National Fellowship & Scholarship For Higher Education Of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students

Description
Part-A: Fellowship Scheme The National Fellowship Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the objective to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from Scheduled Tribes to enable them to pursue higher education M.Phil or Ph.D. after completing a post-graduate degree Master& 39;s degree . Salient Features of the Scheme - Fellowship under the Scheme will be for pursuing MPhil, Ph.D. by those ST students who have passed the Post-graduation/Master& 39;s Degree examination. Note: - 1. In case, under the national education policy, there is any change in the type of course, the same will be incorporated in the guidelines. 1. However, the scholars already covered under the scheme prior to 2021-22, will be allowed to complete the course as per the existing scheme. Part-B: Scholarship Scheme The National Scholarship Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the objective to encourage meritorious students from Scheduled Tribes to pursue courses at the Graduate and Post Graduate levels in premier institutes identified by the Ministry in professional fields such as Management, Medicine/Science, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Law and Social Science, etc. Salient Features of the Scheme - This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and provides 100% funding to Scheduled Tribe ST students in courses and institutes approved and notified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The scholarship once awarded will continue till completion of the course tenure, subject to satisfactory performance of the student, as assessed by the institute.

Exclusions
• N/A

Definitions
Income
(Source: https://tribal.nic.in/downloads/guidelines/NFS/GuidelinesFellowshipandScholarship2022.pdf)

