The Government of India has always launched many schemes to promote education and make it accessible to every section of the society. One of the special schemes is the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students, which is designed for the students of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. This scheme is proving to be a boon for those students who want to pursue higher education, but their dreams remain unfulfilled due to financial constraints. If you or someone in your family wants to take advantage of this scheme, then this article is for you. Let us know about this scheme in detail, such as what it is, who can avail it, how to apply, and what are the benefits of it.

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What is This Scheme?

National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students is a central scheme run by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Its main objective is to provide financial assistance to ST students in pursuing higher education courses such as undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil., and PhD level courses. This scheme has been created by merging two old schemes—Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) and Top Class Education Scheme for ST Students.

There are two types of assistance provided under this scheme:

• Fellowship: This is for students who are pursuing research-based courses like M.Phil. or Ph.D.
• Scholarship: It is for professional courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level like engineering, medicine, management etc.

A total of 750 fellowships and 1,000 scholarship slots are available under this scheme. This means that thousands of ST students can benefit from this scheme every year

Objective of this Scheme

Many students from the Scheduled Tribe community in India face economic and social challenges. Many times they are deprived of higher education due to lack of money or unavailability of resources. The aim of this scheme is to make the path of education of such students easier by providing them financial assistance. Whether they want to pursue engineering, medical studies, or want to go into the field of research, this scheme helps them turn their dreams into reality.

Who can Avail the Benefit of this Scheme?

There are certain eligibility conditions to avail the benefits of this scheme. Let us understand them:

Eligibility for Fellowship

• Educational Qualification: Applicants must have completed post-graduation. After this, they must take admission in a regular and full-time M.Phil. or PhD course in a university, institute or college recognized by the UGC.
• Category: The applicant must be from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Transgender students can also apply for this scheme.
• Income Limit: There is no specific income limit mentioned at this point, but in general it is made sure that the benefit goes to needy students

Eligibility for Scholarship

• Educational Qualification: The applicant must be enrolled in a professional course at the graduate or postgraduate level in an institute recognized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. These courses can be engineering, medicine, management, law, etc.
• Income Limit: The annual income of the applicant’s family should be less than Rs 6 lakh from all sources.
• Category: Applicant must be from ST category.

What are the benefits of this scheme?

The financial assistance provided under this scheme is divided into two parts: fellowship and scholarship. Both have different benefits, which are as follows:

Benefits of Fellowship

• For M.Phil.: Rs.25,000 per month
• For PhD: Rs 28,000 per month

Annual Contingency Grant:

• For Humanities and Social Sciences: Rs 10,000 for M.Phil. and Rs 20,500 for Ph.D.
• For science, engineering, and technology: Rs 12,000 for M.Phil. and Rs 25,000 for Ph.D.

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

• It is given as per the rules of the university or college.

special assistance

• Physically challenged or blind students get an additional Rs 2,000 per month for escort/reader assistance.

Duration:

• Maximum 2 years or till submission of dissertation for M.Phil.
• Maximum 5 years or till viva-voce for Ph.D.
• If a student pursues PhD after M.Phil., the fellowship can be availed for a total of 5 years (2 years for M.Phil. and 3 years for PhD).

Benefits of Scholarship

The scholarship is for those students who are pursuing professional courses. The assistance provided under this is as follows:

• Tuition Fees: Full tuition fees and other non-refundable charges, up to a maximum of Rs 2.5 lakh per annum.
• Books and stationery: Rs 3,000 per year.
• Living expenses: Rs 2,200 per month, up to a maximum of Rs 26,400 per year.
• Computer and Accessories: One-time assistance of Rs 45,000.
• Duration: It is given for the duration of the course, which usually can be 3 to 5 years, depending on the course.

How to Apply?

Applying for this scheme is very easy, but for this you have to visit the National Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.gov.in). The application process is as follows:

• Registration: First of all go to the National Scholarship Portal and click on the “New Registration” tab. Here you have to enter your basic information, like name, date of birth, mobile number, email id, category, and bank details.
• Fill the application form: After registration you will get a unique application number and password. Login using it and fill the application form for the scheme.
• Upload documents: You need to upload some important documents, such as:
  • Passport size photo
  • Caste Certificate
  • Income Certificate
  • Aadhar card
  • Bank account statement
  • Educational certificate (degree, diploma, etc.)
  • Proof of admission in the institute
• Submit Application: After filling all the information and documents correctly submit the application.

Application Deadline

Applications for this scheme are usually open between August and November. However, this deadline may change every year, so keep checking the dates from time to time by visiting the National Scholarship Portal or the Ministry of Tribal Affairs website (https://tribal.nic.in).

Some important things

• Apply online only: Offline applications are not accepted for this scheme. So, use the internet facility and complete the application on time.
• Document Verification: All documents must be correct and clear. Wrong or incomplete information may lead to rejection of the application.
• Income Certificate: Income certificate is very important for scholarship. Make sure it is certified by the Tehsildar or equivalent officer.
• Keep an eye on the portal: The information regarding the status of the application, approval, and disbursement of funds keeps getting updated on the portal. Check it from time to time.

The Impact of this Plan

This scheme is becoming a big support for thousands of ST students who want to pursue higher education. For example, if a student wants to pursue expensive courses like engineering or medical, then the worry of tuition fees and other expenses is eliminated through this scheme. Similarly, students interested in the field of research get financial stability through fellowship, so that they can focus on their studies and research.

Other Similar Plans

Even if you are not eligible for this scheme, do not be disappointed. There are many other schemes being run by the Government of India and state governments, such as:

• Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students: For classes 9 and 10.
• Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students: For 11th, 12th, and other degree courses.
• National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students: For studying abroad.

Information about these schemes is also available on the National Scholarship Portal.

Conclusion

National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students is a great opportunity for Scheduled Tribe students. This scheme not only provides financial help but also gives students the confidence to fulfill their dreams. If you or someone in your family is eligible for this scheme, then apply without delay by visiting the National Scholarship Portal. With timely application and correct documents, you can easily avail the benefits of this scheme.

In today’s time, education is the only path that can take you and your family to a better future. Take advantage of this scheme and give wings to your dreams. If you have any questions or need more information, then definitely visit the National Scholarship Portal or the website of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.