The central government of India has launched the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students 2025. To allow the students of India to pursue higher education without going through any financial difficulties, the central authorities have introduced the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education. Under this initiative, the central government of India will provide financial assistance and other benefits to the students so that they can complete their higher education. All the students to belong to the scheduled tribe category are eligible to avail the benefits of the scheme. The students can simply visit the official website to apply for the scholarship online.
National Scholarship Portal
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a one-stop platform for students to apply for different government scholarships. It helps students from poor families to get money for their studies. The portal is run by the Government of India. Students from SC, ST, OBC, minority, and general categories can apply. It is easy to use and saves time. All details like eligibility, documents, and the last date are given on the website. Students can check their application status online. NSP helps bring transparency and gives scholarships directly to the bank accounts of students. It supports students to continue their education.
Also Read: National Means Cum Merit Scholarship
Key Highlights of National Fellowship And Scholarship
| Key Highlights | Details |
| Name of the Scheme | National Fellowship And Scholarship |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Date | 2025 |
| Announced By | Government of India |
| Purpose | Provide scholarship opportunities |
| Beneficiaries | Students of India |
| Target Beneficiaries | Students who belong to the ST community |
| Advantage | Financial assistance for education |
| Eligibility Criteria | Students who want to pursue higher education |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar Card, Bank account |
| Application Process | Online |
| Official Website | NSP website |
| Expected Benefits | Scholarship |
| Contact Details | helpdesk[at]nsp[dot]gov[dot]in |
National Fellowship For Higher Education of ST Students
One of the sub-schemes under the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students is the National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students. Under this initiative, the Government of India will provide Fellowship opportunities to the students who are pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D after completion of a Master’s degree. The selected students under the fellowship will receive financial assistance of INR 31000 to 35000. The students will also receive extra contingency allowance of up to INR 25000.
Eligibility Criteria
- For M.Phil:
- Duration: 2 years or date of dissertation submission, whichever is earlier.
- The students must have completed their PG degree from any recognised Institute.
- The students must have scored at least 55% in their PG final exam.
- For M.Phil + Ph.D.:
- Duration: 5 years (2 years M.Phil + 3 years Ph.D.) or date of dissertation submission, whichever is earlier.
- For Ph.D. only:
- Duration: 5 years or date of dissertation submission, whichever is earlier.
Financial Benefits
| Course | Stream | Scholarship (Monthly) | Contingency (Annually) |
| M.Phil | Humanities & Social Sciences | INR 31,000/- | INR 10,000/- |
| M.Phil | Science/Engineering/Technology | INR 31,000/- | INR 12,000/- |
| Ph.D | Humanities & Social Sciences | INR 31,000/- (1st 2 years), INR 35,000/- (next 3 years) | INR 20,500/- |
| Ph.D | Science/Engineering/Technology | INR 31,000/- (1st 2 years), INR 35,000/- (next 3 years) | INR 25,000/- |
Additional Allowances:
- HRA (monthly): As per UGC rates (8%, 16%, or 24% based on city).
- Escort Allowance (Divyangjan): Rs. 2,000/- per month (as per UGC rates).
Required Documents
- Latest coloured passport-size photograph
- ST/PVTG certificate issued by the competent authority
- 10th /Matriculation/equivalent certificate in support of date of birth
- Divyangjan certificate issued by the competent authority
- Post-Graduation mark sheet [Aggregate marks in %] /equivalent % marks in case of CGPA (Conversion formula from CGPA to percentage, which was issued by the Institute/University to be produced.)
- Admission/Joining certificate of M.Phil/Ph.D / Integrated M.Phil+Ph.D from the University concerned.
