National Fellowship & Scholarship For Higher Education Of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students: Up To ₹35,000/Month + Fee Waiver For Higher Education
National Fellowship & Scholarship For Higher Education Of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students: The National Fellowship and Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Tribes aims to provide financial support to meritorious ST students for higher education. Divided into two parts, the scheme offers fellowships for M.Phil and Ph.D. courses under Part A, and scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate courses under Part B. Both schemes ensure 100% funding for eligible students, helping them pursue education in top institutions across India. With specific benefits for different streams and a focus on inclusion, this initiative seeks to uplift tribal communities through educational empowerment.
Fellowship Scheme for ST Students
The National Fellowship Scheme is designed to help Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursue higher education (M.Phil or Ph.D.). The scheme is entirely funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and supports students financially throughout their studies.
Eligibility Criteria and Course Duration
To apply, students must have completed their post-graduation with a minimum of 55% marks. The scheme applies to full-time courses, and there is no income limit. The maximum age for eligibility is 36 years, calculated from the first day of July in the year of application.
Duration of fellowship varies by course
- M.Phil: 2 years or until dissertation submission
- M.Phil + Ph.D.: 5 years (2 for M.Phil, 3 for Ph.D.)
- Ph.D.: 5 years or until dissertation submission
Benefits of Fellowship
The scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹31,000 for M.Phil students across streams. Ph.D. students receive ₹31,000 for the first two years, and ₹35,000 for the remaining three years. Contingency grants range from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per annum, depending on the course and stream. Additionally, House Rent Allowance (HRA) is available based on city categorisation, with special allowances for students with disabilities.
Slot Allocation and Selection
A total of 750 fresh fellowships are granted each year, with specific slots reserved for sub-categories
- Divyangjan: 38 slots (5%)
- PVTG: 25 slots
- Female Applicants: 225 slots (30%)
- ST Others: 462 slots
Students applying to prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and IISERs are prioritised in the selection process.
Scholarship Scheme for ST Students: Overview
The National Scholarship Scheme supports ST students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in premier institutions. Fully funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this scheme encourages students to engage in professional fields such as engineering, law, and humanities.
Eligibility and Course Duration
Eligible students must be from families with a total annual income not exceeding ₹6,00,000. They should secure admission to identified premier institutions for undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Scholarships cover tuition, admission fees, and other non-refundable charges.
Benefits of Scholarship
The scheme offers comprehensive financial support:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage in government institutions, with a cap of ₹2.5 lakhs per annum for private institutions.
- Books & Stationery: ₹5,000 per year.
- Stipend: ₹3,000 per month.
- Computer & Accessories: ₹45,000 as one-time assistance.
Slot Allocation
All eligible students admitted to these institutions on merit will receive the scholarship. There is no limitation on the number of slots per institute or state.
Application Process: Fellowship Application
Applications for the fellowship scheme must be submitted through the National Tribal Fellowship Portal, with documents uploaded via DigiLocker. Once completed, applications are verified by the student’s institution before they are considered valid.
Scholarship Application
Students must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which handles all scholarship-related processes. Applicants need to register and upload documents such as ST certificates, income certificates, and fee receipts. Timelines for application submission are advertised annually on the NSP.
Key Takeaways
The National Fellowship and Scholarship Scheme for ST students ensures comprehensive financial support to enable tribal students to pursue higher education. It not only promotes academic excellence but also addresses the diverse needs of students from various backgrounds, making education more accessible to underrepresented communities.
