Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship For Scheduled Caste Candidates

Key facts

Benefit	Financial assistance for higher studies
Who	Scheduled Caste students
How paid	Monthly
Implemented by	Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Official portal	https://scholarships.gov.in
Application window	Annual window — confirm dates on the official portal

Benefits

Beneficiaries receive financial assistance for their studies, with monthly fellowship amounts aligned with UGC rates. Additional support includes contingency funds and allowances for accommodation.

Who can apply

For: student
Category: SC
not income tax payer
no government employee in family
poor household

Eligible candidates must belong to the Scheduled Caste category and be enrolled in full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs. Applicants should not be income tax payers, have no government employees in their family, and come from poor households.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online, typically once a year, following announcements in major newspapers.

Check eligibility criteria and gather required documents.
Visit the official website for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship.
Complete the online application form with accurate details.
Upload necessary documents including caste and educational certificates.
Submit the application before the deadline.

Apply on the official website ↗

Documents required

Passport Size Photograph
Aadhaar Number
Bonafide Certificate
Caste Certificate
Proof of Identity
Proof of Age
Proof of Address
Proof reg. the Educational Qualifications

Common problems and how to fix them

Problem	What to do
Application rejected	Ensure all eligibility criteria are met and all required documents are submitted correctly.
Payment not received	Check with the host institution regarding the status of the fellowship and ensure that all necessary documentation has been processed.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for this fellowship?

The fellowship is open to Scheduled Caste candidates who have completed their post-graduation and are pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. studies.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants need to provide a passport size photograph, Aadhaar number, bonafide certificate, caste certificate, proof of identity, age, address, and educational qualifications.

Is there any financial support for accommodation?

Yes, candidates may receive house rent allowance based on their accommodation situation, subject to government norms.

Can transgender candidates apply?

Yes, transgender candidates are eligible to apply under this fellowship scheme.

How often can I apply for this fellowship?

Applications are typically invited once a year, with announcements made in leading newspapers.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship duration is up to five years for Ph.D. candidates and two years for M.Phil. candidates, depending on the course completion.

Key terms explained

SC / ST / OBC: Official social categories — Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes — used for reservations and targeted welfare schemes.

Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.