NFSC National Fellowship 2026 for SC Students up to Rs. 42,000 per Month for M.Phil./Ph.D., Eligibility, NET/GATE, Last Date

The National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026 is offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 42,000 per month, along with other benefits, to SC students pursuing higher education in Science, Humanities or Social Sciences.

Applicants must be from the Scheduled Caste categories, enrolled in a full-time regular M.Phil. or Ph.D. at a UGC-recognised university or research institution, and must have qualified NET or GATE. Selection is merit-based through the UGC-NET JRF or UGC-CSIR NET JRF exam. The last date is 20 December 2026. This article covers the eligibility, benefits, selection and how to apply, all taken from the official scholarship details.

Quick summary:

➤ Scholarship: National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) 2026

➤ Offered by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India

➤ Who can apply: SC students in full-time regular M.Phil./Ph.D. at UGC-recognised universities/institutions, qualified in NET or GATE

➤ Benefit: Up to Rs. 42,000 per month and other benefits

➤ Last date: 20 December 2026

➤ Application mode: Offline, through merit-based selection from UGC-NET JRF / UGC-CSIR NET JRF

Table of Contents

1. NFSC 2026 Overview
2. Eligibility Criteria
3. NFSC 2026 Benefits
4. Important Dates
5. How to Apply
6. FAQs
7. Important Links

NFSC 2026 Overview

NFSC 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste categories as listed by the respective state governments.
• Must be enrolled in a full-time, regular M.Phil. or Ph.D. programme at a UGC-recognised university or research institution.
• Must have qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
• For Science, Humanities or Social Sciences.

Note: Selection is offline and merit-based, through the UGC-NET JRF or UGC-CSIR NET JRF exam. The UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin also says NFSC selection is made through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

NFSC 2026 Benefits

NFSC 2026 Important Dates

How to Apply for NFSC 2026

1. Check that you belong to an SC category and are enrolled in a full-time regular M.Phil./Ph.D. at a UGC-recognised university or institution.
2. Qualify the UGC-NET JRF or UGC-CSIR NET JRF exam (or GATE, as per the eligibility). Selection is merit-based through these exams.
3. Open the official scholarship page using the link below and read the full guidelines.
4. Follow the instructions given there before 20 December 2026.

Also read: Bajaj Finserv Scholarship 2026-27: Up to Rs. 10 Lakh per Year for MBA & B.Tech/M.Tech Students of Top NIRF Colleges, Last Date 15 October

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the NFSC fellowship amount in 2026?

Up to Rs. 42,000 per month, along with other benefits.

Q2. Who can apply for NFSC 2026?

SC students enrolled in full-time regular M.Phil. or Ph.D. at a UGC-recognised university or institution, who have qualified NET or GATE.

Q3. How are NFSC fellows selected?

Through merit-based selection from the UGC-NET JRF or UGC-CSIR NET JRF exam.

Q4. What is the last date for NFSC 2026?

20 December 2026.

Q5. Is GATE accepted for NFSC?

Yes. Candidates who qualified NET or GATE are eligible.

NFSC 2026 Important Links

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