National Fellowship For OBC Students
The National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC) by the UGC provides research fellowships to Other Backward Class students who have qualified the UGC-NET-JRF or CSIR-NET-JRF examination. Up to 1,000 fellowships are awarded each year to support M.Phil and Ph.D. research. Apply through the UGC's e-SARTS portal at ugc.ac.in.
About This Scheme
The National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC) by the UGC provides research fellowships to Other Backward Class students who have qualified the UGC-NET-JRF or CSIR-NET-JRF examination. Up to 1,000 fellowships are awarded each year to support M.Phil and Ph.D. research. Apply through the UGC's e-SARTS portal at ugc.ac.in.
Full official description
Background
The scheme "National Fellowship for OBC Students" was launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education (DoHE) during the financial year 2014-15 to increase the opportunities for the students of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to pursue higher education leading to acquiring degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D.
The scheme aims at providing financial assistance to OBC students in obtaining quality higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. in universities, research institutions, and scientific institutions. This will not only enable them to be eligible for employment to the posts of Lecturers lying vacant in various colleges and universities but will also equip them to effectively take advantage of the growing opportunities at the national and international level in the context of the new economic order.
Scope of the Scheme
The scheme is designed to provide a total number of 300 Junior Research Fellowships per year from the year 2014-15 and 300 Senior Research Fellowships from 2016-17 to Other Backward Class (OBC) students. The number of intake of JRF has been enhanced from 300 to 1000 per year onwards to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil./Ph.D. Degrees, who have qualified in the following tests:
i. National Eligibility Test ) – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or
ii. UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF Joint Test (for Science)
The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is implemented by the UGC itself on the pattern of the scheme of UGC Fellowship being awarded to research students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. These 1000 slots will be over and above the number of OBC students selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government for UGC Fellowship.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend: ₹31,000 for the first 2 years (Junior Research Fellowship)
- Monthly stipend: ₹35,000 for the remaining 3 years (Senior Research Fellowship)
- Annual contingency: ₹10,000 (Humanities) / ₹12,000 (Science) for first 2 years
- Annual contingency: ₹20,500 (Humanities) / ₹25,000 (Science) for remaining tenure
- HRA as per UGC norms if not provided hostel accommodation
- Escort/Reader assistance: ₹2,000/month for physically/visually handicapped scholars
- 1,000 slots available per year (750 from UGC-NET, 250 from CSIR-NET)
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must belong to Other Backward Class (OBC) category
- Must have qualified UGC-NET-JRF (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or CSIR-UGC-NET-JRF (for Science)
- Must secure admission in a UGC-recognised university/institute for full-time M.Phil or Ph.D.
- Maximum fellowship tenure is 5 years (2 years as JRF + 3 years as SRF if progress is satisfactory)
- Must not be receiving any other Central/State fellowship simultaneously
- Employees of any university/college/government body are excluded, even if on study leave
Exclusions
Cancellation of Award -
The fellowship is liable to cancellation, in the case of:
- If the scholar is found to be ineligible to receive the fellowship, at any point in time during the entire duration of the fellowship.
- If it is found that the fellowship has been availed/is claimed by furnishing false/wrong/misleading information.
- If any adverse report is received from the institution.
- Misconduct/misbehavior/corrupt practices.
- Unsatisfactory progress of research work.
- Violation of terms and conditions of these guidelines.
- Plagiarism or unethical practices, in any form.
- Candidate is already availing of scholarship/fellowship from any other source.
- Candidate is found employed during the M.Phil.Ph.D. research
How to Apply
PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR THE SCHEME
Applications are invited online once a year through advertisements in leading newspapers and Employment News. The same is also uploaded on the UGC website. The selection is made based on merit and as per the procedure of the Commission.
Step 1: Go to the official website of UGC.
Step 2: On the homepage, locate the “e-SARTS Scholarships-Fellowships” link. (Normally placed on the right side of the homepage)
Step 3: A new page will open, wherein the candidate has to select “National Fellowship for OBC Candidate”
Step 4: Click on the “Apply Now” option which is available at the top of the page.
