Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship 2026

The National Fellowship for OBC Students scheme, initiated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2014-15, offers Read More... financial support to Other Backward Classes (OBC) students for higher education, specifically M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees. Read less

Details

Are you an OBC student aspiring for higher education like M.Phil or Ph.D.? The National Fellowship for OBC Students scheme is here to help you achieve your academic dreams.

What Is This Scheme?

Launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in the financial year 2014-15, this scheme is designed to boost opportunities for students from Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Its main goal is to provide financial assistance so they can pursue quality higher education and earn M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees from recognised universities and research institutions. This helps them become eligible for teaching positions and explore better career prospects nationally and internationally.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is specifically for students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category who are looking to pursue full-time M.Phil or Ph.D. courses. It's particularly beneficial for those who have qualified in the UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF examinations.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme aims to bridge the gap in higher education access for OBC students. By providing financial support, it ensures that talented individuals from these communities can focus on their advanced studies and research without financial worries. This contributes to a more inclusive and skilled workforce in India.

Objective

The National Fellowship for OBC Students scheme, initiated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2014-15, offers financial support to Other Backward Classes (OBC) students for higher education, specifically M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees.

Benefits

The fellowship amount is ₹25,000/- per month in addition to regular income.
A Research grant of ₹15.00 lakh per annum.
An Overhead of ₹1.00 lakh per annum to the host institute.

Note:The fellowship is taxable as per the IT rule of the Government of India.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility conditions are based on the notification for UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC-NET examinations. To be eligible for the National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC), you must:

Be a candidate belonging to the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.
Have qualified in the UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF examination.
Secure admission to a regular, full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. course in a university or research institution recognised by UGC.
Important Notes:
The fellowship offer is valid for 3 years from the JRF award letter issue date.
For candidates already pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D., the fellowship commencement date will be from the NFOBC result declaration or joining date, whichever is later.
Once eligible for this fellowship, you cannot receive similar benefits from other government bodies or UGC schemes to avoid duplication.
At least 4% of the total fellowship seats must be reserved for students with disabilities.
Employees of any university, college, educational institution, or Central/State/UT government are NOT eligible, even if they are on study leave or extra-ordinary leave.

Selection Process:

Students are selected based on merit in the UGC-NET-JRF and CSIR-NET-JRF examinations, conducted twice a year.
Preference is given to candidates who have already secured admission to M.Phil./Ph.D. programs. If enough such candidates are not available, others will be selected based on merit.
The universities and institutions covered are those recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, institutions funded by State/Central Government, and Institutions of National Importance notified by the Ministry of Education.
The UGC's decision on fellowship awards is final.

How To Apply

The selection for the National Fellowship for OBC Students is based on your performance in the UGC-NET-JRF and CSIR-NET-JRF examinations. Here’s how the process generally works:

Appear for UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF: The primary step is to qualify in either of these national-level eligibility tests.
Merit-Based Selection: Candidates are selected based on their merit rank in the respective examinations.
Admission to University/Institution: You must then secure admission to a regular, full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. program in a university or institution recognised by the UGC. While preference is given to those already admitted, candidates who haven't secured admission yet can also be selected based on merit.
Official Notification: Keep an eye on the official UGC website and notifications for specific application procedures, deadlines, and any additional requirements. The UGC is the nodal agency implementing this scheme.
Official Address for UGC: University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002.

Documents Required

When applying for or claiming the fellowship, you will typically need the following documents:

Aadhaar Card
Caste Certificate (OBC Category)
Parent's Annual Income Certificate (issued by the competent authority)
Passport-sized Photograph and Signature
Masters Degree Marksheet
Declaration or Certificate from the Head of the Department/Institution or University/College confirming your enrollment in the M.Phil/Ph.D. program.
Proof of Physical Disability (if applicable)
Bank Account Details (for receiving the fellowship)

FAQ’s

What is the main aim of the National Fellowship for OBC Students scheme?

The scheme aims to boost educational opportunities for Other Backward Class (OBC) students. It provides financial aid to help them pursue higher studies like M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in universities and research institutions.

How many fellowships are offered each year under this program?

The scheme offers a total of 1000 Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) annually. These are awarded to OBC students to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil./Ph.D. degrees.

Can I receive this fellowship along with other government benefits?

No. If you are selected for this fellowship, you cannot receive any other benefits from the Central Government, State Government, or other similar bodies like UGC. This is to ensure wider coverage and avoid duplication.

What is the maximum duration for receiving the fellowship?

The fellowship is provided for a maximum of 5 years. The first two years are as Junior Research Fellow (JRF), and if your research progress is satisfactory, it can be extended for another three years as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF).

Is there any special provision for students with disabilities?

Yes, at least 4% of the total fellowship seats are reserved for students with disabilities during the selection process.

Are working professionals eligible for this fellowship?

No, employees of any university, college, educational institution, or government department are not eligible to receive this fellowship, even if they are on study leave.

What is the monthly fellowship amount for JRF in Science and Humanities?

For the initial two years (JRF) in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the fellowship amount is ₹31,000/- per month. For the remaining tenure as SRF, it increases to ₹35,000/- per month.

Does the scheme provide any extra financial help for research expenses?

Yes, a contingency grant is provided. For Humanities & Social Sciences, it's ₹10,000/- annually for the first two years and ₹20,500/- annually for the remaining tenure. For Sciences, Engineering & Technology, it's ₹12,000/- annually for the first two years and ₹25,000/- annually for the remaining tenure.

Will I get House Rent Allowance (HRA) if I am selected?

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided as per UGC norms if you are not given hostel accommodation by the university or institution. However, if you refuse offered hostel accommodation, you will lose your claim to HRA.

Which organisations are responsible for implementing this fellowship?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing this scheme. They oversee the selection and disbursement of fellowships.

What financial assistance is available for physically challenged students?

Candidates who are physically or visually handicapped can receive Escorts/Reader assistance at a rate of ₹2,000/- per month, irrespective of the subject they are studying.