National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities
The National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFPwD) supports students with disabilities who are pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D. degrees at UGC-recognised universities. The fellowship offers monthly financial support of ₹31,000–₹35,500 and is implemented by the UGC on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice. Apply through the UGC website at ugc.gov.in.
About This Scheme
The National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFPwD) supports students with disabilities who are pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D. degrees at UGC-recognised universities. The fellowship offers monthly financial support of ₹31,000–₹35,500 and is implemented by the UGC on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice. Apply through the UGC website at ugc.gov.in.
Full official description
The National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFPwD) is a fellowship scheme launched by the Government of India in 2012-13 to increase opportunities for students with disabilities to pursue higher education leading to degrees such as M. Phil. and Ph.D. The scheme is implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on behalf of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The NFPwD scheme provides financial assistance to students with disabilities who are pursuing M. Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in any university/institution recognized by the UGC. The fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit and the student's disability certificate
Benefits
- Monthly stipend: ₹31,000 as Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for initial tenure
- Monthly stipend: ₹35,500 as Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after the initial period
- Maximum fellowship period: 5 years
- Fellowship awarded on merit and disability certificate
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a Person with Disability (PwD) as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Must have a valid disability certificate showing at least 40% disability, issued by a competent authority
- Must have secured admission to an M.Phil or Ph.D. programme in a UGC-recognised institution
- Must have a good academic record
- Fellowship duration is maximum 5 years (JRF + SRF combined)
How to Apply
- To apply for the National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD), applicants must visit the University Grants Commission's (UGC) NFPwD website.
- On the home page, go to the "Scholarships/Fellowships" section and click "View All."
- Scroll down to find the "National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities" link and click "See Detailed Information."
- Read the detailed information carefully.
- Then, click "Apply for Fresh Registration (Click Here)." The registration form will open on the screen.
- Follow the instructions on the screen carefully and enter the required information, including the captcha code.
- Click "Register" to complete the process.
- Next, provide the remaining information in the form and upload the required documents.
- Finally, click "Submit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this scheme
A Scheme "National Fellowship For Students With Disabilities" was initiated by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the "Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment".
Who is eligible for the NFPwD scheme?
The following students are eligible for the NFPwD scheme:
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, with at least 40% disability. Students who have secured admission to an M. Phil. or Ph.D. program in a university/institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
What is the value of the NFPwD fellowship?
The value of the NFPwD fellowship is as follows:
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): [?] 31,000 per month
- Senior Research Fellow (SRF): [?] 35,500 per month
What is the duration of the NFPwD fellowship?
The NFPwD fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of five years, including the JRF and SRF periods.
How do I apply for the NFPwD fellowship?
Students can apply for the NFPwD fellowship through the online application portal of the UGC. The last date for applying for the fellowship is usually in the month of June.
What documents do I need to upload to apply for the NFPwD fellowship?
- Disability certificate
- Mark sheets of all previous qualifying examinations
- Admission letter to the M. Phil. or Ph.D. program
- Research proposal
- Two passport size photographs
What are the selection criteria for the NFPwD fellowship?
The selection criteria for the NFPwD fellowship are as follows:
- Merit
- Disability certificate
When will I be notified if I have been selected for the NFPwD fellowship?
The UGC will notify the selected students through email.
What should I do if I have not been selected for the NFPwD fellowship?
Students who have not been selected for the NFPwD fellowship can reapply in the following year. They can also explore other funding opportunities for students with disabilities.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Matric Certificate.
- Educational Certificates.
- Admission Proof.
- Identity proof.
- Caste Certificate for SC/ST/OBC.
- PWD Certificate.
- Email ID.
- Mobile Number.