If you are applying for either an M.Phil or a Ph.D. and belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) community, the NFSC Fellowship 2025 is something that you should look into.
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In fact, this fellowship can take away some of your worries, allowing you to focus on your research rather than your finances. If you are already studying at a university or about to begin — this guide will cover the NFSC full form, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply online.
📘 What is NFSC Fellowship?
NFSC stands for the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students. This is offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
This fellowship has a monetary component and support for SC students engaged in worthwhile research related to their full-time M.Phil or Ph.D. programs carried out in universities. This is for SC students in any stream (Social Science, Humanities, Engineering, Science… all included).
✅ Who Can Apply?
Alright, here’s the basic eligibility:
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Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category
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Should have passed Postgraduate degree (Master’s) with at least 55% marks
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Must be enrolled in or have taken admission for M.Phil/Ph.D. in a UGC-recognized university
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Should not be employed — this fellowship is for full-time research scholars only
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Age limit is usually up to 40 years
So if you tick all these boxes — you’re good to go!
💰 Fellowship Amount & Benefits
Here’s what you get under NFSC 2025:
🔸 For Junior Research Fellows (JRF): ₹31,000 per month (for first 2 years)
🔸 For Senior Research Fellows (SRF): ₹35,000 per month (after 2 years)
🔸 HRA (House Rent Allowance): As per rules, if hostel is not provided
🔸 Contingency Grant:
– Humanities/Social Sciences: ₹10,000 to ₹20,500 per year
– Science/Engg/Tech: ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per year
That’s pretty solid support for your research journey, right?
📅 NFSC Fellowship 2025 Last Date
The application for NFSC usually opens around July or August, and the last date is mostly by October.
But deadlines may change — so keep checking the official UGC website or https://socialjustice.gov.in for updates.
🖥️ How to Apply for NFSC Online (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a simple breakdown:
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Go to the official UGC or NSP portal 👉 https://scholarships.gov.in
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Click on “New Registration” (if applying for the first time)
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Fill in your details, email ID, phone, and set a password
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Log in and choose NFSC (National Fellowship for SC)
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Fill the full application form — academic info, research details, etc.
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Upload all required documents
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Submit and download a copy for reference
📋 Documents You’ll Need
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SC Category Certificate
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Postgraduate mark sheet
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Admission proof (M.Phil/Ph.D. enrollment letter)
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Aadhaar card
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Income certificate (if required)
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Bank passbook (in your name)
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Recent passport-size photo
Make sure all files are clear, scanned, and within size limits.
Final Thoughts
The NFSC Fellowship 2025 is honestly a great opportunity for SC students aiming for higher research goals. With a monthly stipend and academic support, it takes off a major financial load — letting you focus purely on your thesis or dissertation.