National Fellowship for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities

Details

To provide financial assistance to students with benchmark disabilities for pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D. programs in Indian universities and research institutions.

Benefits

a. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF):

1. Monthly fellowship as per UGC norms (currently ₹31,000/month + HRA).

2. Duration: 2 years.

b. Senior Research Fellowship (SRF):

1. Monthly fellowship as per UGC norms (currently ₹35,000/month + HRA).

2. Duration: 3 years (after JRF phase based on performance).

c. Other Allowances:

1. Contingency grant, HRA, and escort/reader assistance as per UGC guidelines.

2. Fellowship is applicable only for regular and full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. programs.

Eligibility

a. Disability Criteria:

1. Must have benchmark disability of 40% or more.

2. Valid UDID card or disability certificate is mandatory.

b. Academic Qualification:

1. Must have qualified UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET conducted by NTA.

c. Course Type:

1. Must be pursuing full-time and regular M.Phil. or Ph.D. in a recognized Indian university or research institution.

d. Income Criteria:

1. No income limit for eligibility.

e. Scholarship Condition:

1. Candidate must not avail any other scholarship/fellowship concurrently.

Application Process (Offline)

a. Mode:

1. The scheme is entirely online. No offline application process is applicable.

2. For special cases or assistance, candidates may contact UGC or NTA helpdesks.

Documents Required

a. Identity and Disability Documents:

1. Aadhaar Card

2. UDID Card or valid benchmark disability certificate

b. NET Qualification:

1. UGC-NET/CSIR-NET Qualified Certificate

c. Academic and Admission Documents:

1. Proof of admission in M.Phil./Ph.D. program

2. Bonafide certificate from university/institute

d. Declaration:

1. Undertaking stating that no other fellowship/scholarship is being availed

e. Bank Details:

1. Bank account information for fellowship disbursal