National Fellowship Scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for ST Students. The scheme provides financial assistance to ST students for pursuing higher studies courses of M.Phil. and Ph.D. in India.
About NFST Fellowship Objective 2024
The National Fellowship Scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implemented to provide fellowship to meritorious ST students to pursue an M.Phil and Ph.D after completion of a Masters Degree in Indian Universities/Institutions. In terms of para 5.4.2 of the guidelines, in case of an M.Phil scholar willing to avail fellowship for a Ph.D, he/she would be considered as an ongoing candidate and is not required to apply afresh. This document is intended to provide a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the continuation of the course from M.Phil to Ph.D.
NFST Fellowship Eligibility 2024
1. To qualify for the Fellowship, candidates from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category must have successfully completed their Post-Graduation examination. Furthermore, candidates are required to gain admission and register for full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs at Indian universities, institutions, or colleges as specified below:
a. Universities, institutions, or colleges recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act.
b. Deemed universities listed under Section 3 of the UGC Act of 1956, which are eligible for grants-in-aid from the UGC.
c. Universities, institutions, or colleges that receive funding from the Central or State Government.d. Institutes designated as of national importance.
2. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 55% in their final examination or grading at the postgraduate level.
3. Once deemed eligible for the Fellowship, ST students will not be able to receive any other scholarships from either the Central or State Government for the same course of study.
4. The fellowship will commence once the student has secured admission and initiated their research work.
NFST Fellowship Number of Slots /Seats 2024
1. Each year, the total allocation of new fellowships amounts to 750.
2. If there is an insufficient number of applicants from the Scheduled Tribe category, any fellowships that remain unawarded in that year will be transferred to the subsequent academic year. There is no limit on the number of slots based on State or University.
3. Should the number of applicants surpass the available fellowships, selections will be determined by the scores achieved in the post-graduation examination.
4. Slots will be allocated to sub-categories according to the established priority order.
| Priority | Slots |
|---|---|
| Divyangjan (5% of 750) | 38 Slots |
| PVTG (List at Annexure-VIII) | 25 Slots |
| Female (30% of 750) | 225 Slots |
| ST Others | 462 Slots |
Duration of NFST Fellowship 2024
| Course Name | Duration |
|---|---|
| Enrollment of M.Phil. | 2 years |
| Ph.D. Exclusively | 5 years |
| Enrollment of Ph.D. after completion of M.Phil. | 2 years (M.Phil.) & 3 years (Ph.D.) |
In case a student has taken admission for M.Phil./Ph.D. course in the previous year but could not apply or was not selected for the fellowship in that year, he can apply for the fellowship in subsequent year. In case a student is selected for fellowship in 2nd or subsequent year, he will be eligible for the remaining period of the course duration. For instance, if a student has taken admission for a course in 2020-21 but could not apply/be selected in 2020-21, and if he is selected for fellowship during 2021-22, then he will receive the fellowship for the remaining 4 years duration of the course.
National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students Fellowship 2024 Registration
Applications for research scholarships are invited through online mode once a year through the online portal https://fellowship.tribal.gov.in.
Click Here to learn about the admission process at the Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar
NFST Fellowship 2024 Stipulated
| Course | Stream | Scholarship | Monthly Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Phil | Humanities & Social Sciences | Rs. 31,000/- | Rs. 10,000/- |
| Science/Engineering Technology | Rs. 31,000/- | Rs. 12,000/- | |
| Ph.D | Humanities & Social Sciences | Rs. 31,000/- for first two years and Rs. 35,000/- for remaining 3 years | Rs. 20,500/- |
| Science/Engineering Technology | Rs. 31,000/- for first two years and Rs. 35,000/- for remaining 3 years | Rs. 25,000/- | |
| HRA for all the courses (monthly): Equal to UGC rates [8% or 16% or 24% based on city] | |||
| Escort Allowance for Divyangjan (monthly): Rs. 2,000/- (at par with UGC rates) | |||
Documents Required for Filling NFST Fellowship 2024
1. Applicants must upload the following documents to the portal for registration:
• A recent colored passport-sized photograph
• ST/PVTG certificate issued by the appropriate authority
• 10th grade/Matriculation/equivalent certificate as proof of date of birth
• Divyangjan certificate issued by the relevant authority
• Post-Graduation mark sheet [Aggregate marks in %] or equivalent percentage marks if CGPA is provided (a conversion formula from CGPA to percentage issued by the Institute/University must be submitted).
• Admission/Joining certificate for M.Phil/Ph.D or Integrated M.Phil+Ph.D from the respective University.
• Offer of admission for students enrolled in IITs/AIIMS/IIMs/IISERs.
Once the application is submitted, the form and accompanying documents will be accessible online for verification by the respective university or institute.
Download NFST Fellowship 2024 Important Document
National Fellowship for Higher Education for ST Students Notification: Click Here
Guidelines Fellowship: Click Here
SOP: Click Here
Apply Link: NFST Fellowship 2024 Important Document
Click Here to learn about the admission process at the Mahatma Gandhi Central University Motihari, Motihari, Bihar.
FAQ NFST Fellowship 2024
Question 1: Who is eligible to apply for the National Fellowship Scholarship Schemes?
Response: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST) who have successfully completed their Post-Graduation examination and meet the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) are qualified to apply for this fellowship.
Question 2: Which types of universities, institutions, or colleges are included under the Fellowship?
Response: Candidates must secure admission and register for regular, full-time M.Phil/Ph.D. programs in Indian universities, institutions, or colleges as specified below:
i. Universities/institutions/colleges recognized under section 2(f) or 12(B) of the UGC Act.
ii. Deemed universities recognized under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, which are eligible for grants-in-aid from the UGC.
iii. Universities/institutions/colleges supported by the Central or State Government.
iv. Institutes of National Importance.
Question 3: How many slots or seats are available for the fellowship?
Response: Each year, there are 750 slots or seats allocated for new fellowships.
Question 4: What is the duration of the Fellowship?
Response: The maximum duration for which the fellowships are granted is as follows:
S.No. Course Name Duration
1 M.Phil Exclusively 2 years
2 Ph.D Exclusively 5 years
3 M.Phil + Ph.D 2 years (M.Phil) & 3 years (Ph.D)
Question 5: Is there a family income criterion for obtaining the scholarship?
Response: There is no family income criterion required to avail of the scholarship.
Question 6: What happens if a student is unable to complete their course?
Response: If a student fails to complete the course for any reason, they are required to refund 50% of the total fellowship amount received to the Ministry.
National Fellowship Scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for ST Students
