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The National Fellowship & Scholarship for ST Students is a flagship Central Government scheme by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to support meritorious Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in higher education. This scheme is divided into two major parts – the National Fellowship Scheme (for M.Phil & Ph.D.) and the National Scholarship Scheme (for Graduate & Postgraduate courses).

The main goal is to remove financial barriers and help talented tribal students study in top universities, IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, IISERs and other premier institutes in India.

If you are an ST student planning to pursue research or professional higher education, this guide explains benefits, eligibility, amount, number of seats, documents, and step-by-step application process in simple language.

Part A: National Fellowship & Scholarship for ST Students (M.Phil & Ph.D.)

The National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Tribes is designed to provide monthly financial support to ST research scholars who want to pursue M.Phil or Ph.D. after post-graduation. This fellowship is fully funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

• M.Phil
• M.Phil + Ph.D. (Integrated)
• Ph.D.

As per the new education policy, any future changes in course structure will be updated, but existing fellows will continue under the old rules.

Fellowship Amount & Benefits (UGC Rates)

Additional Allowances

• HRA: As per UGC rates (8%, 16% or 24%)
• Escort Allowance (Divyangjan): Rs. 2000 per month

If hostel is provided, HRA will not be paid.

Important Fellowship Rules

• A student cannot take any other Central/State fellowship for the same course.
• Fellowship is released only after document verification.
• Mess, electricity, and water charges are not reimbursed.

Total Fellowship Seats (Every Year)

Total Seats: 750

Students admitted to IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, IISERs get extra priority.

Eligibility for Fellowship (Part A)

• Must be ST student
• Must have 55% marks in Post Graduation
• Must have taken admission in M.Phil/Ph.D.
• Maximum Age: 36 years
• No income limit

Course Duration

• M.Phil: 2 years
• M.Phil + Ph.D.: 5 years
• Ph.D.: 5 years

Eligible Universities & Institutes

• UGC 2(f) & 12(B) Universities
• Deemed Universities
• Central/State Government funded institutions
• Institutes of National Importance

Part B: National Scholarship Scheme for ST Students

This scheme supports ST students studying in Graduate and Postgraduate courses in top notified institutes in Engineering, Medical, Management, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Scholarship Amount & Benefits

Income Limit (For Scholarship Only)

• Maximum Family Income: Rs. 6,00,000 per year
• Spouse income included for married candidates
• Income rule not applicable for orphans

How To Apply Online for NFST Scholarship

For Fellowship (Part A)

1. Register on DigiLocker using Aadhaar
2. Register on National Tribal Fellowship Portal
3. Login and fill application form
4. Fetch documents from DigiLocker
5. Submit application
6. Get it verified by your University Nodal Officer

Note: Once submitted, no editing is allowed.

For Scholarship (Part B)

1. Register on National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
2. Fill application after admission
3. Upload documents
4. Submit before last date

Documents Required

For Fellowship

• Photo
• DOB Proof
• PG Marksheet
• ST Certificate
• PWD/PVTG Certificate (if applicable)
• Admission Certificate

For Scholarship

• ST Certificate
• Income Certificate
• Fee Receipt
• Bank Passbook
• Marksheet
• Bonafide Certificate

FAQs

1. Who can apply? Only ST students.
2. Is there income limit for fellowship? No.
3. How many seats? 750 per year.
4. Can I take another scholarship? No.

Conclusion

The National Fellowship and Scholarship Scheme for ST Students 2026 is a golden opportunity for tribal students to study in India’s best institutions without financial stress. It provides full financial support, monthly stipend, and academic stability. Eligible students should apply as early as possible to secure their future.

Read More: Santoor Scholarship