Benefits
• **A.** **Value of Fellowship:**
• The applicant selected for the scholarship will be entitled to the stipend as stipulated in the following table subject to fulfillment of conditions laid down in the scheme.
• **1. Course:** M.Phil
• Stream: Humanities & Social Sciences
• Scholarship Monthly: Rs.31000/-
• Contingency Annually: Rs.10,000/-
• **2. Course:** M.Phil
• Stream: Science/Engineering Technology
• Scholarship Monthly: Rs.31000/-
• Contingency Annually: Rs.12,000/-
• **3. Course:** Ph.D.
• Stream: Humanities & Social Sciences
• Scholarship Monthly: Rs.31000/- for the first two years and Rs.35000/- for the remaining 3 years
• Contingency Annually: Rs.20,500/-
• **4. Course:** Ph.D.
• Stream: Science/Engineering Technology
• Scholarship Monthly: Rs.31000/- for the first two years and Rs.35000/- for the remaining 3 years
• Contingency Annually: Rs.25,000/-
• **5. HRA for all the courses (monthly):** Equal to UGC rates [8% or 16% or 24% based on city]
• **6. Escort Allowance for Divyanjan (monthly):** Rs.2000/- (at par with UGC rates)
• The above rates are equal to UGC rates, which may be revised as and when revised by UGC.
• **HRA**
• In case a student is provided hostel accommodation by the university, he/she would not be eligible to claim HRA, but will be eligible to draw only hostel fees charged by the University.
• The scholar will not be entitled to claim mess, electricity, water charges, etc. A certificate to this effect is to be furnished through the Registrar/Director/Principal.
• If the student makes his/her own arrangements of accommodation, he/she may be entitled to draw HRA as per the categorization of cities by Govt. of India.
• **Note:-**
• The research scholars considered eligible for the fellowship under the scheme shall not be eligible for any other fellowship/scholarship of the Union or State Government for the same study.
• Release of fellowship will be subject to fulfillment of various requirements stated in subsequent paras.
• **B.** **Value of Scholarship:**
• The selected student will be eligible for financial assistance as stipulated in the following table, subject to fulfillment of conditions laid down in the scheme:
• **1. Component:** Tuition Fees and Admission fee
• Details: Full Admission fee, tuition fee, and other non-refundable charges in respect of Government Institutes
• Remarks: There will be a ceiling of Rs.2.50 lakhs per annum per student for private sector Institutes.
• **2. Component:** Books & Stationery
• Details: @ Rs.5000/- per annum
• Remarks: per annum per student without bills/vouchers.
• **3. Component:** Stipend
• Details: @ Rs.3000/-per month
• Remarks: NA
• **4. Component:** Computer & Accessories
• Details: Rs.45000/- (One-time assistance during the course tenure)
• Remarks: Computer & accessories may be Desktop/Laptop etc. (Without bills/vouchers)
• **C.** **Number of Fellowship:**
• The total number of fresh fellowships for M.Phil/M.Phil. + PhD/Ph.D every year will be 750. In case of the non-availability of an adequate number of Scheduled Tribe applicants, the number of fellowships not availed during that year will be carried forward to the next academic year. There is no State/University wise ceiling on the number of slots.
• In case the number of applicants exceeds the number of available slots for awards, selection will be made on the basis of marks obtained in the post-graduation exam.
• Slots will be provided to sub-categories subject to the following priority:
• Priority Category Slots:-
• a) Divyangjan [5% of 750] = 38
• b) PVTG (List at Annexure-VIII) = 25
• c) Female [30% of 750] = 225
• d) ST Others = 462
• Total = 750
• **Note:-**
• Eligible students who have got an offer of admission in IITs/AIIMS/IIMs/IISER will be given priority and slots meant for the ST-Others category(Sr. No.4 above) will be reduced proportionately.
• The students applying as Divyangjan should produce the Disability Certificate, certifying a minimum of 40% disability, issued by the competent authority designated by the respective State/UT.
• In case an adequate number of applications is not received for the above subcategories, then the unfilled slots will be allotted to eligible ST research applicants not covered under any of the three categories mentioned above, on the basis of inter-se merit based on post-graduation examination.
• **D.** **Procedure for determining slot distribution for sub-category:**
• **Category 1 : Divyangjan :**
• 38 slots will be reserved for Divyangjan Research scholars, and their selection will be on the basis of merit.
• In case of more than 38 applications are received in this category, the top 38 applicants, in the order of merit, will be selected, and the remaining applications will be treated under the normal ST category.
• However, if the number of applications received is less than 38, the remaining vacant slots will be filled by the next priority category i.e PVTG.
• **Category 2 : PVTG:**
• 25 slots will be reserved for PVTG applicants, and their selection will be on the basis of merit.
• In case, more than 25 applications are received in this category, the top 25 applicants, in the order of merit, will be selected against the allotted slots, and the remaining applications will be treated under the normal ST category.
• However, if the number of applications received is less than 25, the remaining vacant slots will be filled by the next priority category i.e Female.
• **Category 3 : Female:**
• Out of a total of 750, 225 slots will be reserved for female applicants [including Divyangjan and PVTG].
• In case more than 225 applications [including Divyangjan and PVTG] from female candidates are received in this category, the top 225 applicants, in the order of merit, will be selected against the available slots.
• The remaining applications will be treated under ST open category.
• **E.** **Other Important points:-**
• In case the number of applications of female candidates is less than 225, the remaining vacant slots will be adjusted with ST's other categories.
• The guidelines provide that the student is eligible for a scholarship for regular and full-time M. Phil/Ph.D in the University/Academic Institute.
• However, for pursuing Ph.D. courses in AIIMS/IIMs/IITs/IISERs, where the pre-requisite may be that the students should have financial security in hand before he/she can take admission, preference will be given to those students who have secured offers of admission from AIIMS/IITs/IIMs/IISERs.
• Therefore, the student should mention, in the application form, that he/she has got an offer of admission and should also upload the offer letter issued.
• **F.** **Number of Scholarships:**
• All eligible students who have taken admitted on merit to the identified premier institutes, and are verified by the Institute and Ministry as per the norms of the scheme are eligible to receive scholarships.
• There is no Institute- wise/ State wise/stream-wise ceiling for a number of slots.
• However, students admitted to Management quota in a private Institute will not be entitled to scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria
1. **Part-A: Fellowship Scheme**
2. **1. Eligibility Criteria and Course Duration**
3. - **Eligibility:-**
4. (i) Post-Graduation and should have taken admission in the universities covered under the category.
5. (ii) The candidates should have a minimum of 55% marks at the final examination/grading at the PG level.
6. (iii) There are no income criteria for eligibility in respect of this scholarship.
7. (iv) The Maximum Age limit is 36 years, as of the first day of July of the relevant year of the award of the scholarship.
8. **a) Course:** M. Phil
9. Duration: 2 years or the date of dissertation submission, whichever is earlier.
10. **b) Course:** M. Phil + Ph.D.
11. Duration: 2+3 =5 years or date of dissertation submission, whichever is earlier.
12. **c) Course:** Ph.D.
13. - Duration: 5 years or the date of dissertation submission, whichever is earlier.
14. - Income Criteria: There are no income criteria for eligibility in respect of this scholarship.
15. - Age limit: Maximum 36 years, as of the first day of July of the relevant year of the award of scholarship.
16. **2. Universities/Institutions covered under the scheme**
17. Eligible students can take admitted for regular and full-time M. Phil/Ph.D courses in the following categories of University / Academic Institutes: -
18. i. Universities/Institutes/Colleges included under section 2(f)/12(B) or 2(f) and 12(B) of UGC Act.
19. ii. Deemed to be Universities included under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, and eligible to receive grant-in-aid from UGC.
20. iii. Universities/ Institutes/ Colleges receiving grants by Central/ State Government
21. iv. Institutes of National Importance, as notified by the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of India.
22. **Part-B: Scholarship Scheme**
23. **1. Eligibility Criteria and Course Duration**
24. a) Course: Graduate Level, Post Graduate Level.
25. b) Duration: Course duration is fixed by the Institutes.
26. c) Eligibility: ST students who have secured admission in the notified Institutions and courses approved by the Ministry will be eligible for the scholarship under the scheme.
27. **Note:-**
28. Students availing of this scholarship are not eligible to claim the benefit of any other scholarship scheme of the Centre/ State Govt. for the same study.
29. The duration of the course varies as per the course selected by the candidate.
30. The scholarship, once awarded, will continue till the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory performance as certified by the Institute.
31. **d) Income Criteria:**
32. The total family income of the student to be eligible for this scholarship from all sources should not exceed ₹6,00,000 per annum. The family income shall be computed in the following manner -:
33. In case both father and mother are working, the combined income of both from all sources shall be taken into account in computing total family income.
34. In case any other member of the family, other than the father and mother is an earning member, his or her income shall not be included in computing total family income.
35. In case only one parent is alive, the income of that parent shall be taken into account for considering total parental income.
36. If other siblings or family member is an earning member, their income shall not be included in computing total family income.
37. In the case of an orphan, supported by a guardian, income criteria shall not apply.
38. In the case of married candidates, the spousal income will also be added to compute total family income.
39. **Note:-**
40. **Definition of Income-** Income means gross income including income from all sources e.g. Salary, Interest Income, Income from House property, Income from Business, Agricultural income, and Income from any other Sources, etc. It is clarified that Income for the purpose of the scholarship is not taxable Income as defined in Income Tax Act. The deductions and exemptions available in the Income Tax Act u/s 10, Section 80, or any other section will not be available in computing gross Income under the scheme. 1. **Income certificate** is required to be taken once only i.e. at the time of admission to courses that are continuing for more than one year. The income certificate should be for the financial year immediately preceding the election year. In the case of salaried employees, Form-16 is accepted. In case of income from other sources, an income certificate issued by the designated authority of the respective State/UT is accepted.
41. **2. Universities/Institutions covered under the scheme:**
42. - The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is authorized to select and notify the list of reputed premier Institutions.
43. - The present list of 252 notified Institutions is given in Annexure- I.
44. - Students who have been admitted to these notified institutions are not eligible to apply under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme of this Ministry, in order to avoid duplication.

