Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste: A Pathway to Higher Education

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates is a significant initiative developed and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. This scheme aims to support students from SC communities who are pursuing higher education, including full-time M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in various fields such as Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology. Each year, there are 2,000 slots available for Scheduled Caste candidates across all subjects. Additionally, 3% of these fellowships are reserved for Persons with Disabilities from SC categories, in line with the provisions set by the Government of India.

Objective of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme

The primary objective of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme is to provide five-year fellowships in the form of financial assistance to SC students, enabling them to pursue advanced studies at Indian universities, institutions, and colleges. Eligible institutions include:

1. Universities/Institutions/Colleges recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act.
2. Deemed to be Universities recognized under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, that are eligible to receive grants-in-aid from the UGC.
3. Universities/Institutions/Colleges funded by the Central/State Government.
4. Institutes of National Importance.

Benefits and Duration of Fellowship

Duration of Fellowship

The duration of the fellowship varies based on the course pursued:

• For M.Phil.: The maximum duration is 2 years or until submission of the dissertation, whichever comes first.
  • Admissibility of JRF: 2 years; Admissibility of SRF: Nil.
• For M.Phil./Ph.D.: The maximum duration is 5 years from the start of the fellowship or until submission of the Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier.
  • Admissibility of JRF: 2 years; Admissibility of SRF: Remaining 3 years.
• For Ph.D.: The maximum duration is 5 years or until submission of the Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier.
  • Admissibility of JRF: 2 years; Admissibility of SRF: Remaining 3 years.

Amount of Fellowship

The fellowship amount for JRF and SRF aligns with the UGC Fellowship rates, which are subject to amendments. Currently, the rates are as follows:

• Fellowship (Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences):
  • ₹25,000 per month for the initial two years (JRF).
  • ₹28,000 per month for the remaining tenure (SRF).
• Contingency (Humanities & Social Sciences):
  • ₹10,000 per annum for the initial two years (JRF).
  • ₹20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure (SRF).
• Contingency (Science, Engineering & Technology):
  • ₹12,000 per annum for the initial two years (JRF).
  • ₹25,000 per annum for the remaining tenure (SRF).
• Escorts/Reader Assistance (All Subjects):
  • ₹2,000 per month for candidates who are physically handicapped or blind.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per Government of India norms.

House Rent Allowance

1. If suitable single-seated hostel accommodation is available, fellows may draw only hostel fees, excluding mess, electricity, and water charges. A certificate confirming this must be provided through the Registrar/Director/Principal.
2. If hostel accommodation is unavailable, the fellow may receive reimbursement for rent paid, subject to HRA ceilings as per Government norms.
3. For fellows arranging their own accommodation, HRA is available according to city categorization by the Government of India.

Note: Relevant certificates must be submitted through the concerned university/college/institute to the designated agency for settling claims.

Medical Assistance

No separate or fixed medical assistance is provided. However, fellows may utilize the medical facilities available at their respective universities or institutions.

Leave Policy

Fellows are entitled to various types of leave:

1. Annual Leave: A maximum of 30 days per year, in addition to public holidays, is permitted. Other vacations, such as summer, winter, and pooja vacations, are not allowed.
2. Maternity/Paternity Leave: Full fellowship rates apply for maternity/paternity leave once during the tenure, as per Government rules.
3. Academic Leave: Academic leave (without fellowship) for up to one year is permitted for teaching assignments or research-related foreign visits.
4. Travel expenses for leave cannot be claimed from the UGC. Leave without fellowship will count towards the tenure.
5. For those wishing to apply for other fellowships or paid assignments during the fellowship tenure, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from UGC is not required. However, if selected, the candidate must resign from the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship.

Note: All types of leave require approval from the university/institute/college.

Eligibility Criteria

Target Group

The fellowship is aimed at candidates belonging to SC categories who have completed their post-graduate examinations in the relevant subjects and are pursuing full-time research without a JRF from UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:

1. The candidate should belong to the SC/ST categories and must have passed the Post Graduate Examination.
2. The candidate must be registered for M.Phil. or Ph.D.
3. Transgender candidates are also eligible to apply under this scheme, and reservations will follow Government of India norms.

Application Process

The application process for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC candidates occurs once a year through online mode. Candidates must fulfill eligibility criteria to apply, as advertised in leading newspapers and the Employment News. A notification will also be uploaded on the UGC website, www.ugc.ac.in.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents during the application process:

1. Passport Size Photograph
2. Aadhaar Number
3. Bonafide Certificate
4. Caste Certificate
5. Proof of Identity
6. Proof of Age
7. Proof of Address
8. Proof of Educational Qualifications

The awardee is also required to submit certain documents to the designated branch of the UGC-designated Bank at stipulated intervals.

1. Every three months, the fellow must submit a Continuation Certificate in the prescribed format to be eligible for the next three months of the fellowship.
2. After one year of the fellowship, the fellow must submit a Yearly Progress Report in the prescribed format.
3. The fellow must also present accounts of contingency grants and submit an HRA Certificate in the prescribed formats.

Note: The designated agency may verify the genuineness of records before disbursing funds.

Conclusion

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is a vital government initiative aimed at empowering Scheduled Caste candidates to pursue higher education. With financial assistance, comprehensive benefits, and a structured application process, this scheme plays a pivotal role in promoting educational equality and opportunities for SC candidates. As part of the broader government schemes for 2024, the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship stands as a testament to India’s commitment to enhancing access to higher education for marginalized communities.

FAQs on the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC

1. What is the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (SC)?
The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) is a financial assistance scheme formulated and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It aims to support students from Scheduled Caste communities pursuing higher education, specifically M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in various fields.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme?
Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste categories who have completed their post-graduate examination in the relevant subject and are pursuing full-time research are eligible for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC. This includes transgender candidates as well.

3. How many slots are available for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship each year?
Each year, there are 2,000 slots available for Scheduled Caste candidates across all subjects under the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship scheme details.

4. What benefits does the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship provide?
The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste candidates offers various benefits, including a monthly stipend, contingency grants, house rent allowance (HRA), and provisions for escorts/reader assistance for physically handicapped candidates.

5. What is the duration of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship?
The fellowship is typically awarded for a maximum duration of five years for M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs. The duration can vary based on the specific course requirements.

6. What are the fellowship amounts provided under the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship?
The current rates for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship include ₹25,000 per month for the first two years for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and ₹28,000 for the remaining tenure as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). Contingency amounts vary by discipline.

7. How can I apply for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste?
Applications for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship are invited online once a year. Candidates can apply through the e-SARTS portal available on the UGC website. Detailed instructions and eligibility criteria are provided in the advertisement.

8. What documents are required for the application process?
Applicants must submit various documents, including a passport-sized photograph, Aadhaar number, caste certificate, proof of educational qualifications, and other relevant identity documents while applying for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC.

9. Is there any medical assistance provided under the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship?
No separate medical assistance is offered under the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship scheme. However, fellows may utilize the medical facilities available at their respective universities or institutions.

10. Where can I find more information about the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship?
For more information, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and additional details regarding the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste, please visit the official RGNF webpage.