National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC)
Typically follows the UGC-NET result cycle. Confirm the current notification on the official portal before applying.
- Amount
- ₹37,000 per month (JRF) rising to ₹42,000 per month (SRF), plus an annual contingency grant and HRA as per Central Government norms
- Who can apply
- Scheduled Caste students pursuing MPhil/PhD in recognized Indian universities, selected through UGC-NET or Joint CSIR-UGC NET. Around 2,000 fellowships are offered each year.
- Income limit
- No income limit — selection is based on UGC-NET / Joint CSIR-UGC NET performance
- Study level
- PhD / Research
- Apply through
- NSFDC (nsfdc.nic.in)
- Notes
- Implementation moved to NSFDC in October 2022. This is a PhD-level fellowship and is separate from the UGC postgraduate scholarships — do not apply through the National Scholarship Portal. Portal confirmed reachable August 2026; stipend rates should be re-checked against the current official notification.
About this scholarship
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) is a premium fellowship scheme administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It targets SC students who wish to pursue higher research degrees, specifically M.Phil and PhD programs, in Indian universities. The scheme is aimed at increasing the representation of SC scholars in academia and advanced research. Selection is merit-based, strictly utilizing the merit lists of the UGC-NET or Joint CSIR-UGC-NET examinations. It provides a monthly fellowship amount on par with the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), along with an annual contingency grant. The fellowship is awarded for a maximum of five years or until the submission of the dissertation, whichever is earlier. Scholars must submit regular progress reports verified by their research supervisors to upgrade from JRF to SRF and to ensure the continuous release of funds.
Documents you need
- UGC-NET or CSIR-NET qualification certificate
- PhD/M.Phil admission proof
- SC caste certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
How to apply
- Qualify the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET examination and secure admission to a regular, full-time M.Phil or PhD program.
- Apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) once the specific call for the NFSC scheme is announced.
- Ensure your research supervisor and university nodal officer verify your joining report online.
Why applications get rejected
- Applying if you are pursuing a part-time or distance learning PhD, as the fellowship strictly requires full-time regular enrollment.
- Failing to upload the joining report signed by the supervisor, which delays the disbursement of the fellowship.
- Not upgrading from JRF to SRF after two years by failing to submit the required evaluation committee report.
Common questions
Do I need to clear NET to get the NFSC?
Yes, selection for this fellowship is made from the list of SC candidates who have qualified for the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET.
Can I receive another fellowship alongside NFSC?
No, you cannot hold this fellowship concurrently with any other government or UGC fellowship.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The total duration is 5 years, starting as a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for the first two years and upgrading to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for the remaining three years.
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