AI SummaryScholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC & Others) is a central government scheme that gives financial support through fellowships to OBC and EBC students. It helps you pursue higher education and research by offering Junior Research Fellowships and interest subsidies on overseas education loans, so you have the resources needed to complete your academic journey.
Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC & Others) - Introduction
Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC & Others) serves as a useful tool for the educational empowerment of OBC and EBC students. Launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, this scheme helps you obtain advanced degrees by providing financial fellowships and interest subsidies on loans for studying abroad. The University Grants Commission (UGC) implements the fellowship portion, while the National Backwards Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) works as the nodal agency for the fellowship rollout, and designated banks handle the interest subsidy aspect.
This scheme combines two major programs: the National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes and the Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies. The scheme was planned to run from 2021-22 to 2025-26, and the fellowship cycle for 2026 continues to accept eligible OBC candidates on merit.
Scheme Scope:
The scheme offers 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) every year to support your research leading to M.Phil or Ph.D degrees. To qualify, you must pass one of the following exams:
- National Eligibility Test (NET-JRF) conducted by the UGC for Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Joint Test conducted by the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) for Science subjects.
These fellowships are available across all UGC-recognized universities and institutions. These 1,000 slots remain available in addition to the standard government reservation quotas for OBC students.
Key Information
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC & Others) |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash (Financial Fellowship) |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
Benefits
This scheme supports your academic research with the following financial help:
- Fellowship Slots: You can compete for one of the 1,000 yearly JRF slots. 750 slots are reserved for UGC-NET subjects, and 250 are for CSIR-UGC-NET Science subjects.
- Additional Benefits: These slots are provided over and above your standard reservation benefits.
Fellowship Rates:
| Category | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Senior Research Fellow (SRF) |
|---|---|---|
| Science, Humanities, Social Science | ₹37,000 per month | ₹42,000 per month |
| Engineering & Technology | ₹37,000 per month | ₹42,000 per month |
| Contingency (Humanities/Social Science) | ₹10,000 per year | ₹20,500 per year |
| Contingency (Science/Engineering/Tech) | ₹12,000 per year | ₹25,000 per year |
You may also receive ₹2,000 per month if you are a physically or visually handicapped candidate requiring escort or reader assistance. House Rent Allowance (HRA) is also provided in accordance with UGC norms if you are not staying in university provided hostels.
Eligibility
To qualify for this fellowship, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC/EBC) category.
- You should have cleared either the UGC-NET-JRF or the CSIR-UGC-NET-JRF exam.
- You must be enrolled in a regular, full-time M.Phil or Ph.D program at a recognized institution.
- You should not be holding any other fellowship or financial support from the Central or State government.
- Your fellowship tenure is valid for 5 years total, including time spent as a JRF and SRF.
Reservation: 5% of all available slots are specifically reserved for students with disabilities.
Exclusions
You are not eligible for this fellowship if you are a regular employee of any university, educational institution, or government body (Central/State/UT), even if you are currently on study leave or Extraordinary Leave (EOL).
Application Process
The selection process is merit-based and follows these steps:
STEP 1 - First qualify for the UGC-NET-JRF or CSIR-UGC-NET-JRF examination. Your rank in this exam decides your chance of selection.
STEP 2 - Secure admission into a full-time M.Phil or Ph.D program at a UGC-recognized university or research institution.
STEP 3 - The UGC and NBCFDC identify candidates based on their exam merit rank and shortlist them for the fellowship.
STEP 4 - Your host university will verify your caste status and eligibility documents before final approval.
STEP 5 - Once verified, the fellowship amount is paid directly to your bank account as per the scheme payment process.
The institutions eligible for your enrollment include universities under Section 2(f) or 12(B) of the UGC Act, deemed universities, and institutions of national importance.
Documents
You should keep the following documents ready for your application process:
- Aadhaar Card
- OBC Caste Certificate
- UGC-NET-JRF or CSIR-UGC-NET-JRF examination qualification certificate
- Proof of admission for your M.Phil or Ph.D program
- Active bank account details
- Disability certificate, if applicable
References
Click here to read the official SHREYAS scheme guidelines.
Click here to visit the official NBCFDC National Fellowship for OBC page.
Click here to read the NFOBC guidelines and annexures.
FAQ's
What is the objective of the scheme?
The scheme aims to help OBC students by providing financial fellowships for advanced research (M.Phil/Ph.D) in recognized institutions.
Which authority implements the scheme?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) acts as the implementing agency for the fellowship component, while NBCFDC works as the nodal agency for the National Fellowship for OBC.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
You can apply if you belong to the OBC category, have qualified for the UGC-NET-JRF or CSIR-UGC-NET-JRF, and are pursuing a full-time research degree.
How many fellowships are available under the scheme?
Every year, 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships are awarded based on merit.
How are the fellowship slots distributed?
There are 750 slots for UGC-NET subjects and 250 slots for Science streams under CSIR-UGC-NET.
Is there any reservation for persons with disabilities?
Yes, 5% of the total seats are reserved for students with disabilities.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
You can receive the fellowship for up to 5 years, starting as a JRF and transitioning to an SRF based on progress.
What is the fellowship amount?
You will receive ₹37,000 per month as a JRF and ₹42,000 per month as an SRF, as per the latest UGC guidelines.
Are fellows entitled to House Rent Allowance?
Yes, you can claim HRA as per UGC norms if you do not opt for hostel accommodation.
Can a fellow receive another scholarship or fellowship simultaneously?
No, you cannot accept any other financial support from any source while receiving this fellowship.
How is the fellowship amount paid?
The funds are transferred directly into your bank account through the scheme payment system.
Can employed candidates apply for this fellowship?
No, employees of any educational institution or government department are ineligible, regardless of their leave status.