Step 5: Fill out all the required information with personal and academic details.
Step 6: Attach all the required documents in the prescribed format.
Step 7: Lastly, click on Submit to submit the form successfully.
In order to get your application considered, submit it before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Slots Of Fellowship Are There In This Scheme?
The scheme is designed to provide a total number of 300 Junior Research Fellowships per year from the year 2014-15 and 300 Senior Research Fellowships from 2016-17 to Other Backward Class (OBC) students. The number of intake of JRF has been enhanced from 300 to 1000 per year onwards to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil./Ph.D. Degrees.
Which Universities/Institutions Are Covered In This Scheme?
The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and are implemented by the UGC itself on the pattern of the scheme of UGC Fellowship being awarded to research students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D.
What Is The Objective Of This Scheme?
The objective of the scheme is to increase the opportunities for the students of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for pursuing higher education leading to acquiring degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. The scheme aims at providing financial assistance to the OBC students in obtaining quality higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. in universities, research institutions and scientific institutions.
Who Is The Nodal Agency For Implementing The Scheme?
UGC is the nodal agency for implementing the scheme.
Will The Selected Candidate Be Entitled To Any Other Benefits From Central Or State Government?
No, the students belonging to Other Backward Class (OBC) category once considered eligible for the fellowship shall not be entitled to any other benefits from Central or State Government or any other body like UGC offering similar benefit to avoid duplication and increase coverage.
Is The Tenure Of The Fellowship Extendable?
After two years, if the progress in the research work of the awardee is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended for a further period of three years as Senior Research Fellow (SRF). The research work will be assessed as per the UGC norms. The total period of award of JRF and SRF shall not exceed a period of 5 years.
Are There Any Reservations For PwDs?
Yes, at least 4% of the total seats should be reserved for students with disabilities while making selection of candidates for award of fellowships by the UGC.
Are The Employees Of Any University/College/Educational Institution/Central/State/UT Government Allowed To Avail The Fellowship?
No, the employees of any University/College/Educational institution/Central/State/UT Government shall be excluded from availing the fellowship, even if they are on study leave or Extra Ordinary Leave (EOL) to pursue M.Phil./Ph.D.
What Is The Amount Of Fellowship For Science Humanities And Social Science?
@ Rs.31,000/- p.m. for initial two years (JRF), @ Rs.35,000/- pm. for remaining tenure (SRF)
What Is The Amount Of Fellowship For Engineering & Technology?
@ Rs.31,000/- p.m. for initial two years (JRF), @ Rs.35,000/- pm. for remaining tenure (SRF)
What Is The Amount Of Contingency For Humanities & Social Sciences?
@ Rs.10,000/- p.a. for initial two years, @ Rs.20,500/- p.a. for remaining tenure
What Is The Amount Of Contingency For Sciences, Engineering & Technology?
@ Rs.12,000/- p.a. for initial two years, @ Rs.25,000/- p.a. for remaining tenure
What Is The Amount Of Escorts/Reader Assistance?
(All subjects) @ Rs.2,000/- p.m. in cases of physically and visually handicapped candidates
Will HRA Be Provided To The Student?
House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be on the UGC pattern and will be payable to those students who are not provided with hostel accommodation. In case hostel accommodation offered by the University/institution is refused, the student will forfeit his claim of HRA, other facilities such as medical facilities, leave including maternity leave will be governed as per the guidelines of the UGC in case of their fellowship programme.
How Is The Monitoring & Evaluation Of The Scheme Performed?
A dashboard to monitor progress, geographic spread, discipline-wise students enrolled, sanctions, completion of courses, etc. shall be put in place by UGC on its portal to be accessed by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment via login credential.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar Number
- Caste Certificate
- Parent’s Annual Income Certificate (issued by the competent authority)
- Passport-size Photograph and Signature
- Mark-sheet of Masters Degree
- Declaration/Certificate from Head of Department/Institution or University/College
- Proof of Physical Disability (if required)
- Bank Details