- Offer of admission in respect of students admitted to IITs/AIIMS/IIMs/IISERs
No of Fellowship
The total number of fellowships available under the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education is 750. In case of non-availability of students who belong to the ST category, then the number of slots that are available will be carried forward to the next year. If the number of students exceeds the number of fellowships available, then the priority will be given to the students who have scored better marks.
| Priority Category | Slots |
| 1. Divyangjan (5% of 750) | 38 |
| 2. PVTG (Annexure-VIII List) | 25 |
| 3. Female (30% of 750) | 225 |
| 4. ST Others | 462 |
| Total | 750 |
Tenure of Fellowship
- The tenure of National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education would be 2 years for M.Phil students and 5 years for M.Phil+Ph.D or Ph.D students.
Also Read: National Scholarship Portal
National Scholarship For Higher Education of ST Students
One of the sub-schemes under the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students is the National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students. Under this initiative, the Government of India will provide scholarship opportunities to students who are pursuing a Graduate or postgraduate degree from a recognised Institute. All the students who will get selected under the scholarship will receive a scholarship with a ceiling amount of INR 2.5 lakh.
Eligibility Criteria
- The students must belong to the scheduled tribe category.
- The students must have taken admission in any government-recognised Institute.
- The students must be pursuing a course that is eligible under the scholarship.
Important Dates
- The students can start sending their applications under the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education from 2nd June 2025.
- The last day to apply for the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education is 31st October 2025.
Financial Benefits
| Sr. No. | Component | Details | Remarks |
| 1 | Tuition Fees and Admission Fee | Full fees in Govt.. institutes; Up to INR 2.50 lakhs/year in private institutes | Covers tuition, admission, and other non-refundable charges |
| 2 | Books & Stationery | INR 5,000/- per annum | Without bills/vouchers |
| 3 | Stipend | INR 3,000/- per month | — |
| 4 | Computer & Accessories | INR 45,000/- (one-time during the course) | Can be desktop/laptop; without bills/vouchers |
Required Documents
- ST Certificate / PVTG Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Fee Receipt
- Scanned Copy of Bank Passbook
- Marksheet / Certificate of Qualifying Examination
- Bonafide Certificate issued by the Institute
Selection Process
- The students will be selected on the basis of their clearance of eligibility criteria.
- Only those students for belong to the scheduled tribe category will be selected by the authorities under the scholarship.
- The students must be pursuing a course that is notified by the authority to be selected under the scholarship.
- The students must fill out the application form before the last date to confirm their selection under the scheme.
Also Read: NSP Login
Application Process
- STEP 1: All the students who want to apply for the National Means Cum Merit Scholarship are requested to visit the NSP website.
- STEP 2: Once the students reach the homepage of the official website, they must locate and click on the option called “register”.
- STEP 3: A guideline form will appear on your desktop screen the citizens must read carefully and scroll down and click on the option “next”.
- STEP 4: A new page will appear on your desktop screen. The students must enter their mobile number and the OTP that they have received on the registered mobile number.
- STEP 5: The students must enter the captcha code and click on the option “verify” to move on to the next page.
- STEP 6: Now the students must complete the eKYC process by entering the details that are asked and click on the option “next”.
- STEP 7: Now on the last page the students must enter all the additional details, including their address, education and bank account details.
- STEP 8: After entering all the details, the students can click on the option “submit” to complete their process
Renewal Process
- STEP 1: All the students who want to renew their National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education are requested to visit the “official website”.
- STEP 2: Once the students reach the homepage of the official website, they must locate and click on the option called “renew scholarship”.
- STEP 3: The application form will appear on your desktop screen. The students must enter all the details that are asked.
- STEP 4: Now, the students can click on the option “submit” to complete their process.
Important Downloads
Helpline Number
- Mail: helpdesk[at]nsp[dot]gov[dot]in
FAQs
Who is eligible to avail the benefits of the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students?
All the students who want to pursue higher education and belong to the scheduled tribe category are eligible to avail the benefits of the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students.
What is the last date to apply for the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students?
The last date to apply for the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students is 31st October 2025.
How will the beneficiaries receive the financial assistance under the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students?
The beneficiaries will receive the financial assistance under the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students through the DBT process.