National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students
I. Introduction:
Government of India had launched a Central Sector scheme namely, National Fellowship during the financial year 2005-06 to increase opportunities to Scheduled Castes students for pursuing higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. The scheme has been revised with effect from 1.4.2010. The scheme caters the requirements of the Scheduled Caste students for pursuing research degree in universities, research institutions and scientific institutions. This will not only enable them to be eligible for employment to the posts of Lecturers lying vacant in various colleges and universities but will equip them to effectively take advantage of the growing opportunities at the national and international level in the context of the new economic order.
II. Scope of the scheme:
The scheme caters to a total number of 2000 Fellowships (Junior Research Fellows) per year to Scheduled Caste students. The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is implemented by the UGC itself on the pattern of the scheme of UGC Fellowships being awarded to research students pursuing M. Phil. and Ph.D.
III. Implementing agency:
UGC is the nodal agency for implementing the scheme. UGC notifies the scheme by releasing suitable advertisements in the Press.
IV. Eligibility:
Any student belonging to Scheduled Caste category who has been admitted to M.Phil./PhD degree in a University or academic institution by completing the required formalities for admission at that University or academic Institution is eligible for the award of fellowship subject to provision of the Scheme as per the advertisement of UGC.
In order to qualify for the award of Senior Research Fellowship the UGC norms would be applicable.
V. Duration of Fellowship:
| Name of the Course | Maximum duration | Admissibility of JRF and SRF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRF | SRF | ||
| M. Phil | 2 years | 2 Years | Nil |
| Ph.D. | 5 years | 2 years | Remaining 3 years |
| M.Phil + Ph.D. | 5 years | 2 years | Remaining 3 years |
VI. Rates of fellowship:
The rates of fellowship for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) will be at par with the UGC fellowships. The rates with effect from 01-12-2014 are as under:
| Fellowships in Science, Humanities and Social Sciences | @ Rs. 25000 per month for initial two years (JRF)
@Rs. 28000 per month for remaining tenure (SRF) |
| Fellowship in Engineering and Technology | @ Rs. 25000 per month for initial two years (JRF)
@Rs. 28000 per month for remaining tenure (SRF) |
| Contingency for Humanities and Social Sciences | @ Rs. 10000 per annum for initial two years
@Rs. 20500 per annum for remaining tenure |
| Contingency for Sciences, Engineering and Technology | @ Rs. 12000 per annum for initial two years
@Rs. 25000 per annum for remaining tenure |
| Departmental Assistance (All subjects) | @ 3000 per annum per students to the host Institution for providing Infrastructure |
| Escorts/Reader assistance (All subjects) | @ 2000 per month in cases of physically and visually handicapped candidates |
The House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be on the UGC pattern and will be payable to those Students who are not provided with the Hostel accommodation. In case Hostel accommodation offered by the University/Institutions is refused, student will forfeit his claim of HRA. The other facilities such as Medical facilities, leave including maternity leave will be governed as per the guidelines of the UGC in case of their fellowship program.
