Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship for Ph.D. in Social Sciences

The Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship for Research in Social Sciences is a prestigious initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India. This fellowship aims to support higher education for single girl children pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Sciences by providing financial assistance.

The objectives of this scheme include:

  • Encouraging higher education among single girl children.
  • Promoting gender equality by recognizing and supporting single girl children.
  • Enhancing research opportunities for women in Social Sciences.

This fellowship applies to single girl children pursuing full-time Ph.D. programs in recognized universities and institutions in India.

Benefits of the Fellowship

1. Monthly Fellowship Grant

  • ₹25,000 per month for the first two years.
  • ₹28,000 per month for the remaining tenure.

2. Contingency Grant

  • ₹10,000 per annum for the first two years.
  • ₹20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure.

3. Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) :Escort/Reader Assistance: ₹2,000 per month for PWD candidates.

4. Tenure of the Fellowship

  • The fellowship lasts for 5 years, starting from April 1st of the selection year or the date of joining.
  • The fellowship ends upon submission of the Ph.D. thesis or completion of 5 years, whichever is earlier.
  • No extensions beyond 5 years are allowed.

5. Accommodation & House Rent Allowance (HRA)

  • Hostel Accommodation: Candidates staying in university hostels will only receive hostel fees (excluding mess, electricity, and water charges).
  • Private Accommodation: If hostel facilities are unavailable, candidates can claim rent reimbursement as per Government of India HRA norms.
  • A certificate from the university/institution is required for HRA claims.

6. Medical Facilities : No separate medical allowance is provided, but candidates can access medical services available at the university/institution.

7. Leave Benefits

  • 30 days of leave per year (excluding public holidays).
  • Maternity leave as per Government of India norms (once during the tenure).
  • One-year academic leave (without fellowship benefits) for foreign research, academic assignments, or teaching.
  • Academic leave counts within the total 5-year tenure.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this Ph.D. fellowship for single girl children, candidates must:

  1. Be a single girl child in the family (i.e., no siblings).
    • Twin daughters or fraternal daughters are eligible.
    • If a family has both a son and a daughter, the daughter is not eligible.
  2. Be enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. program in Social Sciences at a recognized institution.
  3. Be pursuing a Ph.D. from:
    • UGC-recognized universities under Section 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956.
    • Deemed-to-be Universities receiving UGC aid under Section 3 of the UGC Act.
    • Central or State Government-funded universities and institutions.
    • Institutes of National Importance.
  4. Distance education or part-time Ph.D. students are NOT eligible.
  5. Be below 40 years of age (General category) or below 45 years (SC/ST/OBC/PWD).
  6. Transgender candidates are eligible under this scheme.

Application Process

Step 1: Online Application Submission

  1. Visit the official UGC portal: UGC Official Website
  2. Click on “Apply Online” under the Fellowship Schemes section.
  3. Fill in the application form with the required details.
  4. Upload all necessary documents (self-attested).
  5. Submit the form online and keep a copy for reference.

Step 2: Selection Process

  • Applications are reviewed once a year.
  • Selection is merit-based, and the final list of selected candidates is published on the UGC website.

Documents Required

Applicants must upload self-attested copies of the following documents:

  1. Aadhaar Card (or any government-issued ID).
  2. Proof of Identity (e.g., PAN Card, Voter ID).
  3. Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or 10th Marksheet).
  4. Bank Account Details (for fellowship disbursement).
  5. Proof of Pursuing Ph.D. in Social Sciences (Admission Letter or Enrollment Certificate).
  6. Passport-size Photograph.
  7. Caste Certificate (if applicable).
  8. Disability Certificate (for PWD applicants).
  9. Transgender ID Card (if applicable).
  10. Single Girl Child Affidavit on ₹50 Stamp Paper, attested by SDM/First Class Magistrate/Gazetted Officer (not below the rank of Tehsildar).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the selection process for this fellowship?
    Candidates are shortlisted based on merit, and the final selection list is published on the UGC website.
  • When can the selected candidate start the fellowship?
    The fellowship starts from April 1st of the selection year or the date of joining the Ph.D. program, whichever is later.
  • How is the fellow’s research progress monitored?
    Regular progress reports must be submitted through the university/institution.
  • Can a fellow hold any other scholarship while receiving this fellowship?
    No, candidates cannot hold any other fellowship or be employed during the tenure.
  • What if the fellow wishes to leave the research mid-way?
    The UGC must be informed immediately, and all unused funds must be returned.

Sources & References

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