Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC & Others)
1,000 JRF fellowships for OBC PhD students + overseas education interest subsidy · annually
SHREYAS is a central government scheme that gives OBC and EBC students 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships per year to pursue full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. programmes. Fellows receive ₹31,000–₹35,000 per month depending on their stage of research. Eligible candidates are selected by UGC after qualifying the UGC-NET-JRF or CSIR-NET-JRF exam.
About This Scheme
SHREYAS is a central government scheme that gives OBC and EBC students 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships per year to pursue full-time M.Phil./Ph.D. programmes. Fellows receive ₹31,000–₹35,000 per month depending on their stage of research. Eligible candidates are selected by UGC after qualifying the UGC-NET-JRF or CSIR-NET-JRF exam.
Full official description
The scheme "Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC &
Others) has been launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The main objective of the schemes is the Educational Empowerment of OBC & EBC students by awarding fellowships (financial assistance) to obtain quality higher education and providing interest subsidies on educational loans for overseas studies. The scheme is implemented by the University Grants Commission for the fellowship component and by designated Nodal Banks for the interest subsidy component.
SHREYAS integrates two ongoing Central Sector schemes, namely the National Fellowship for Other Backwards Classes and the Dr Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies. The scheme is applicable during the period 2021–22 to 2025–26.
Scope of the Scheme: The scheme is designed to provide a total number of 1000 Junior Research Fellowships per year to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil. /Ph.D. Degrees, who have qualified in the following tests:
- National Eligibility Test ) – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or,
- UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF Joint Test (for Sciences)
The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is implemented by the UGC itself on the pattern of the scheme of UGC Fellowships being awarded to research students pursuing M.Phil. and PhD. 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
- 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships awarded each year to OBC students (over and above normal reservation seats)
- ₹31,000 per month for the first 2 years (Junior Research Fellow stage)
- ₹35,000 per month for the remaining tenure (up to 3 more years as Senior Research Fellow)
- Contingency allowance: ₹10,000–₹12,000/month (JRF) and ₹20,500–₹25,000/month (SRF) depending on discipline
- House Rent Allowance as per UGC norms if hostel is not provided
- ₹2,000/month additional assistance for physically and visually handicapped candidates
💡 Why Startups Should Care
OBC researchers pursuing PhDs who are also building a startup should apply for this JRF — it provides living expenses during your doctorate years, and UGC fellowships are generally compatible with academic entrepreneurship if you disclose appropriately.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) or Economically Backward Classes (EBC) category
- Must have qualified UGC-NET-JRF (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or CSIR-UGC-NET-JRF (for Sciences)
- Must enroll in a full-time, regular M.Phil. or Ph.D. programme at a UGC-recognized university or institution
- Must not be receiving any other fellowship or similar financial benefit from central/state government or UGC
- University/college employees (even on study leave) are not eligible
- 5% of fellowship seats are reserved for students with disabilities
Exclusions
- Not available to employees of universities or educational institutions, even if on study leave or extraordinary leave
How to Apply
- Qualify for UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-NET JRF exam
- Monitor official scheme notifications from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Apply with your NET JRF qualification proof and OBC caste certificate
- Provide proof of admission to an M.Phil or PhD programme
- Submit the application with bank account details for fellowship disbursements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the scheme?
The objective of the National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes is to provide financial assistance in the form of fellowship to Other Backward Classes students for pursuing quality higher education and advanced research leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees, thereby promoting their educational empowerment through support for regular and full-time research programmes in recognised institutions.
Which authority implements the scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the University Grants Commission.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes category who have qualified UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-UGC NET-JRF and are enrolled in a regular M.Phil. or PhD programme.
How many fellowships are available under the scheme?
A total of 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships are awarded every year.
How are the fellowship slots distributed?
Out of 1,000 slots, 750 are allocated for UGC-NET JRF subjects and 250 for CSIR-UGC NET-JRF Science streams.
Is there any reservation for persons with disabilities?
Yes, 5% of the total fellowship slots are reserved for students with disabilities.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is awarded for up to 5 years, including 2 years as Junior Research Fellow and up to 3 years as Senior Research Fellow, subject to satisfactory progress.
What is the fellowship amount?
The fellowship amount is ₹31,000/- per month for Junior Research Fellow and ₹35,000/- per month for Senior Research Fellow, as per University Grants Commission norms.
Are fellows entitled to House Rent Allowance?
Yes, House Rent Allowance is payable as per University Grants Commission norms if hostel accommodation is not provided.
Can a fellow receive another scholarship or fellowship simultaneously?
No, a fellow is not permitted to receive any other fellowship or similar financial benefit from any source during the tenure.
How is the fellowship amount paid?
The fellowship amount is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer into the beneficiary’s bank account after monthly confirmation by the host institution.
Can employed candidates apply for this fellowship?
No, employees of any University, Educational Institution, or Central, State, or Union Territory Government are not eligible, even if on study leave or Extraordinary Leave.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Other Backward Classes caste certificate
- UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-NET JRF qualification proof
- Admission proof for M.Phil or PhD programme
- Bank account details