Photo: Gary Todd, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
When Scheduled Caste students want to do an MPhil or PhD, lack of money often becomes a barrier. The National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC) removes exactly this barrier. It is a scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), and since 1 October 2022 the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) is its nodal agency. This fellowship gives students the freedom to do research without worrying about money. Under this fellowship 2,000 new fellowships are given every year — 1,500 for humanities and social sciences and 500 for science. A selected student gets ₹37,000 a month as JRF and later ₹42,000 a month as SRF.
How much money is given
The NFSC fellowship pays as follows.
- JRF: ₹37,000 a month — for the first 2 years.
- SRF: ₹42,000 a month — for the next 3 years.
- HRA — a housing allowance is also given.
- Contingency — an extra amount for research expenses.
- Total duration: 5 years — 2 years as JRF and 3 years as SRF.
- Number: 2,000 new fellowships every year.
The amount comes directly into the student’s bank account. The fellowship amount is revised from time to time, so check the latest rates on the official portal. The progress of the research is reviewed during the fellowship period.
Who can apply
This fellowship is for Scheduled Caste students.
- The applicant must be a Scheduled Caste (SC) student.
- Must have qualified NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF.
- Enrolled in a full-time MPhil or PhD at a UGC-recognised institution.
- Selection is on the basis of NET-JRF merit — the NTA cut-offs are looked at.
- In February 2026, Parliament was told that the scheme’s income criteria and financial aspects are under revision — do check the latest guidelines before applying.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the NSFDC website nsfdc.nic.in. First check the new notice on the website, then fill the application and upload the caste certificate, NET-JRF certificate, academic certificates and proof of admission to the institute. Keep the application number safe for future reference. There is no specific 2026 last date that we can confirm — different sources give different dates, so trust only the date given on the official portal. Never pay anyone for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the NFSC fellowship? A: ₹37,000 a month as JRF (2 years) and ₹42,000 a month as SRF (3 years), plus HRA and contingency. Q2: How many fellowships are given every year? A: 2,000 new fellowships — 1,500 for humanities and social sciences, 500 for science. Q3: Who can apply? A: SC students who have qualified NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF and are doing a full-time MPhil or PhD at a UGC-recognised institution. Q4: Where do I apply? A: On the NSFDC website nsfdc.nic.in; check the last date only on the official portal.
Useful links
- NSFDC official website: https://nsfdc.nic.in/
- MSJE official website: https://socialjustice.gov.in/
- NFSC on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/ccsnfpfscsmap
- Also see the National Fellowship for OBC Students: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-national-fellowship-obc-students-haryana/
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