Required Documents
• Profile Photo {size: -50 KB-100 KB} – JPEG file only.
• Date of Birth Proof [10th Passing certificate/10th Marksheet /School leaving Certificate/ 10th Examination Admit card, which must contain Date of Birth]- PDF file only.
• Post-Graduation Marksheet (All Semesters and consolidated by merging the documents) – PDF file only.
• Conversion factor formulae certificate issued from your university/Institutes [In case of marks are in CGPA/SGPA] -PDF file only.
• ST certificate [Community name should match with drop down list of domiciles States/UTs] – PDF file only.
• PWD Certificate [issued by Competent Authority if candidate applying as Divyangjan] – PDF file only.
• PVTG Certificate [Community of PVTG name should match with drop down list of domiciles States/UTs PVTG list] – PDF file only.
• Bonafede Certificate of admission/ joining for Ph.D. / Integrated M.Phil.+ Ph.D. - PDF file only.
• Fresh Candidate: Yes
• Renewal Candidate: No
• Remarks: The caste Certificate is required to be signed and stamped by the competent authority.
• Fresh Candidate: Yes
• Renewal Candidate: No
• Remarks: Income Certificate for the FY preceding the year of selection issued by the designated authority by the respective state/UT.
• Fresh Candidate: Yes
• Renewal Candidate: Yes
• Remarks: NA
• Fresh Candidate: Yes
• Renewal Candidate: Yes
• Remarks: The student name on the passbook should match the name mentioned in the application form
• Fresh Candidate: Yes
• Renewal Candidate: Yes
• Remarks: For fresh Candidates: Graduate level course: 12th standard; Postgraduate level course: Graduation
• For renewal Candidate: Last passing [semester] mark sheet
• Fresh Candidate: Yes
• Renewal Candidate: Yes
• Remarks: NA

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who Are Eligible To Apply For National Fellowship Scholarship Schemes?
A: The candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST) who have passed the Post-Graduation examination and fulfilled the Scheme guidelines of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) are eligible to apply for these fellowships.

