The National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide financial assistance to meritorious Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher education. The scheme is divided into two parts:
Part A: Fellowship Scheme
- Aimed at ST students pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D. after completing a post-graduate degree (Master’s degree).
- Financial support is provided for research, contingency, and accommodation costs.
- The scheme aligns with changes in the National Education Policy (NEP).
Part B: Scholarship Scheme
- Encourages ST students to pursue graduate and postgraduate courses in professional fields such as Management, Medicine, Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences.
- 100% funding for tuition fees and other academic expenses in identified premier institutes.
- Scholarship continues till course completion, subject to satisfactory performance.
Benefits
A. Fellowship Scheme
| Course | Stream | Monthly Scholarship | Annual Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Phil | Humanities & Social Sciences | ₹31,000 | ₹10,000 |
| M.Phil | Science/Engineering & Technology | ₹31,000 | ₹12,000 |
| Ph.D. (First 2 Years) | Humanities & Social Sciences | ₹31,000 | ₹20,500 |
| Ph.D. (Remaining 3 Years) | Humanities & Social Sciences | ₹35,000 | ₹20,500 |
| Ph.D. (First 2 Years) | Science/Engineering & Technology | ₹31,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Ph.D. (Remaining 3 Years) | Science/Engineering & Technology | ₹35,000 | ₹25,000 |
- HRA: As per UGC rates (8%, 16%, or 24%) depending on the city category.
- Escort Allowance (for Divyangjan students): ₹2,000 per month.
- No other government fellowship or scholarship can be availed with this scheme.
Note: If hostel accommodation is provided by the university, the student is not eligible for HRA but will receive hostel fee reimbursement.
B. Scholarship Scheme
| Component | Details | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Admission Fees | Full admission, tuition, and non-refundable charges in government institutes | Ceiling of ₹2.50 lakhs per year in private institutes |
| Books & Stationery | ₹5,000 per year | No bills required |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹3,000 per month | – |
| Computer & Accessories | ₹45,000 (One-time) | Desktop/Laptop, no bills required |
Number of Fellowship Slots
- Total fresh fellowships per year: 750
- Category-wise distribution:
| Priority Category | Slots |
|---|---|
| Divyangjan (5%) | 38 |
| Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) | 25 |
| Female Candidates (30%) | 225 |
| ST Others | 462 |
| Total | 750 |
- Priority for students admitted to IITs, AIIMS, IIMs, IISERs
- Minimum 40% disability certificate required for Divyangjan applicants
- Unfilled slots will be allotted to other ST applicants based on merit
Eligibility Criteria
Part A: Fellowship Scheme
- Must have completed Post-Graduation and taken admission for M.Phil/Ph.D.
- Minimum 55% marks at the PG level
- No income criteria for eligibility
- Maximum age limit: 36 years (as of July 1 of the application year)
- Duration:
- M.Phil – 2 years or till dissertation submission
- Ph.D. – 5 years or till dissertation submission
- M.Phil + Ph.D. – 5 years
Eligible Universities/Institutes
- Universities included under Section 2(f)/12(B) of the UGC Act
- Deemed Universities eligible for UGC grant-in-aid
- Institutes receiving grants from the Central/State Government
- Institutes of National Importance notified by the Ministry of Higher Education
Part B: Scholarship Scheme
- Must have secured admission in notified premier institutes
- Family income should not exceed ₹6,00,000 per annum
- Not applicable to Management Quota admissions in private institutes
Application Process
I. Fellowship Scheme
A. Registration on DigiLocker
- Visit DigiLocker portal and create an account using Aadhaar.
- Sign in and enter Aadhaar number and security PIN.
- Upload academic documents in the Drive section.
B. Registration on National Tribal Fellowship Portal
- Visit fellowship.tribal.gov.in
- Enter Aadhaar, Name, DOB, and Gender
- Receive OTP verification on registered mobile number and email
- Complete online application form
C. Application Submission
- Log in and fill personal, academic, and supervisor details
- Upload required documents
- Submit application and approach Institute Nodal Officer for verification
Note: Once submitted, no modifications can be made.
II. Scholarship Scheme
A. Apply on the National Scholarship Portal
- Visit scholarships.gov.in
- Register and fill out the online application
- Upload necessary documents
- Submit the application before the deadline
Important: Students admitted through Merit Quota in notified institutes are eligible.
Documents Required
Part A: Fellowship Scheme
- Profile Photo (JPEG, 50 KB – 100 KB)
- 10th Certificate (PDF)
- Post-Graduation Marksheet (PDF)
- ST Certificate (PDF)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable) (PDF)
- Bonafide Certificate (PDF)
Part B: Scholarship Scheme
- ST Certificate (Mandatory for Fresh Candidates)
- Income Certificate (Previous Financial Year)
- Fee Receipt
- Bank Passbook Copy
- Latest Marksheet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for the fellowship and scholarship?
ST students pursuing M.Phil, Ph.D., Graduate, or Postgraduate courses in eligible institutes.
Q: How many fellowship slots are available?
A total of 750 fellowships are awarded each year.
Q: Is there any family income limit for the fellowship?
No income limit for the fellowship, but ₹6,00,000 per annum for the scholarship.
Q: Can students avail of other scholarships with this scheme?
No, students cannot receive multiple government fellowships or scholarships for the same course.
Q: Can the fellowship be transferred between institutes?
Yes, but only in special cases with Ministry approval.
Sources and References
- Fellowship: fellowship.tribal.gov.in
- Scholarship: scholarships.gov.in
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs Guidelines