Kumar Rajratna Bhimrao Ambedkar Medical Assistance Scheme 2026

This scheme offers young professionals a chance to work in district administration in backward areas, gaining hands-on Read More... experience in rural development and governance while receiving a stipend and pursuing a postgraduate degree. Read less

Details

The Government of India, through the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, runs a unique initiative called the Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows Scheme. It’s a fantastic opportunity for bright young minds who want to contribute to rural development and governance.

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme aims to bridge the gap in programme delivery and connect better with people in rural and backward districts. It brings in young individuals with special knowledge to help the district administration improve services. These individuals, called Fellows, get practical experience in tackling rural development and poverty. They also get to pursue a postgraduate degree in Development Practice through distance learning.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is designed for young Indian citizens who have completed their graduation or post-graduation and are passionate about making a difference in rural areas. It’s for those who want to gain professional experience in development work and assist government efforts at the grassroots level.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By engaging talented young people, the scheme aims to inject fresh perspectives and skills into the rural development sector. It helps improve how government schemes reach the most vulnerable sections of society. At the same time, it provides a valuable learning and career-building platform for the Fellows, creating a future cadre of development professionals.

Objective

This scheme offers young professionals a chance to work in district administration in backward areas, gaining hands-on experience in rural development and governance while receiving a stipend and pursuing a postgraduate degree.

Benefits

Medical Assistance is provided to Scheduled Caste patients for treatment of incurable and critical diseases like TB, Leukemia, and other serious conditions.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

You must be a citizen of India.
Your age should be between 22 and 27 years when you apply.
You need at least a graduate degree from a recognized university. If your graduate course was less than four years, you must have a post-graduate degree.
A one-year post-graduate course is acceptable if it's full-time and recognized by AICTE, MCI, or UGC.
You must have secured at least 50% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade in your qualifying degree (graduate or post-graduate).
You need to be physically fit for the demanding work, as certified by a Government Medical Hospital.
Candidates from Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe categories can apply up to the age of 32 years.

Special Reservations:

Fifteen percent (15%) of seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes.
Fifteen percent (15%) of seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes.

How to Apply

The application process for the Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows Scheme is typically conducted online. Applicants are usually required to visit the official website of the Ministry of Rural Development or the scheme's dedicated portal. Follow these general steps:

Visit the official website for the scheme (exact URL will be provided during application calls).
Register yourself on the portal by providing basic details.
Fill out the online application form carefully, providing all necessary personal, educational, and contact information.
Upload scanned copies of all the required documents as per the specifications mentioned in the application guidelines.
Review your application thoroughly before final submission.
Submit the application online. You may be required to download a copy for your records.

Note: Specific details regarding the application portal and exact timelines are usually announced through official notifications. Keep an eye on the Department of Rural Development's website for any updates.

Documents You'll Need

When you apply, make sure you have these documents ready:

Proof of Indian Citizenship (e.g., Passport, Voter ID, Aadhaar Card).
Proof of Age (e.g., Birth Certificate, High School Certificate).
Educational Qualification Certificates: Copies of Graduate and Post-Graduate degrees.
Academic Mark Sheets/Transcripts: To show you meet the minimum 50% aggregate marks requirement.
Caste Certificate: If you belong to SC/ST category.
Medical Certificate: A fitness certificate from a Government Medical Hospital confirming your suitability for arduous work.

Additional documents might be required during the joining process:

An Agreement form to accept the Fellowship's terms and conditions.
Guarantor's Undertaking form.

Optional but recommended:

Proof of work experience in related fields.
Certificates of achievement in extra-curricular activities.
Documentation of leadership roles held.

FAQ’s

If my undergraduate degree took less than four years, what other academic qualification do I need to be eligible?

If your graduate degree course was shorter than four years, you must also have a post-graduate degree from a recognized University to meet the eligibility criteria.

Are candidates from Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe communities given any age relaxation for this fellowship?

Yes, candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe categories have an extended maximum age limit of up to 32 years.

Will achievements in activities outside academics, like sports or arts, be considered?

Yes, excellence in extra-curricular activities such as art, culture, and sports at the High School or College level is considered a desirable criterion.

What are the minimum academic requirements for applicants whose graduate degree was a four-year program?

If you hold a graduate degree from a recognized University and your course duration was four years (including fields like Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine, etc.), that meets the primary educational requirement.

Will I need to get a certificate proving I am physically fit for the job?

Yes, you must obtain a certificate of physical fitness from a Government Medical Hospital. This is to ensure you are capable of handling the demanding nature of the work.

How many seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste applicants?

Fifteen percent (15%) of the total available seats under this scheme are reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Castes.

What percentage of the total seats are set aside for Scheduled Tribe applicants?

Fifteen percent (15%) of the total seats are reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Tribes.

Is knowing the local language or customs important for applicants?

Yes, having knowledge of the local language and customs of the district where you will be deployed is considered a desirable attribute for applicants.

What is the minimum academic score required to apply?

You need to have secured at least 50% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade in your qualifying graduate or post-graduate degree.

Do I need to be an Indian citizen to apply for this fellowship?

Yes, it is mandatory for all applicants to be a citizen of India to be considered for this professional opportunity.

Is previous work experience in development important for selection?

While not strictly mandatory, having work experience in related fields is considered a desirable criterion and can strengthen your application.

Can a one-year postgraduate course be considered valid for eligibility?

Yes, a one-year post-graduate course is acceptable if it is a regular, full-time program and is recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Medical Council of India (MCI), or University Grants Commission (UGC).

If I was selected before but left the program, can I reapply?

No, individuals who were provisionally selected in a previous instance of this fellowship but did not complete the full term are not eligible to reapply.

Are candidates who have shown leadership skills given preference?

Yes, evidence of having held a leadership role in high school, college, or a workplace is considered a desirable criterion for applicants.