Q: What Type Of Universities/Institutions/Colleges Is Covered Under Fellowship?
A: The candidates should get admission and registration for regular and full time M.Phil/Ph.D Courses in Indian Universities / Institutions / Colleges as indicated below:-
i. Universities/institutions/Colleges included under section 2 (f) / 12(B) or 2(f)
and 12(B) of UGC Act.
ii. Deemed to be Universities included under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956
and eligible to receive grants-in-aid from UGC.
iii. Universities/ Institutions/ Colleges funded by Central/ State Government
iv. institutes of National importance.

Q: How Many Slots/Seats Available For Fellowship?
A: There are 750 slots/seats available for fresh fellowship each year.

Q: Is There Any Family Income Criteria Required For Availing Scholarship?
A: There is no family income criteria required for availing scholarship.

Q: If A Student Is Unable To Complete His /Her Course, What Will Happen In That Case?
A: If a student is unable to complete the course for any reason, he/she is liable to refund 50% of the total fellowship amount received by him/her to the Ministry.

Q: What Is The Starting Date Of The Fellowship?
A: The starting date of fellowship for the selected year is the date from which they have taken admission/joined an M.Phil/Ph.D. course in the same election year. Otherwise, the fellowship will be eligible for the remaining period of the course duration in case of the students have joined prior to the Selection year.

Q: Is There Any Gap Period For The Registration In Ph.D. After Completion Of M.Phil Course?
A: The gap period for the registration in Ph.D. after completion of M.Phil in the case of Integrated M.Phil. + Ph.D. is one year and the Fellowship will lapse if the gap period is more than one year. In the case of a Ph.D., the candidate is required to apply as afresh, even though he/she has completed M.Phil.

Q: Can I Avail Of Any Other Scholarship From The Central/ State Government For The Same Study?
A: The ST students once considered eligible for the Fellowship shall not be entitled to any other scholarship of the Central or State Government for the same study. If selected, the candidate should refund the money to the concerned agency for the selected year.

Q: Can I Transfer The Fellowship From One Universities/Institutes/Colleges To Other Universities/Institutes/Colleges?
A: Answer: The Selected Students of Fellowship will be permitted to transfer the
fellowship from one Universities/Institutes/College to another Universities/Institutes/College subject to online submission of `No Objection Certificate from both the Universities/Institutes/Colleges. Thereafter, approval of the Ministry is required to complete the process of transfer.

Q: How Can A Student Upgrade A Course From M.Phil To Ph.D?
A: The Student is required to submit an upgradation certificate issued by the Committee of three members comprising of the Head of the Department, Supervisor, and one outside subject expert to be constituted by the concerned Department of the University/Institution/College for evaluation of the work of student.

Q: What Are The Reasons For The Cancellation Of The Fellowship?
A: There are the following reasons for the cancellation of the fellowship:
If the awardee is found to be ineligible to receive the award, at any point of time during the entire duration of the fellowship.
Misconduct of awardee.
Unsatisfactory progress of research work.
Any other fellowship is drawn from other sources (s)/ drawn fellowship or selected by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for Fellowship earlier.
Concealment of facts and any other ground of misconduct.

Q: What Should Students Do, In Case They Face Any Problems While Filling The Application Form In Google Chrome?
A: Answer: If students face any problems while filling out the application form in Google Chrome, students are advised to use internet explorer. In case of any issue/error in internet explorer as well, they are advised to clear browser history /cache and try again. They can send mail given in portal at "Contact us".

Q: What Should Be The Type And Size Of The Documents And Profile Photo To Be Uploaded?
A: All documents should be uploaded in pdf file and the Profile Photo should be in .jpg/.jpeg format (Size: - 50 KB-100KB).

Q: Which Fields I Can Edit Before The Final Submission Of The Application?
A: You can edit all details except "Registration Details" except Pre-filled
information. It may be noted that once you 'finally submit your application it will be forwarded to the next level and after that editing is not possible. Therefore before Final Submission, it should be ensured that details are filled in correctly and documents uploaded.

Q: Which Fields In The Application Form Are Mandatory?
A: Fields provided with a black asterisk (*) mark are mandatory fields.

Q: Do I Have To Fill Up The Online Application In One Sitting?
A: No, you can fill up the online application in many settings by clicking the 'Save & Next' button from the Personal Information to Candidate Document Tab. The application is at every stage until you click on the ' Final Submit' button finally.