National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC) is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste students pursuing doctoral studies. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India to support higher education and research opportunities.
Under this programme, eligible candidates can receive fellowship support while pursuing PhD programmes in recognised universities and institutions across India.
National Fellowship for SC Students Scheme Overview
The National Fellowship for SC Students scheme aims to promote research and higher education among Scheduled Caste candidates. The fellowship supports scholars enrolled in doctoral programmes in several academic disciplines.
The scheme primarily covers Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences subjects in UGC-recognised universities and research institutions across the country.
Through this initiative, selected candidates receive financial assistance that helps cover research-related expenses and academic needs during the doctoral programme.
Key Features of National Fellowship for SC Students
The fellowship programme includes several provisions designed to support eligible research scholars from the Scheduled Caste category. The main highlights of the scheme are listed below.
- 2000 new fellowships are awarded every year under the programme.
- Financial assistance is provided to SC students pursuing PhD programmes.
- Applicable for candidates who have qualified UGC NET or CSIR NET JRF examinations.
- Fellowship is valid for PhD studies in UGC-recognised universities and institutions in India.
These provisions help ensure that qualified candidates from the Scheduled Caste community can continue higher studies without major financial barriers.
Eligibility Criteria for NFSC Fellowship
Candidates applying for the National Fellowship for SC Students must meet specific academic qualifications. The fellowship is designed for students who demonstrate eligibility through national-level eligibility tests.
Applicants must have qualified the UGC NET or CSIR NET examination under the Junior Research Fellowship category. The candidate must also belong to the Scheduled Caste category and secure admission into a PhD programme in a recognised Indian university or institution.
The fellowship supports research scholars during their doctoral programme period according to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Objective of the National Fellowship Scheme
The main objective of the NFSC scheme is to increase participation of Scheduled Caste students in advanced research and doctoral education. The fellowship also aims to reduce financial challenges faced by research scholars during their academic journey.
By providing financial assistance and encouraging academic progression, the government seeks to strengthen research participation and create equal opportunities in higher education.
Eligible candidates can obtain detailed information regarding the scheme, eligibility guidelines, and application procedures from the official portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
