Introduced by the Government of India in 2012–13, the National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFPwD) aims to improve chances for higher education for people with disabilities. Students seeking M. Phil. and Ph.D. degrees at universities or institutions accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) are supported under this program.
The fellowship is based on merit and calls for a current disability certificate issued by a qualified authority. Under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the University Grants Commission (UGC) carries out this program on behalf of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).
Benefits
The fellowship provides the following financial assistance:
Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹ 31,000 per month
Senior Research Fellow (SRF): ₹ 35,500 per month
Contingency Grant:
- Humanities & Social Sciences: ₹ 10,000 (JRF) / ₹ 20,500 (SRF) per annum
- Science, Engineering & Technology: ₹ 12,000 (JRF) / ₹ 25,000 (SRF) per annum
Escort/Reader Assistance: ₹ 2,000 per month for physically disabled & visually impaired candidates
House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per Government of India norms
Fellowship Tenure: Maximum of 5 years, including both JRF and SRF periods
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a person with a disability (PWD) as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, with at least 40% disability
- The applicant must possess a valid disability certificate issued by a competent authority
- The applicant must have secured admission to an M. Phil. or Ph.D. program in a university/institution recognized by the UGC
- The applicant must have a good academic record
Application Process
Online Application
- Visit the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) NFPwD website
- Go to the “Scholarships/Fellowships” section and click on “View All”
- Find the “National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities” link and click on “See Detailed Information”
- Read the guidelines carefully and click on “Apply for Fresh Registration”
- Fill in the registration form and provide the required details
- Upload the necessary documents and click “Submit”
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Matric Certificate (10th Grade)
- Educational Certificates (UG, PG, or Equivalent Degrees)
- Admission Proof for M.Phil. or Ph.D.
- Valid Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Caste Certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates (if applicable)
- PWD Certificate issued by a competent authority
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFPwD)?
It is a fellowship scheme by the Government of India that provides financial assistance to students with disabilities who are pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in universities recognized by UGC. - Q: Who is eligible for the NFPwD scheme?
Students with at least 40% disability, possessing a valid disability certificate, and admitted to an M.Phil./Ph.D. program in a UGC-recognized institution. - Q: What is the duration of the NFPwD fellowship?
The fellowship is awarded for a maximum of five years, including the JRF and SRF periods. - Q: How do I apply for the NFPwD fellowship?
Applicants must apply online through the UGC NFPwD portal by filling out the registration form and uploading the required documents.