Benefit Amount
Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per month (varies by level of study) plus contingency grantScholarship
✓ Government Verified✓ Direct Bank Transfer
ℹAbout National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students
The National Fellowship for ST Students is a central sector scheme designed to support meritorious Scheduled Tribe students pursuing higher education in India. The scheme provides financial assistance to ST students enrolled in post-graduate and doctoral programmes at recognized universities and institutions across the country. The fellowship covers living expenses, tuition fees, and research costs to enable talented ST students to pursue advanced studies without financial hardship. The scheme aims to increase the representation of Scheduled Tribes in higher education and research sectors by removing economic barriers. Eligible students receive monthly stipends and contingency grants. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs through designated nodal agencies and universities.
Ministry
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
✓Who Is Eligible?
This fellowship scheme is specifically designed for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who are pursuing higher education at the post-graduate and doctoral levels in recognized Indian universities and institutions. To be eligible, you must possess a valid ST Certificate issued by the competent authority in your state. Your annual family income should not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh, as this is a strict eligibility criterion to ensure the scheme benefits economically disadvantaged students. The fellowship is open to ST students regardless of gender, so both male and female students can apply. There is no specific age limit mentioned, but you must be enrolled in a post-graduate (Master's degree) or doctoral programme (Ph.D.) at a recognized Indian university or institution at the time of application. The scheme is available across all states in India, so your geographic location within the country does not restrict your eligibility. Whether you are studying full-time or part-time, you remain eligible as long as you meet the other requirements. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply and can submit their disability certificate for additional support. Check the official tribal.nic.in website for any additional specific requirements or recent updates to the eligibility criteria.
Quick eligibility check:
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Annual income below ₹4,50,000✓
Gender: Male, Female, Other📝How to Apply for National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students
Applying for the National Fellowship for ST Students is a straightforward process. First, visit the official Ministry of Tribal Affairs website at tribal.nic.in and look for the fellowship application portal. Second, create an account on the portal by providing your basic details like name, email, and phone number. Third, fill out the complete application form carefully, ensuring all information is accurate and matches your documents. Fourth, upload all required documents including your Aadhaar Card, ST Certificate, educational qualification certificates, university admission letter, parents' income certificate, bank account details with IFSC code, and a recent passport-sized photograph. If you have a disability, also upload your disability certificate. Fifth, review your entire application to ensure nothing is missing before submitting. Sixth, submit the application and note down the reference number provided for future tracking. Finally, keep checking the portal regularly for updates on your application status. Make sure your family income is below Rs. 4.5 lakh annually, as this is an important eligibility requirement. If you face any difficulties during the application process, contact the nodal agency at your university or the Ministry of Tribal Affairs helpline for assistance.
Visit Official Portal →📄Documents Required8 required
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Educational Qualification Certificate📋
University/Institution Admission Letter📋
Income Certificate of Parents/Guardians📋
Bank Account Details (IFSC Code, Account Number)📋
Recent Passport-sized Photograph📋
Disability Certificate (if applicable)?Frequently Asked Questions
1What programmes are covered under this fellowship?
The scheme covers Master's degree (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com, M.Tech, etc.) and Ph.D./Doctoral programmes at Central and State universities, as well as institutions recognized by UGC. Research-based and course-based post-graduate programmes are both eligible.
2What is the monthly fellowship amount?
For Master's/PG programmes: Rs. 2,000 per month. For Ph.D./Doctoral programmes: Rs. 5,000 per month. In addition to the monthly stipend, a contingency grant of Rs. 10,000 per annum is provided for thesis submission and research expenses.
3What is the income eligibility criterion?
The annual income of the applicant's parents or guardians should not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum from all sources. Applicants must provide an income certificate issued by competent authority to verify this eligibility.
4How long is the fellowship awarded?
The fellowship is awarded for the entire duration of the course as per the university's course structure. For Master's programmes, it is typically 2 years, while for Ph.D. programmes, it can be up to 5 years depending on the field and university norms.
5How do I apply for this fellowship?
Eligible candidates must contact their university or institution's scholarship/fellowship office for application forms and guidelines. Applications are usually accepted online through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs portal or the respective university's website with required documents.
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