UGC National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2020 [Win up to INR 35,000 per month and other benefits]
UGC National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) — Overview
The UGC National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) is an initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) students pursuing higher education, including M.Phil and Ph.D. programs. The primary purpose of this fellowship is to promote higher education among SC students and ensure their participation in research activities.
Key Highlights
- Monthly stipend of ₹35,000 for M.Phil and Ph.D. students.
- Additional benefits such as contingency grants and travel allowances.
- Support for SC students to pursue higher education.
- Encourages research and academic excellence.
- Open to students from recognized universities across India.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
- Must be enrolled in M.Phil or Ph.D. programs in recognized universities.
- Age limit: Maximum age of 30 years for M.Phil and 35 years for Ph.D. (relaxation for SC/ST candidates).
- Must have qualified for the NET exam.
Stipend & Financial Benefits
- Monthly stipend: ₹35,000 for M.Phil and Ph.D. students.
- Contingency grant: ₹10,000 per annum.
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) as per UGC norms.
- Travel allowance for attending conferences.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UGC website: https://www.ugc.ac.in.
- Navigate to the 'Fellowships' section.
- Find the NFSC application link.
- Register and create an account.
- Fill in the application form with required details.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- Application Start: 1st July 2025
- Last Date: 31st August 2025
- Exam/Interview: September 2025 (tentative)
Selection Process
The selection process involves an evaluation of the applications based on academic merit and research proposal. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview. The final selection is based on the overall performance in the interview and academic qualifications.
Contact Information
- Email: ugc@nic.in
- Phone: +91-11-23604446
- Address: University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002, India.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste category.
- Must be enrolled in M.Phil or Ph.D. programs in recognized universities.
- Age limit: Maximum age of 30 years for M.Phil and 35 years for Ph.D. (relaxation for SC/ST candidates).
- Must have qualified for the NET exam.
Benefits & Stipend
- Monthly stipend: ₹35,000 for M.Phil and Ph.D. students.
- Contingency grant: ₹10,000 per annum.
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) as per UGC norms.
- Travel allowance for attending conferences.
Application Process
- Visit the official UGC website: https://www.ugc.ac.in.
- Navigate to the 'Fellowships' section.
- Find the NFSC application link.
- Register and create an account.
- Fill in the application form with required details.
- Upload necessary documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Documents Required
- Proof of SC category (caste certificate).
- Mark sheets of previous qualifications.
- NET qualification certificate.
- Research proposal (if applicable).
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, etc.).
Selection Process
The selection process involves an evaluation of the applications based on academic merit and research proposal. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview. The final selection is based on the overall performance in the interview and academic qualifications.
📅 Important Dates
| Application Start | 01 July 2025 |
| Last Date | 31 August 2025 |
| Exam/Interview | September 2025 (tentative) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fellowship Details
| Full Name | UGC National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2020 [Win up to INR 35,000 per month and other benefits] |
| Stipend/Award | ₹35,000 per month |
| Duration | Duration of M.Phil or Ph.D. program |
| Status | Closed |
| Last Date | 31 Aug 2025 Expired |
| Qualification | M.Phil or Ph.D. enrollment |
| Research Area | Various fields as per university guidelines |
| Gender | All |
| Age Range | Up to 35 years |
| Department | UGC (University Grants Commission) |
| Provider | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Category | Various fields as per university guidelines |
| Source | Buddy4Study |
| Provider | University Grants Commission (UGC) (Central Government) |
| Official Website | www.ugc.ac.in ↗ |
| Notification | View Official Notification ↗ |
| Apply Link | www.ugc.ac.in ↗ |
| ugc@nic.in | |
| Phone | +91-11-23604446 |
| Next Cycle | July-August 2026 |