National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has opened applications for National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students for the 2026-27 academic session. Eligible ST students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal till October 31, 2026. The scheme offers 750 fresh fellowships every year for M.Phil and Ph.D research programmes across recognised universities in India.

This Central Sector scheme runs in two parts — a Fellowship Scheme for research degrees and a Scholarship Scheme for professional courses at graduate and postgraduate levels. Both components are fully funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and aim to support meritorious ST students in pursuing higher education without financial constraints.

National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students - Overview

The scheme covers two distinct components. Part-A provides fellowships for M.Phil and Ph.D programmes after postgraduation. Part-B offers scholarships for professional courses like engineering, medicine, management, law, and sciences at premier institutes notified by the ministry. Students selected under the fellowship receive a monthly stipend and annual contingency grant aligned with UGC norms. Scholarship recipients get full tuition fee coverage for government institutes, up to ₹2.50 lakh per annum for private institutes, plus allowances for books, stipend, and a one-time computer grant.

Part-A: Fellowship Scheme

This component supports ST students pursuing M.Phil (only in Psychiatric Social Work and Clinical Psychology), Integrated M.Phil+Ph.D, and Ph.D programmes. Candidates must have completed their master's degree with at least 55% marks. There is no family income limit for the fellowship. The upper age limit is 36 years as on July 1st of the application year. If the National Education Policy guidelines change the course structure, the ministry will update the rules accordingly. Scholars enrolled before 2021-22 continue under the guidelines valid at their time of admission.

Part-B: Scholarship Scheme

This section covers professional courses at graduate and postgraduate levels in ministry-notified premier institutes across fields like management, medicine, science, engineering, law, and social sciences. The scheme provides 100% funding for approved courses, subject to satisfactory academic performance. Family income must not exceed ₹6 lakh per annum from all sources. For married candidates, spouse's income is included. Income of siblings is not counted.

Key Information

Benefits

Fellowship Structure

Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend and annual contingency funds as per UGC norms. The current rates are given below. These amounts are subject to revision by UGC from time to time.

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is payable as per UGC rates (8%, 16%, or 24% based on city category) for scholars residing in rented accommodation. Divyangjan scholars with minimum 40% disability receive an additional monthly escort allowance of ₹2,000.

Scholarship Value

Selection Priority and Slot Distribution

The scheme offers 750 fresh fellowships annually. Priority is given to Divyangjan (5%), Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), and female applicants (30%). Candidates admitted to IITs, AIIMS, IIMs, or IISERs receive priority. If slots remain vacant in any category, they are redistributed based on merit in the order of priority.

Eligibility

Fellowship Eligibility

You should have completed your postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks (50% for candidates from reserved categories as per UGC norms). There is no family income limit for the fellowship. You must be under 36 years of age as on July 1st of the application year. Admission must be in a regular, full-time M.Phil or Ph.D programme at a recognised university or institute.

Scholarship Eligibility

You must secure admission into a ministry-notified premier institute for a professional course at graduate or postgraduate level. The scholarship has a family income ceiling of ₹6 lakh per annum. Income calculation includes combined income of parents and, for married candidates, spouse's income. Earnings from siblings are excluded. Orphans supported by a guardian are exempt from the income criteria. Students enrolled through management quota in private institutes are not eligible.

Example: If Ravi's father earns ₹4,00,000 and mother earns ₹3,00,000, the family income is ₹7,00,000, making him ineligible. If only his father earns ₹4,00,000, he qualifies.

Application Process

Applications for the 2026-27 session are open till October 31, 2026. The process is fully online through the National Scholarship Portal. For fellowship-specific queries and portal access, visit the National Tribal Fellowship Portal. Keep your DigiLocker linked for smooth document verification.

STEP 1 - Go to the National Scholarship Portal and click on 'New Registration' under the Applicant Corner section. Fill in all required details including name, date of birth, mobile number, email, and category. Submit to generate your application ID and password, which will be sent to your registered mobile number.

STEP 2 - Log in to the portal using the application ID and password. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number to set a new password for security.

STEP 3 - After password update, you will reach the Applicant's Dashboard. Click on 'Application Form' to start filling the form for National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students.

STEP 4 - Provide all required information including registration details, academic qualifications, personal information, contact details, and scheme-specific data. Select the correct component (Fellowship or Scholarship) based on your course.

STEP 5 - Upload all supporting documents in the prescribed format. Ensure scanned copies are clear and legible. Documents vary slightly between the two components.

STEP 6 - Save the application as a draft and review every field carefully. Check document uploads, course details, and personal information for accuracy.

STEP 7 - After thorough review, click 'Final Submit'. Note down the application reference number for future tracking. No changes can be made after final submission.

Documents Required

For Fellowship Scheme:

• Latest coloured passport size photograph
• ST / PVTG certificate issued by competent authority
• 10th / Matriculation certificate for date of birth proof
• Divyangjan certificate (if applicable) issued by competent authority
• Post-Graduation mark sheet with aggregate percentage (CGPA conversion formula from university if applicable)
• Admission / Joining certificate for M.Phil / Ph.D / Integrated M.Phil+Ph.D from the university
• Offer of admission letter (for students admitted to IITs, AIIMS, IIMs, IISERs)

For Scholarship Scheme:

• ST / PVTG certificate
• Income certificate (not required for renewal)
• Fee receipt
• Scanned copy of bank passbook
• Mark sheet or certificate of qualifying examination
• Bonafide certificate issued by the institute

Definitions

Income

Income means gross family earnings from all sources including salary, interest, business, and other income. Deductions allowed under the Income Tax Act do not apply for this scheme's income calculation.

References

• National Tribal Fellowship Portal
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs Official Website
• UGC Fellowship Guidelines

FAQ's

Who can apply for these schemes?

Scheduled Tribe students who have completed postgraduate studies (for fellowship) or secured admission in ministry-notified premier institutes (for scholarship) and meet the academic requirements can apply.

Are there income limits for the fellowship?

No, there is no family income limit for the National Fellowship Scheme. The income limit of ₹6 lakh per annum applies only to the National Scholarship Scheme.

What is the last date to apply for 2026-27 session?

The application deadline for the 2026-27 academic session is October 31, 2026. Apply through the National Scholarship Portal before this date.

How many fellowships are awarded each year?

A total of 750 fresh fellowships are awarded annually for M.Phil, Ph.D, or integrated M.Phil+Ph.D programmes.

Can I hold another scholarship simultaneously?

No, you cannot accept another central or state government scholarship for the same course while receiving benefits under this scheme.

What if I am unable to complete my course?

If you leave the course before completion, you are required to refund 50% of the total fellowship amount received.

Is the application process entirely online?

Yes, all applications and document uploads must be submitted through the designated online portals. No offline applications are accepted.

What is the age limit for the fellowship?

The upper age limit is 36 years as on July 1st of the application year. There is no age relaxation mentioned beyond this limit.

What documents are needed for PVTG candidates?

PVTG candidates need to submit a PVTG certificate issued by the competent authority in addition to the regular ST certificate and other required documents.

Where can I check the list of notified premier institutes for the scholarship?

The list of ministry-notified premier institutes is available on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs website (tribal.nic.in) and the fellowship portal.

How are vacant slots redistributed?

If slots remain vacant in any priority category, they are transferred to the next category in order of priority. If still vacant, remaining slots go to eligible ST applicants based on merit.