scheme for Scheduled Caste Students is a Central Sector Scheme introduced during the financial year 2005-06 to provide opportunities to Scheduled Castes students for pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Engineering & Technology streams.
The scheme provides for new 2000 Fellowships (1500 Junior Research Fellows for Humanities/ Social Sciences and 500 Junior Research Fellows for Science stream) per year to such Scheduled Caste students to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil/ Ph.D Degrees,
who have qualified National Eligibility Test- Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC (for Humanities/ Social Sciences ) or UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET–JRF joint test (for Science stream including Engineering & Technology).
UGC is the nodal agency for implementing the scheme and is responsible for laying down procedures/ guidelines for implementing the scheme, including selection of beneficiaries and disbursement of fellowships to selected candidates.
Eligibility for National Fellowship for SC Students
- A candidate has to fulfil the following conditions to be eligible for award of this fellowship
- The candidate should belong to SC/ST and should have passed the Passed the Post Graduate Examination.
- The Candidate must be registered for M.Phil./Ph.D.
- Transgender candidates are eligible to apply under the scheme. The reservation shall be followed as per government of India norms.
Fellowships shall be awarded to SC candidates for pursuing regular and full time M.Phil./ Ph.D. courses in Universities/ Research Institutions recognized by UGC. Scheduled Castes candidates who have already secured admission and qualify NET examination will be given preference.
In case sufficient candidates, who have already secured admission are not available, candidates who have not yet secured admission will also be selected in the order of merit in the NET examination.
Benefits of National Fellowship for SC Students 2024
The National Fellowship for SC Students 2024 provides several benefits to eligible candidates, including:
- Financial Assistance: The fellowship provides financial assistance of up to INR 25,000 per month to the selected candidates for a maximum period of five years.
- Research Opportunities: The fellowship provides opportunities for SC students to undertake research in their respective fields of study. It encourages research on themes related to the SC community.
- Professional Development: The fellowship provides opportunities for professional development, including attending seminars, workshops, and conferences, to enhance the employability of the candidates.
- Priority in Admissions: The candidates who are awarded the fellowship are given priority in admissions to various higher education institutes and universities.
- Contingency grant per annum for two years.
- Escorts/reader assistance of INR 2,000 per month in cases of physically challenged and blind candidates for the complete duration of the course.
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) as per the norms of the institution in cases where the candidate is not provided with hostel accommodation.
- The opportunity to attend seminars, workshops, and other academic events.
Duration of Fellowship:
| 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 |
Rates of fellowship:
The rates of fellowship for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) will be at par with the UGC fellowships. The rates with effect from 01-12-2019 are as under:
| SC Fellowship | Amount | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences | @Rs.25000/-p.m. for initial two years | JRF |
| @Rs.28000/-p.m. for remaining tenure | SRF | |
| Contingency A | @Rs.10000/-p.a. for initial two years | Humanities & Social Sciences |
| @Rs.20500/-p.a. for remaining tenure | ||
| Contingency B | @Rs.12000/-p.a. for initial two years | Sciences, Engg. & Technology |
| @Rs.25000/-p.a. for remaining tenure | ||
| Escorts/Reader assistance | @ Rs.2000/- p.m. in cases of physically handicapped & blind candidates | All Subjects |
| HRA | As per rules of the University/ Institutions | All Subjects |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) at the rate of 8%, 16% and 24% is allowed to those students who are not provided with hostel accommodation,in accordance with Govt. of India norms as applicable in the city/ location where the research fellows are working.
In case hostel accommodation offered by the university/institution is refused by the candidate, he/she will forfeit his/her claim of HRA. The other facilities such as medical facilities, leave including maternity leave will be governed as per the guidelines of UGC in case of their fellowship programme.
MEDICAL: No separate /fixed medical assistance is provided. However, the fellow may avail of the medical facilities available in the University/Institution/College. For further details, the scheme guidelines of the scheme effective w.e.f. 01.04.2020 may be referred.
Selection Procedure for SC Fellowship
- UGC is the nodal agency for implementing the National Fellowship scheme for SC students.
- The selection for the award of fellowship to students will be made on the basis of merit of each UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIRNET-JRF examination.
- While the merit for award of fellowships under NFSC will be drawn up through the NET examination, preference will be given to such students who have already secured admission.
- However, in case sufficient such candidates are not available, candidates who have not secured admission will also be selected in the order of merit in the NET examination.
- A separate merit list will be drawn up for such candidates if required. Candidates who have already secured admission are required to join the fellowship within 3 months of issue of JRF award letter under the Scheme.
- The duration for joining the course will not be extended, candidature of such candidates, who do not join the fellowship within 3 months, shall be cancelled.
- The qualified candidates, who have not secured admission at the time of application for Fellowship under the Scheme, are required to get admission for regular and full time M.Phil./Ph.D in a recognized research institution at the first available opportunity but no later than three years from the date of award of fellowship.
- Genuineness of the Scheduled Caste Certificate furnished by the awardee shall be verified by the concerned University/ Institution before allowing the awardee to avail fellowship under the scheme.
- The decision of the UGC in regard to awarding the Fellowship shall be final and no appeal would lie against any decision by UGC in regard thereof.
- The results shall be published on UGC website. Award letters can be downloaded from UGC online application portal or as advertised by UGC.
How to submit the SC Fellowship Online Application 2024?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the National Fellowship notification and apply for grant fellowships to SC students under the National Fellowship for SC students (NFSC) scheme.
Candidates can apply online through the official website of UGC, ugc.ac.in. Candidates can apply for a total of 2000 slots of the SC fellowship. For applying for National Fellowship for SC students can follow the below given simple steps.
- Candidates need to visit the official website of University Grants Commission (UGC), ugc.nic.in website in your device browser.
- Once you reach the official website, click on the View All Button at Scholarship/ Fellowships section on the home page.
- After clicking on that link, e-Scholarship Fellowship Award Registration Tracking System web page will appear. Now under the fellowship tab, look for ‘National Fellowship for ST students’ and click on ‘See details info’ button.
- After clicking on that link, National Fellowship for SC students web portal will appear. In this web page, click on ‘Apply Now’ link.
- After clicking on that link, a new registration web page will appear and register yourself by giving basic details.
- After completion of registration process, now fill in all the essential details and complete the application form.
- After filled in the application form, click on the submit button. Then, application form would be submitted and save it for future reference.
FAQs
What is the duration of the National Fellowship?
The National Fellowship for SC Students is provided for a maximum period of five years.
What is the fellowship amount for National Fellowship for SC Students 2024?
The fellowship amount for National Fellowship for SC Students 2024 is up to INR 50,000 per annum.
Is there any age limit for applying for the National Fellowship for SC Students?
No, there is no age limit for applying for the National Fellowship for SC Students.
Can SC students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses apply for the National Fellowship for SC Students?
No, only SC students pursuing full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs are eligible for the National Fellowship for SC Students.
Is the National Fellowship for SC Students 2024 open to SC students from all states in India?
Yes, SC students from all states in India can apply for the National Fellowship for SC Students.
FAQs
The National Fellowship for SC Students 2024 is a significant initiative by the Government of India to empower the marginalized communities and provide them with opportunities for higher education and research.
The fellowship provides financial assistance, research opportunities, and professional development to SC students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs. The eligibility criteria and application process for the fellowship are straightforward, and interested candidates can apply online through the official website of the UGC.
The National Fellowship for SC Students 2024 is a step towards creating an inclusive and equitable society and bridging the gap between the privileged and marginalized communities.