About this education scheme
OBC students can apply for the National Fellowship for financial support in M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies. The fellowship offers Rs. 31,000 per month for the first two years. Applications are ongoing online through the UGC website.
The National Fellowship for OBC Students is a scheme designed to support students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) in pursuing higher education. It is run by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Ministry of Education.
This fellowship provides financial assistance to eligible students for M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs. It aims to enhance opportunities for OBC students in higher education.
By receiving this fellowship, students can access quality education and improve their chances of employment in academic positions. This support is crucial for enabling OBC students to compete effectively in the educational landscape.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | National Fellowship For OBC Students (NFOS) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Ministry of Education |
| Department | University Grants Commission |
| Benefit | OBC students can apply for the National Fellowship for financial support in M.Phil. |
| Benefit type | Composite (cash plus goods or services) |
| Category | Education |
| Level / State | Central · All India |
| Official portal | ugc.ac.in (link at the end of this page) |
Key facts
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | Ongoing (no last date notified) |
| Total fellowships per year | 1000 |
| Fellowship duration for M.Phil. | 2 years |
| Fellowship duration for Ph.D. | 5 years |
| Contingency for Sciences | Rs. 12,000 per year for the first two years |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤All genders
- 🎂Age 18 to 80 years
- 🏷️OBC
- 💼Student
- 📝Online
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
ओबीसी छात्रों के लिए राष्ट्रीय अध्येतावृत्ति के लिए आवेदन किया जा सकता है। यह एम. फिल. और पी.एच.डी. अध्ययन के लिए वित्तीय सहायता प्रदान करता है। प्रति माह Rs. 31,000 की सहायता दी जाती है। आवेदन ऑनलाइन यूजीसी वेबसाइट पर चल रहे हैं।
OBC students can apply for the National Fellowship for financial support in M.Phil.
What you receive
- Rs. 31,000 per month for the first two years (Junior Research Fellowship)
- Rs. 35,000 per month for the remaining years (Senior Research Fellowship)
- Contingency for Humanities & Social Sciences: Rs. 10,000 per year for the first two years, Rs. 20,500 for the remaining tenure
- Contingency for Sciences, Engineering & Technology: Rs. 12,000 per year for the first two years, Rs. 25,000 for the remaining tenure
- Escorts/Reader assistance: Rs. 2,000 per month for eligible candidates
The fellowship is paid monthly, while contingency amounts are provided annually. Payments are made directly to the students' bank accounts as per UGC guidelines.
Who qualifies
- Must belong to the Other Backward Class (OBC)
- Must be a student enrolled in a full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. program
- Age must be between 18 and 80 years
- Must apply online
Who is not eligible
- Employees of any university, college, or government body are not eligible
- Students already receiving another scholarship or fellowship are excluded
Papers to keep ready
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Registration walkthrough
- Visit the official UGC website.
- Find the 'e-SARTS Scholarships-Fellowships' link on the homepage.
- Select 'National Fellowship for OBC Candidates.'
- Click on 'Apply Now.'
- Fill in your personal and academic details.
- Attach required documents.
- Submit the application form.
To check the status of your application, log in to the UGC portal using your credentials. You can also contact the UGC helpline for assistance.
Real-life examples: are you eligible?
A quick way to gauge your eligibility: find the profile nearest to yours.
Every case differs. Confirm your eligibility on the official portal before applying.
- Submitting incomplete documents can lead to rejection.
- Providing false information on the application form.
- Missing the application deadline.
- Not following the prescribed format for documents.
- Applying while already receiving another scholarship.
- Failing to enroll in a recognized university.
Frequently asked questions
How many fellowships are available each year?
The scheme offers a total of 1000 fellowships annually.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The duration can be up to 5 years for M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs.
Can I apply if I am already studying?
Yes, but your application must comply with eligibility criteria.
Is there a reservation for students with disabilities?
Yes, at least 4% of fellowships are reserved for students with disabilities.
What happens if I do not meet the progress requirements?
Your fellowship may be cancelled if progress is unsatisfactory.
How is the selection process conducted?
Selection is based on merit in the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET examinations.
Can I get assistance if I have a physical disability?
Yes, additional support is available for physically and visually handicapped candidates.
What if I refuse hostel accommodation?
You will lose your claim to House Rent Allowance.
Submit your application yourself on the official portal; it costs nothing. Treat anyone demanding money to "get you approved" as a scam.
- Guidelines www.ugc.ac.in (PDF)
tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.
First draft prepared with editorial AI tools; every fact verified against the official notification and rewritten by our team.
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