National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students (NFST)
Typically follows the UGC-NET result cycle, with university verification deadlines later in the academic year. Confirm current dates on the official portal.
- Amount
- ₹37,000 per month (JRF) rising to ₹42,000 per month (SRF), plus an annual contingency grant
- Who can apply
- Scheduled Tribe students pursuing MPhil/PhD in recognized Indian universities, selected through UGC-NET-JRF. Roughly 700–750 fellowships are offered each year. Your university must verify your application on the portal.
- Income limit
- No income limit for the fellowship component — selection is based on UGC-NET-JRF
- Study level
- PhD / Research
- Apply through
- National Tribal Fellowship Portal (fellowship.tribal.gov.in)
- Notes
- Formerly the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for ST students. The PhD fellowship component uses the Tribal Affairs portal; a separate scholarship component for students at top-class institutes runs through the National Scholarship Portal instead. Portal confirmed reachable August 2026; stipend rates should be re-checked against the current official notification.
About this scholarship
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students (NFST) is a vital scheme administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It targets ST students who are pursuing full-time M.Phil and PhD programs in universities and research institutions across India. The scheme is aimed at encouraging ST scholars to engage in advanced research and build careers in academia. Selection involves shortlisting candidates based on their postgraduate marks and other merit criteria, and students who have cleared NET are often given preference. It provides a substantial monthly fellowship—initially as a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and later upgrading to a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)—along with a contingency grant and escort allowance for specially-abled scholars. The fellowship lasts for up to five years. To maintain the funding, scholars must continuously submit satisfactory academic progress reports signed by their doctoral guides and processed through their university's fellowship portal.
Documents you need
- Postgraduate marksheet
- ST community certificate
- Proof of full-time PhD/M.Phil admission
- Joining report signed by the supervisor
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
How to apply
- Secure admission into a full-time M.Phil or PhD program at a recognised university.
- Apply online through the dedicated portal for tribal fellowships (fellowship.tribal.gov.in) when applications open.
- Upload your research proposal, admission proof, and community certificates as required.
- Maintain coordination with your university's nodal officer to ensure your progress reports are uploaded on time.
Why applications get rejected
- Assuming the application is on NSP; the Ministry of Tribal Affairs often uses its own dedicated fellowship portal.
- Submitting an incomplete research proposal or missing the signature of the research guide on the joining report.
- Failing to link the bank account with Aadhaar, which is mandatory for the disbursement of the fellowship funds via DBT.
Common questions
What is the income limit for the NFST?
There is typically no family income limit for the National Fellowship for ST students, as it is based on academic merit and category.
Is NET mandatory for NFST?
While clearing UGC-NET or CSIR-NET is highly advantageous, the scheme occasionally accepts non-NET candidates based on post-graduation merit, though you should verify current guidelines.
How do I upgrade from JRF to SRF?
After completing two years as a JRF, a three-member committee at your university evaluates your research progress. If satisfactory, you are upgraded to SRF for the remaining tenure.
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