The Government of India awards Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for students with disabilities to pursue higher education leading to degrees such as M. Phil. and Ph.D. The scheme caters total number of 200 Fellowship [Junior Research Fellows (JRF)] per year. This will not only enable them to be eligible for employment to the posts of Lecturers lying vacant in various colleges and universities but will equip them to effectively take advantage of the growing opportunities at the national and international level in the context of the new economic order. The application deadline is 30 June 2015.
Study Subject(s): Fellowships are awarded in all subjects.
Course Level: Fellowships are available for pursuing higher education leading to degrees such as M. Phil. and Ph.D.
Scholarship Provider: Government of India
Scholarship can be taken at: India
Eligibility:
-Any student with disabilities who has been admitted to M.Phil./Ph.D. degree in a University or academic institution by completing the required formalities for admission in that University or academic institution is eligible for the award of Fellowship, subject to provision of the scheme as per the advertisement of UGC. The candidate must get himself/herself registered for M.Phil/Ph.D at the first available opportunity but not later than within a period of two years from the receipt of award letter. This period is not extendable. However, the actual payment of fellowship will be made with effect from the date of joining only.
-After two years, if the progress in the research works of the awardee is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended for a further period of three years as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). The research work will be assessed by a three member committee set up by the University. The committee will consist of the Supervisor, Head of the Department and one outside expert in the subject. JRF may be terminated in case the progress of the candidate is not found satisfactory by the committee. The SRF shall be sanctioned on year to year basis on the recommendation of the Supervisor of the candidate duly accepted/rejected by the Head of the Department and finally approved by the Vice-Chancellor. The total period of award of JRF and SRF shall not exceed a period of five years. The fellowship is paid from the date of registration of the students in M.Phil./Ph.D. course.
-The students with disabilities once considered eligible for the fellowship shall not be entitled to any other benefits from Central or State Government or any other body like UGC offering similar benefit to avoid duplication and increase coverage. Only those doing regular and full time M.Phil./Ph.D. course of a University/Research Institution shall be eligible for the fellowship. Employees of any University/College/Educational Institution/Central/State/UT Government shall be excluded from availing Fellowship, even if they are on Study Leave or EOL to pursue the M.Phil./Ph.D. course.
Scholarship Description: Government of India has launched a Central Sector scheme namely, Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) during the financial year 2012-13 to increase opportunities to students with disabilities for pursuing higher education leading to degrees such as M. Phil. and Ph.D. The scheme will take effect from 1st April 2012. The scheme caters the requirements of the students with disabilities for pursuing research degree in universities, research institutions and scientific institutions. This will not only enable them to be eligible for employment to the posts of Lecturers lying vacant in various colleges and universities but will equip them to effectively take advantage of the growing opportunities at the national and international level in the context of the new economic order.
Number of award(s): The total number of fellowships to be awarded to the students with disabilities under the scheme is 200 every year. There is a provision of reservation of 15% for scheduled Castes and 7 ½% for Scheduled Tribes for award of fellowships respectively under the scheme of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Students with disabilities. In case of non-availability of adequate number of students with disabilities candidate, the number of fellowship not availed during a year will be carried forward to the next academic session.
Duration of award(s): Duration of fellowships are as follows: 2 years for M.Phil and 5 years for Ph.D as well as M.Phil + Ph.D.
What does it cover?
-Fellowship (For All Subjects): @ Rs.16,000/- per month for initial two years (JRF), @ Rs. 18,000/- per month for the remaining tenure (SRF).
-Contingency (For Humanities, Social Sciences and Commerce): @ Rs.10,000/- per annum for initial two years, @ Rs.20,500/- per annum for remaining three years.
-Departmental Assistance [Discontinued as per pattern of e-payment towards RGNF-SC/ST and MANF]: @ Rs.3,000/- p.a. per student to the host institution for providing infrastructure.
-Escorts / Reader Assistance: @ Rs.2,000/- per month in case of physically and visually challenged candidates.
-HRA: As per University / Institution rules.
How to Apply: The mode of application is online.
Online Application
Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 30-June-2015.
