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The SHREYAS scheme aims to boost the education of OBC and EBC students by providing them with Read More... fellowships for higher studies and financial aid for overseas education loans. Read less

Details

The government's Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced the SHREYAS scheme to empower Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Backward Classes (EBC) students. This initiative focuses on providing quality higher education and research opportunities.

What is the SHREYAS Scheme?

SHREYAS is a central sector scheme designed to offer financial support to OBC and EBC students. It integrates two existing programmes: the National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes and the Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies. The scheme is active from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Who Can Benefit from this Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for students from the Other Backward Classes category who are aiming to pursue advanced studies and research. It specifically supports those who have qualified for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in either Humanities, Social Sciences, or Science streams and are enrolled in M.Phil. or PhD programs at UGC-recognised institutions.

Why is this Scheme Important?

SHREYAS plays a crucial role in ensuring that talented OBC students get the opportunity to pursue higher education and research without financial barriers. It aims to increase the number of OBC students pursuing advanced degrees, contributing to a more inclusive and educated society.

Objective

The SHREYAS scheme aims to boost the education of OBC and EBC students by providing them with fellowships for higher studies and financial aid for overseas education loans.

Benefits

Credit linkage through partnered banks

5% EMI co-payment support for 24 months

Veterinary and farm management support

Mentorship and business advisory

50% of project cost supported (5% by applicant, 45% by Government)

Market linkage for selling output

Technical training and capacity building

Sources and references

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Eligibility Criteria

Must belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
Must have qualified the University Grants Commission (UGC) National Eligibility Test (NET) – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)–UGC NET-JRF examination.
Must be eligible for the National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes and secured admission to an M.Phil. or PhD program in a UGC-recognised University or institution.
Must pursue a regular, full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. program.
Should not be receiving any other fellowship or similar financial aid from any government body, UGC, or other similar organisations.
Fellowship starts from the date of declaration of the NET-JRF result or the date of joining the M.Phil./Ph.D. program, whichever is later.
The Junior Research Fellowship offer is valid for 3 years from the award letter date.
Fellowship can be extended from JRF to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after 2 years, based on satisfactory research progress as per UGC norms.
The total fellowship period (JRF + SRF) should not exceed 5 years.
Reservation: 5% of the total fellowship seats are reserved for students with disabilities.

How To Apply

The scheme integrates two existing Central Sector schemes. For the fellowship component, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is the implementing body. For the interest subsidy component on educational loans for overseas studies, designated Nodal Banks are involved.

For Fellowship Component:

Eligible candidates who have qualified UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-UGC NET-JRF and are pursuing M.Phil/PhD can apply through the University Grants Commission's fellowship portals. Please refer to the official UGC website for specific application links and notification details as and when they are released for each academic year.

Official Link for UGC Fellowships: https://www.ugc.gov.in/page/Schemes.aspx

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card
Other Backward Classes (OBC) Caste Certificate
Proof of qualifying UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-UGC NET-JRF examination
Admission proof for the M.Phil or PhD Programme
Bank Account Details (for fellowship disbursement)
Disability Certificate (if applicable for reserved seats)

Official Sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the scheme, application procedures, and required documents, please visit the official websites of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the SHREYAS scheme?

The primary goal of SHREYAS is to support OBC and EBC students by providing them with fellowships for higher education and advanced research, aiming for their educational and career empowerment.

Can I receive another scholarship along with the SHREYAS fellowship?

No, you cannot receive any other fellowship or similar financial support from the Central Government, State Government, UGC, or any other source while you are receiving the SHREYAS fellowship.

How long is the fellowship tenable?

The fellowship is provided for a total period of up to 5 years. This includes an initial 2 years as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and can be extended up to 3 more years as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF), provided your research progress is satisfactory.

Are there specific slots for Science students?

Yes, out of the 1,000 fellowship slots available annually, 250 are specifically allocated for subjects covered under the CSIR-UGC NET-JRF for Science streams.

What is the monthly fellowship amount for a Senior Research Fellow?

The monthly fellowship amount for a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) is ₹35,000/- per month, applicable to students in Science, Humanities, Social Science, Engineering & Technology streams.

Who is responsible for implementing the fellowship part of the scheme?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the authority responsible for implementing the fellowship component of the SHREYAS scheme.

What is the validity period for the Junior Research Fellowship offer?

Your Junior Research Fellowship offer remains valid for 3 years, starting from the date you receive the award letter.

Is there any financial support for students with disabilities?

Absolutely. A reservation of 5% of the total fellowship seats is set aside for students with disabilities.

What is the fellowship amount for Junior Research Fellows in Humanities and Social Sciences?

For Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in Humanities and Social Sciences, the fellowship amount is ₹31,000/- per month for the initial two years.

Can someone who is already employed apply for this fellowship?

No, candidates employed by any University, Educational Institution, or government (Central, State, or Union Territory), even if on study leave or extraordinary leave, are not eligible to apply for this fellowship.

How are the fellowship payments made?

The fellowship amount is directly credited to the beneficiary's bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, following monthly confirmation from the host institution.

How many fellowship slots are available annually?

The scheme offers a total of 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships each year for eligible candidates.