Scholarships in India
In a country as populous and diverse as India, access to higher education can be both a dream and a financial burden for millions. Recognizing the need to support meritorious and underprivileged students, the University Grants Commission (UGC) — a statutory body under the Ministry of Education — has developed and funded various scholarships over the years. These UGC Scholarship are aimed at empowering students from all walks of life by easing financial pressure and enabling them to pursue their academic goals without constraints.
This comprehensive article explores the wide array of UGC-funded scholarships, detailing their purpose, eligibility, benefits, application process, and strategic tips to apply effectively.
UGC Funded Scholarships
The University Grants Commission (UGC) was established in 1956 with a mandate to maintain the quality and standards of higher education in India. Besides regulating universities and colleges, UGC also ensures that deserving students are financially supported through a structured framework of scholarships.
UGC Scholarships are designed to promote equity in education, support gender equality, help students from marginalized communities, and encourage research and innovation in academic fields. These scholarships cater to undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels.
Objectives of UGC Scholarships
- Provide equal educational opportunities to students from economically weaker sections.
- Encourage higher education among minorities, SC/ST, OBC, and women.
- Support research scholars and promote academic excellence.
- Bridge regional disparities in access to quality education.
Major UGC Funded Scholarships Explained
Let’s now explore the most prominent UGC scholarships in India:
1. Post Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
Objective:
To promote higher education among single girl children and ensure financial independence for women.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must be the only girl child in the family.
- Must be enrolled in the first year of a regular postgraduate program.
- Age should not exceed 30 years.
Benefits:
- ₹36,200 per year for 2 years.
Application Process:
Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) https://scholarships.gov.in.
2. Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders
Objective:
To reward academic excellence at the undergraduate level by supporting top-ranking students for their postgraduate studies.
Eligibility:
- Must be a first or second rank holder in the undergraduate program.
- Should have scored at least 60% marks.
- Must be enrolled in a PG course.
- Age limit: 30 years.
Benefits:
- ₹3,100 per month for 2 years.
Application Process:
Via NSP portal during the advertised period.
3. Ishan Uday Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region
Objective:
To promote higher education and increase GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) in the North Eastern Region.
Eligibility:
- Resident of any of the 8 NER states.
- Annual family income should be less than ₹4.5 lakh.
- Should be enrolled in the first year of a general or technical UG course.
Benefits:
- ₹5,400/month for general courses.
- ₹7,800/month for technical/professional courses.
Application Process:
Online via NSP.
4. National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)
Objective:
To provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste students pursuing MPhil/PhD.
Eligibility:
- Belong to SC category.
- Admitted to an MPhil/PhD program (full-time).
- Must not be receiving any other fellowship.
Benefits:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹31,000/month for 2 years.
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹35,000/month thereafter.
- HRA + contingency + escort allowance for PwD candidates.
5. National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC)
Objective:
To promote research among OBC students.
Eligibility:
- Belong to OBC category.
- Enrolled in MPhil/PhD.
- Annual family income < ₹6 lakh.
Benefits:
Similar to NFSC (JRF + SRF + additional allowances).
6. Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) (recently discontinued but worth mentioning)
Objective:
To support minority students (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsis) pursuing higher education.
Note:
MANF was discontinued in 2022. However, eligible students can still apply under other UGC fellowships depending on their category and field of study.
7. Emeritus Fellowship
Objective:
To support retired professors to continue academic work.
Eligibility:
- Superannuated teachers up to 70 years of age.
- Proven research track record.
Benefits:
- Honorarium of ₹31,000/month for 2 years.
- Contingency of ₹50,000/year.
8. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences
Objective:
To encourage young researchers in humanities and social sciences.
Eligibility:
- Below 35 years of age.
- Must have a PhD degree with minimum 55% marks in PG.
Benefits:
- ₹38,800/month (1st year), ₹46,500 (2nd and 3rd years).
- ₹50,000/year as contingency.
9. UGC-BSR Fellowship for Science Students
Objective:
To support research in basic sciences under UGC-BSR scheme.
Eligibility:
- Must be registered in PhD program in identified universities.
- Area: Pure sciences, mathematics, and related disciplines.
Benefits:
- JRF: ₹31,000/month; SRF: ₹35,000/month
- ₹12,000/year contingency grant.
10. Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship for Research in Social Sciences
Objective:
To support single girl children pursuing PhD in social sciences.
Eligibility:
- Must be single girl child.
- Enrolled in PhD in Social Sciences.
Benefits:
- JRF: ₹31,000/month; SRF: ₹35,000/month
- HRA + contingency grant.
Eligibility Criteria Summary (General Trends)
While each UGC Scholarship has its unique criteria, here are some common requirements:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Age Limit | Typically under 30 for students; exceptions exist |
| Academic Performance | Minimum 60%–70% in qualifying exams |
| Admission Requirement | Must be enrolled in recognized UG/PG/MPhil/PhD programs |
| Income Criteria | For some scholarships, family income must not exceed ₹4.5–6 lakh |
Application Process: How to Apply for UGC Scholarships
Step 1: Visit National Scholarship Portal
Step 2: Register with your mobile number, email, and basic details
Step 3: Choose the scholarship from the list of UGC Scholarships
Step 4: Fill out the form with personal, academic, and bank details
Step 5: Upload required documents (photo, income cert., ID, etc.)
Step 6: Submit and download confirmation copy for future reference
Documents Required
- Aadhar Card
- Mark Sheets
- Income Certificate
- Bonafide Certificate
- Admission Proof
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Passbook (linked to Aadhaar)
- Photo & Signature (Scanned)
Tips for Winning a UGC Scholarship
- Start Early: Avoid last-minute rush and server crashes.
- Read the Guidelines Thoroughly: Don’t miss out on fine print or instructions.
- Check Eligibility Honestly: Don’t apply where you don’t qualify.
- Prepare Documents in Advance: Keep soft copies ready in required formats.
- Track Status: Log in regularly to check updates on your application.
- Follow Up with Institutions: If verification is delayed, inform your institute.
- Keep a Copy: Always save your application and acknowledgement number.
Why UGC Scholarship Matter
UGC Scholarships serve a greater purpose than just financial aid. They:
- Encourage inclusion and gender equity
- Support national research output
- Empower first-generation learners
- Promote academic merit and social justice
The wide spectrum of UGC Scholarship ensures that every deserving student — whether from a remote village or a metropolitan city — gets a fair chance at pursuing education.
Challenges and Reforms
In recent years, students have raised concerns about delays in disbursement, technical issues on the NSP portal, and lack of updates. The UGC has taken steps to improve transparency and ease of access by:
- Introducing Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
- Increasing transparency in selection and renewal
- Streamlining application verification at institutions
Despite these improvements, students are advised to stay proactive and aware of deadlines and guidelines.
In a country where education can be the gateway to breaking the cycle of poverty, UGC Scholarships play a critical role. They not only reduce the financial burden of education but also serve as a recognition of academic excellence and social contribution.
Whether you are a postgraduate student, a PhD scholar, or a professor aiming for research, there’s likely a UGC-funded scholarship that matches your goal. Explore your options, apply early, and let funding no longer be the reason to delay your dreams.
For more detailed guides, eligibility checklists, and sample forms, visit ScholarshipGrow.com.