Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2025
The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2025 is a government initiative which aims to support students from special category like Scheduled Caste or schedule tribe who wants pursue high education like M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs. This fellowship provides financial help to scholars so that they can focus on their research without worrying about money. The fellowship is offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affair to help student to pursue M.Phil. or Ph.D. studies.
However, students will only receive the fellowship if they are enrolled in a regular course at a recognized university, college, or institution. The following courses are required of them: Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences. Fellowship amounts are awarded to chosen students based on their field of study and category.
About Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship
The program primary goal is to help students from different classes or categories.
- The fellowship offers 1333 seats for SC students and 667 seats for ST students each year. This scheme also supports transgender students who belong to these communities and are looking for financial help to continue their higher education.
- The number of seats available in each subject may change every year. The financial support given through the fellowship also differs based on the subject and the student’s community.
The objective of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship
The main aim of this Fellowship is to give financial support to students so they can continue their education without worrying about money. Many students from SC and ST communities struggle financially and some are forced to give up their dreams of higher studies. This fellowship helps them stay in school and reach their goals. The scheme also includes transgender students who have often been left out in the past years. But now as our society moves toward gender equality it’s important that transgender people also get equal opportunities to study and build a better future.
Eligibility Criteria for Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship
- The applicant should have passed the Postgraduate degree in the relevant subject.
- The fellowship is applicable only for candidates pursuing full-time research programs (M.Phil./Ph.D.) and not for part-time or distance education modes.
- No age limit is mentioned but must full fill the entry criteria.
- Candidates should not be availing any other fellowship or financial help.
- Transgender candidates are also encouraged to apply for this fellowship.
- Selection is based on the academic merit of the candidates, so strong academics will be preferred
Benefits of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship
- The fellowship is initially awarded for only 2 years after this the authorities including the HOD and students supervisor will overview his research progress if they are satisfied with students research work then the fellowship will be extended for 3 more years means total 5 years.
- If the student fails exams or does not make good progress in their research, the fellowship may be stopped.
- The maximum duration of the fellowship is 5 years, and no additional extension will be given beyond that.
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Apply Online 2025
- Visit the Official Portal.
- Click on the “Apply Now” .
- Fill in the Application Form which includes your personal details academic qualifications caste category, and research topic.
- Upload Required Documents (make sure to upload in scanned format)
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship RGNF Login
- Go to the official website of the Fellowship portal.
- Once the homepage opens click on the “Login” button.
- The login page will show on your screen.
- Enter your user ID and password
- Now click the “Submit” button to log in and start your application.
Documents Required
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST) issued by the authority
- Bonafide Certificate from the university where you’re enrolled
- Proof of Admission into an M.Phil. or Ph.D. program
- Postgraduate Degree Certificate/Marksheet
- Date of Birth Proof
- Bank Account Details
- Disability Certificate (only if applicable for PWD candidates)
Last Date;
The last date for submission of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) 2025 application typically falls between May and July each year.
Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF / NFSC / NFST) – FAQs
🔷 1. What is the RGNF/NFSC/NFST Fellowship?
A government-funded fellowship for SC/ST candidates to pursue M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies in India, now officially renamed as:
- NFSC – National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes
- NFST – National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes
🔷 2. Is RGNF still active under that name?
No. It is now offered under NFSC and NFST, administered by UGC and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
🔷 3. Who is eligible to apply?
- Must belong to SC/ST category
- Postgraduate degree with at least 55%
- Admission to M.Phil./Ph.D. at a recognized university
- Not receiving any other fellowship/scholarship
🔷 4. Is NET qualification required?
No, NET is not mandatory for this fellowship.
🔷 5. How do I apply?
Apply online via:
- https://www.ugc.ac.in
- https://fellowship.ugc.ac.in
- Or via the e-SARTS portal when applications open.
🔷 6. What is the fellowship amount?
| Stage | Monthly Amount + HRA |
| JRF (Years 1–2) | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| SRF (Years 3–5) | ₹35,000 + HRA |
Additional allowances: Contingency grants, escorts (for PWD), etc.
🔷 7. What documents are needed?
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST)
- PG Degree Certificate
- Admission Letter
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank details
- Income Certificate (if asked)
🔷 8. When is the last date to apply for 2025?
The official last date for RGNF/NFSC/NFST 2025 has not been announced yet.
Based on previous cycles, applications are expected to close between May and July 2025. Keep checking ugc.ac.in or fellowship.ugc.ac.in for updates.
🔷 9. How many fellowships are awarded per year?
- NFSC: ~2,000
- NFST: ~750
🔷 10. Where will I receive the funds?
Directly into your Aadhaar-linked bank account via Canara Bank SFMP portal.
🔷 11. How to track payment status?
Visit: https://scholarship.canarabank.in
🔷 12. Whom to contact for help?
- NFSC (SC): nfsc@ugc.ac.in
- NFST (ST): fellowships-tribal@nic.in