The National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students 2025 is a prestigious initiative by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, aimed at encouraging and financially supporting meritorious students from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community to pursue higher education, especially at the postgraduate and research levels.
This scholarship removes financial barriers, enabling ST students to complete advanced courses such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. and thrive in their academic and professional careers.
What is National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students?
This scheme provides two key opportunities under one umbrella:
- National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students: For ST students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs after completing a Master’s degree.
- National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students: For ST students enrolled in graduate and postgraduate professional courses.
The objective is to promote higher education among ST students across India, helping them excel in various fields such as Humanities, Science, Engineering, Technology, Management, Medicine, Law, and Social Sciences.
Key Highlights of the Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | National Fellowship & Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students 2025 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher education |
| Courses Covered | Graduate, Postgraduate, M.Phil., Ph.D., Professional courses |
| Scholarship Amount | Fellowship Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 35,000/month + contingency grant Rs. 10,000–25,000/year |
| Application Process | Fully online via National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) |
| Application Start Date | 2nd June 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 31st October 2025 |
| Number of Fellowships | 750 slots; reserved seats for Divyangjan, PVTG, Female students, and others |
| Official Website | NSP Official Portal |
| Helpline Email | helpdesk@ns.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
For National Fellowship (M.Phil. / Ph.D.):
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
- Should have completed postgraduate degree (Master’s) from a recognized institution.
- Must have scored a minimum of 55% marks at PG level.
- Must have secured admission in a regular, full-time M.Phil., Ph.D., or integrated M.Phil. + Ph.D. program in recognized Indian universities or institutions.
- Maximum age limit: 36 years as of July 1 of the award year.
For National Scholarship (Graduate/Postgraduate Courses):
- The student must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.
- Must be admitted to a government-recognized or reputable private institution for graduate or postgraduate professional courses.
- Must be pursuing eligible courses under the scholarship guidelines.
- Family income or other criteria will comply per the specific scheme rules.
Financial Benefits
Fellowship (M.Phil. and Ph.D.)
| Course | Stream | Fellowship Amount (Monthly) | Contingency Allowance (Annually) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Phil | Humanities & Social Sciences | Rs. 31,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| M.Phil | Science, Engineering, Technology | Rs. 31,000 | Rs. 12,000 |
| Ph.D. (first 2 years) | Humanities & Social Sciences | Rs. 31,000 | Rs. 20,500 |
| Ph.D. (next 3 years) | Humanities & Social Sciences | Rs. 35,000 | Rs. 20,500 |
| Ph.D. (first 2 years) | Science, Engineering, Technology | Rs. 31,000 | Rs. 25,000 |
| Ph.D. (next 3 years) | Science, Engineering, Technology | Rs. 35,000 | Rs. 25,000 |
- Additional Allowances:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per UGC rates based on the city (8%, 16%, or 24% of fellowship).
- Escort Allowance for Divyangjan (PwD): Rs. 2,000/month as per UGC guidelines.
Scholarship (Graduate/Postgraduate Courses)
- Tuition fees and admission fees fully covered for government institutions.
- Tuition fee coverage up to Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum in private institutions.
- Stipend of Rs. 3,000 per month.
- Book allowance of Rs. 5,000 per annum.
- One-time computer/technical accessory grant of Rs. 45,000.
Number of Fellowships and Reservation
Total fellowships for the year: 750
| Category | Number of Slots |
|---|---|
| Divyangjan (PwD, 5%) | 38 |
| PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) | 25 |
| Female Candidates (30%) | 225 |
| Other ST Candidates | 462 |
Unutilized slots may be carried forward to the next year.
Tenure of Fellowship
- M.Phil: 2 years or date of dissertation submission (whichever is earlier).
- Integrated M.Phil + Ph.D.: 5 years (2 years M.Phil + 3 years Ph.D.) or date of submission.
- Ph.D.: 5 years or date of dissertation submission.
Required Documents
- Latest coloured passport-size photograph.
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) or PVTG certificate issued by a competent authority.
- 10th/Matriculation/equivalent certificate for proof of date of birth.
- Disability certificate (if applicable).
- Post-Graduation mark sheet with at least 55% marks or equivalent CGPA (with conversion formula issued by university).
- Admission/Joining letter of M.Phil./Ph.D./Integrated M.Phil + Ph.D. from the concerned university.
- Offer of admission for students admitted to IITs, AIIMS, IIMs, IISERs, and other Institutes of National Importance.
Application Process
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Register/Login: Create an account or log into your existing account.
- Select Scheme: Choose the “National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students” scheme.
- Fill Form: Complete the online application form providing all necessary details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of all required supporting documents.
- Submit: Submit your application before the deadline.
- Track Status: Check application status online via NSP portal.
- Renewal: Renewal can be done online annually based on academic progress.
Selection Process
- Selection is primarily based on academic merit and document verification.
- Applications are scrutinized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs or designated nodal agencies.
- Priority is given according to reservation categories, gender, and need.
- Final lists of selected candidates are published on the NSP portal.
- Selected fellows must complete onboarding formalities with the institution.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 2nd June 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 31st October 2025 |
| Result Announcement | To be notified on NSP portal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students?
A: Scheduled Tribe students admitted in M.Phil, Ph.D., graduate, or postgraduate professional courses in recognized institutions are eligible.
Q2: What is the maximum scholarship amount?
A: Up to Rs. 35,000 per month fellowship and Rs. 25,000 annual contingency for M.Phil and Ph.D. students. Up to Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum for tuition and related expenses for graduate/postgraduate students.
Q3: Is there an age limit?
A: Yes, for fellowship seekers the maximum age is 36 years as of July 1 of the award year.
Q4: How to apply?
A: Applications are accepted online via the National Scholarship Portal.
Q5: When is the last date to apply?
A: 31st October 2025.
Q6: How will the scholarship amount be disbursed?
A: Scholarship funds will be transferred directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account.