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Central Government · PhD · SC

Ministry of Social JusticeCentral Government

National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026

Rs 37,000 to Rs 42,000 a month — 2,000 fellowships for SC research scholars.

56 days to go Open Updated 16 Oct 2026 By Ministry of Social Justice
Award
Rs 37,000 – 42,000 / monthJRF → SRF + HRA + contingency
Who can apply
SC research scholarsM.Phil/Ph.D; NET-JRF/GATE
Fellowships
2,000 per year1,500 Humanities + 500 Science
Deadline
20 Dec 2026Via merit selection
Tenure
Up to 5 yearsPerformance-based continuation

About the fellowship

The National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026, from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, gives fellowships to SC students pursuing full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Science, Humanities or Social Sciences at UGC-recognised universities/institutions. 2,000 new fellowships are awarded every year — 1,500 for Humanities/Social Sciences and 500 for Science — over and above the normal UGC reservation intake.

Eligibility

  • Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
  • Enrolled in a regular, full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. at a UGC-recognised university/research institution.
  • Qualified in UGC-NET-JRF / UGC-CSIR NET-JRF (or GATE, per the listing).
  • Already-admitted NET-qualified candidates get priority; must join within 3 months of the JRF award letter.

Benefits

  • JRF: Rs 37,000/month (first 2 years) → SRF: Rs 42,000/month.
  • HRA as per university norms; contingency Rs 10,000–25,000/year by stream.
  • Tenure up to 5 years, continued on satisfactory performance.
  • Paid by DBT after university verification.
Amount note: older explainers quote Rs 31,000/35,000 — the current UGC-aligned rates (Mizoram University's official fellowship table) are Rs 37,000 JRF / Rs 42,000 SRF. The scheme is under periodic revision by the Ministry.

Documents required

As per the UGC/ministry notification — including SC certificate, NET-JRF/GATE scorecard, PG degree, enrolment proof.

How to apply

  1. Qualify UGC-NET-JRF / CSIR-NET-JRFSelection is merit-based on the NET roll-number merit list.
  2. Watch the ministry/UGC notificationApplications close 20 December 2026.
  3. University verifies enrolmentHalf-yearly progress reports continue the fellowship.

FAQs

How many fellowships are there?

2,000 per year — 1,500 in Humanities/Social Sciences, 500 in Science.

Do I need NET?

Yes — selection is via the UGC-NET-JRF / CSIR-NET-JRF merit list (GATE also listed).

What is the monthly amount?

Rs 37,000 as JRF, rising to Rs 42,000 as SRF, plus HRA and contingency.

How long does it last?

Up to 5 years, continued yearly on satisfactory performance.

Verified 16 Oct 2026 via Buddy4Study 2026 listing (20 Dec 2026; up to Rs 42,000; 2,000 fellowships; NET-JRF/GATE; full-time M.Phil/Ph.D) and Mizoram University official fellowship table (JRF 37,000 / SRF 42,000 + contingency + 9% HRA).

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