Post Doctoral Fellowship to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Candidates is a central government scheme of the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Ministry of Education. It supports SC/ST researchers who have completed their Ph.D. so they can continue advanced research in Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences at recognized Indian universities and institutions.
Important: Scheme has been closed for new applications by the government. UGC has listed Post Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST under its old schemes, and only old cases are being settled at this time. There is no new application window in 2026. SC/ST students planning a Ph.D. can check the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students, which is open for the 2026-27 academic year. Details given below are kept for reference and will be updated if the scheme reopens.
The scheme gives SC/ST scholars from deprived sections a chance to do postdoctoral research in Science, Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences at Indian universities, colleges and research institutions. The main aim is to help SC/ST candidates continue their research career after Ph.D. without worrying about money.
Post Doctoral Fellowship to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Candidates - Introduction
Research under this fellowship can be done at universities and institutions covered under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, deemed universities funded by UGC, universities and colleges funded by central or state government, and Institutes of National Importance. The fellowship money is paid directly into the bank account of the selected candidate through DBT.
The scheme was started for unemployed SC/ST candidates with a Ph.D. degree and a clear aptitude for research. It covers a total period of five years, and the selected fellow gets a monthly fellowship plus a yearly contingency grant for the whole tenure.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Post Doctoral Fellowship to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Candidates |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Implementing Agency | University Grants Commission, Government of India |
| Current Status | Closed for new applications (only old cases being settled) |
Benefits
The scheme gives full financial support for the research period. The monthly fellowship and yearly contingency grant are as follows:
| Item | Rate (First 2 Years) | Rate (3rd Year Onwards) |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship | ₹38,800 per month | ₹46,500 per month |
| Contingency Grant | ₹50,000 per year | ₹50,000 per year |
Candidates with physical disability or blindness get an extra Escort/Reader support of ₹2,000 per month fixed. Those who do not get hostel accommodation can receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government rules. If hostel is provided, the fellow can draw only hostel fees, excluding mess, electricity and water charges.
Fellows can use the medical facilities at the host university. They get 30 days of leave in a year apart from public holidays, and maternity or paternity leave once during the tenure as per government rules. The total duration of the fellowship is five years, with no extension.
Eligibility
To qualify, the candidate should be an unemployed SC/ST researcher who has completed a Ph.D. and shows a clear aptitude for research. A No Objection Certificate from the proposed research place, forwarded by the Head of Department and Registrar or Director or Principal, is also required in the online application.
- Education: Doctorate degree in the relevant subject, preferably with published research work. If the degree is not awarded yet, a provisional certificate is accepted. Candidates need 50% marks at the undergraduate level and 55% at the postgraduate level.
- Age Limit: Male candidates should be 50 years or younger and female candidates 55 years or younger as on the last date of receipt of online applications.
- Employment: Only unemployed candidates can apply. The fellow cannot take any paid appointment or receive any other salary, stipend or fellowship during the tenure.
- Transgender Inclusion: Transgender candidates can also apply as per the reservation rules of the Government of India.
Application Process
When the scheme was open, applications were invited online once a year through advertisement in leading newspapers and Employment News, along with a short notification on the UGC website. Since the scheme is now closed for new applications, there is no active application window in 2026. If the scheme reopens, applications will be accepted only through the official UGC portal.
Selection Steps: A screening committee checks the applications. Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview before an expert committee. No TA/DA is paid for the interview. Selected candidates have to join the designated institution within three months of receiving the award letter, otherwise the award is cancelled.
Grant Disbursement: The fellowship is released directly into the bank account of the awardee through DBT. To keep receiving the amount, the fellow has to submit a Continuation Certificate every three months, along with annual progress reports and contingency expenditure statements as per the official formats.
Documents
These documents were needed for the online application when the scheme was open:
- Copy of Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of age
- Mark sheets and degree certificates
- Caste certificate
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- Income certificate, if applicable
- Bank account details
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the proposed research place, in the format given in the official guidelines
References
- Official Guidelines for Post Doctoral Fellowship to SC/ST Candidates (PDF)
- UGC Official Website
- UGC Fellowships Section
FAQ's
Is the Post Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST still open for applications?
No. UGC has closed the scheme for new applications and only old cases are being settled. There is no application window in 2026. Check the official UGC website for the latest fellowship options.
What is the main aim of this fellowship?
The scheme gives SC/ST candidates the financial support to continue postdoctoral research in recognized Indian universities and institutions after completing their Ph.D.
Who manages this fellowship scheme?
The University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India, is the main agency running the scheme under the Ministry of Education.
How much is the monthly fellowship amount?
Selected candidates get ₹38,800 per month for the first two years and ₹46,500 per month from the third year onwards, along with a contingency grant of ₹50,000 per year.
Are there specific age limits for applicants?
Yes. Male candidates should be 50 years or younger and female candidates 55 years or younger as on the last date of receipt of online applications.
Can I apply if I am currently employed?
No. The scheme is made for unemployed Ph.D. holders so they can give full time to research work.
How is the grant released?
The fellow has to submit a Joining Report and then a Continuation Certificate every three months to the designated bank branch. The amount is paid directly into the bank account through DBT.