SC-ST Students, Complete M. Phil or Ph. D with RGNF Scheme

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs RGNF (Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship) scheme for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. This fellowship is meant for those SC and ST students who wish to pursue higher studies. They can avail benefits under this scholarship for pursuing full time and regular M.Phil. and Ph. D degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering, and Technology.

Benefits under the RGNF

Number of Scholarships–

• For SC - 2000
• For ST – 667

Fellowship Amount–

• For Humanities, Social Science, and Science - ₹ 16,000 per month for 2 years. After 2 years, this amount is increased to  ₹18,000 per month.
• Contingency ‘A’ (for Humanities, and Social Science) –  ₹10,000 per annum for the initial 2 years. Afterwards, it is increased to  ₹20,500.
• Contingency ‘B’ (for Science, Technology, and Engineering) - ₹12,000 per annum for the initial 2 years. Afterwards, it is increased to  ₹25,000.
• HRA (Housing Rest Allowances) will be given to all beneficiaries as per the rules. 
• For students of all subjects, ₹3000 per annum will be given to the host institution for infrastructure expenses.
• Blind students or PwD students will be given  ₹2000 per month for availing reader/ escort assistance.

Eligibility under RGNF

• A candidate should be SC/ ST.
• He /she should have completed Postgraduation.
• A candidate should get enrolled in the M. Phil or Ph. D programme.

How to Apply

• Simply open the official website of UGC www.ugc.ac.in
• Look for “e-SARTS Scholarships-Fellowships” link on the right side of the homepage.
• After that, click on the “Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC Candidate” link.
• You will be prompted with a notification, read that carefully.
• Once read, click on the “Apply Now” button.
• The application form page will open, fill in the required details and attach the prescribed documents.
• Lastly, hit SUBMIT to submit the application.