Get Detail Eligibility Selection Criteria for National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes (NFOBC)

National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes: Government of India had launched a Central Sector Scheme namely, National Fellowship for OBC Students during the financial year 2014-15 to increase the opportunities for the students ans scholar of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for pursuing higher education like M.Phil and Ph.D from leading college or university to acquiring degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D.

What is NFOBC Scholarship

The objective of this scheme (Other Backward Classes (OBC)) is to extend financial assistance to students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) to help them secure quality higher education, in degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. from college and universities, research institutions, and scientific establishments. This initiative will not only render them eligible for the vacant Lecturer positions across multiple colleges and universities but will also equip them to effectively leverage the burgeoning opportunities at both national and international levels in light of the new economic order.

Scope of the Scheme NFOBC Scholarship 2024

The NFOBC Scholarship program is structured to offer a total of 300 Junior Research Fellowships every year, commencing from the 2014-15 academic year, and 300 Senior Research Fellowships starting from 2016-17, aimed at students from the Other Backward Class (OBC). The capacity for Junior Research Fellowships has been raised from 300 to 1000 annually to support advanced academic pursuits and research leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees for those who have qualified in the following assessments:

i. National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) by UGC (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or
ii. UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF Joint Test (for Science).

This initiative applies to all universities and institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is executed by the UGC, mirroring the UGC Fellowship scheme for research students engaged in M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies. The additional 1000 positions will be in addition to the OBC students selected under the regular reservation framework of the Government for UGC Fellowship.

Number of Slots for Fellowship in NFOBC Scheme

The scheme provides a total of 1,000 slots for NFOBC each year. Of these, 750 slots are designated for subjects associated with the National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) conducted by the UGC, while the remaining 250 slots are reserved for the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF joint examination, specifically for Science disciplines.

Further, 10000 more slots are in addition to the OBC students-scholar selected through the standard reservation policy implemented by the Government.

Duration of NFOBC Fellowship

M.Phil.:
- Maximum Duration: 2 years
- Admissibility of JRF: 2 years
- Admissibility of SRF: Not applicable
Ph.D.:
- Maximum Duration: 5 years
- Admissibility of JRF: 2 years
- Admissibility of SRF: Remaining 3 years
M.Phil. + Ph.D.:
- Maximum Duration: 5 years
- Admissibility of JRF: 2 years
- Admissibility of SRF: Remaining 3 years

Salary of National Fellowship for OBC Students

Fellowship in Science, Humanities, and Social Science:
- JRF: Rs. 31,000/- per month for the initial two years
- SRF: Rs. 35,000/- per month for the remaining tenure
Fellowship in Engineering & Technology:
- Contingency for Humanities & Social Sciences:
  - Rs. 10,000/- per annum for the initial two years
  - Rs. 20,500/- per annum for the remaining tenure
- Contingency for Sciences, Engineering & Technology:
  - Rs. 12,000/- per annum for the initial two years
  - Rs. 25,000/- per annum for the remaining tenure
Escorts/Reader Assistance (All Subjects):
- Rs. 2,000/- per month for physically and visually handicapped candidate
HRA as per City

Selection Procedure for National Fellowship for OBCs (JRF)

The process for awarding the NFOBC to students will be determined by their performance in the UGC-NET-JRF and CSIR-NET-JRF examinations, occurring biannually. Priority will be granted to those students who have successfully gained admission. Should there be an insufficient number of eligible candidates, those who have not secured admission will also be considered based on their merit in the NET examination. If necessary, a distinct merit list will be created for these candidates.

Aadhaar Seeding Process NFOBC 2024

The disbursement of fellowships and any other eligible allowances will be conducted through the beneficiaries’ bank accounts using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method. The Ministry of Social Justice, in its notification number 428 dated February 16, 2017, has designated Aadhaar as the identification document in accordance with Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, for all scholarship and fellowship programs.

Procedure for Release of Grant by UGC to NFOBC Students

The fellowship funds will be allocated to the recipient based on the Director Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The host institution is currently executing the procedure for monthly confirmations regarding the awardees and their corresponding payments through a specialized web portal at https://scholarship.canarabank.in/AdminLogin.asps. Additionally, the bank account numbers of the beneficiaries will be verified through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to establish beneficiary identification.

For know more about National Scholarship Portal Top Class Education Scheme for SC 2024-25 for SC Students click here to get details.

FAQ for National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC)

1, What is the NFOBC Scholarship?
Ans. It provides financial assistance to OBC students for pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees.
2. When was the NFOBC scheme launched?
Ans. scheme was launched in the financial year 2014-15.
3. What is the objective of the NFOBC Scholarship?
Ans. To support OBC students in obtaining higher education and research degrees.
4. How many fellowships are awarded annually under NFOBC?
Ans. A total of 1,000 fellowships are awarded each year.
5. is the eligibility for NFOBC Fellowship?
Ans. Students who qualify in UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF exams are eligible.
6. What is the duration of the NFOBC Fellowship for Ph.D. students?
Ans. The maximum duration is 5 years, with 2 years for JRF and 3 years for SRF.
7. What is the monthly stipend for NFOBC fellows?
Ans. JRF receives Rs. 31,000/month, and SRF receives Rs. 35,000/month.
8. Are there any additional financial aids under NFOBC?
Ans. Yes, contingency grants are provided based on the field of study.
9. How are the NFOBC funds disbursed?
Ans. Funds are disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
10. What is the role of Aadhaar in the NFOBC scheme?
Ans. Aadhaar is mandatory for identification and fund disbursement under the scheme.