New Delhi: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is supporting the higher education and research opportunities for students who belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) through the National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC) under the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS). The scheme aims to help the eligible OBC students in pursuing advanced studies and research without letting them face any financial constraints and become a major barrier. According to the Ministry, the NF-OBC scheme focuses particularly on higher education and research, with fellowship support for students pursuing Ph.D. programmes.
The scheme is part of SHREYAS which is a government initiative that supports the education of OBC and EBC students. It includes the National Fellowship for OBC Students and an interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies. The fellowship is intended to improve access to advanced education and encourage more OBC students to enter research and academic fields.
The main objective of the National Fellowship for OBC Students is to promote higher education and research among students belonging to the OBC category. The fellowship provides financial assistance to selected candidates so that they can pursue advanced research leading to M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees. The scheme is also intended to increase access to quality higher education and research opportunities for OBC students.
Under the National Fellowship for OBC Students, 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) are provided every year for eligible OBC candidates who qualify through the prescribed UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR-NET-JRF examinations. The allocation is as follows:
- 750 slots are allocated to subjects covered under the UGC-NET-JRF
- 250 slots are allocated to subjects covered under the UGC-CSIR-NET-JRF joint test for science streams
These 1,000 slots are over and above the OBC students selected under the normal reservation policy of the government.
Who is Eligible for NF-OBC?
OBC candidates who qualify for the award of fellowship through the prescribed UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR-NET-JRF examination can be considered for the National Fellowship for OBC Students, subject to the conditions of the scheme. Candidates must also secure admission or placement in an eligible university, IIT or other recognised institution for pursuing the research programme.
Only students pursuing regular and full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programmes are eligible under the scheme. Candidates who are already receiving another similar benefit from the Central or State Government or another organisation, including UGC, are not eligible to receive duplicate fellowship benefits.
Employees of a university, educational institution or Central, State or Union Territory government are also excluded from the fellowship, even if they are on study leave or Extraordinary Leave to pursue M.Phil. or Ph.D.
NF-OBC Fellowship Duration
The maximum duration of fellowship depends on the research programme.
The candidate is initially awarded a fellowship as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF). After two years, the fellowship can be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) if the research progress is found satisfactory following assessment under the applicable norms.
The combined period of JRF and SRF cannot exceed five years.
Supporting OBC students in higher education and research through the National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC) – SHREYAS. Scan the QR code for guidelines. #SHREYAS@PMOIndia @narendramodi @AmitShah @Drvirendrakum13 @RamdasAthawale @blvermaup @PIB_India @mygovindia @MIB_India… pic.twitter.com/XhUBw7Gg5b
— Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI (@MSJEGOI) September 8, 2026
Financial Assistance Under NF-OBC
The National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes (NF-OBC) provides financial assistance to selected OBC research scholars pursuing higher studies and research. The fellowship amount is revised from time to time in line with the applicable fellowship rates approved by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
As per the revised rates approved under the NF-OBC scheme, the fellowship amount was increased with effect from January 1, 2023. The revised rates are:
The scheme also provides contingency grants. The rates specified in the guidelines are:
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Rs 10,000 per annum for the initial two years and Rs 20,500 per annum for the remaining tenure
- Science, Engineering and Technology: Rs 12,000 per annum for the initial two years and Rs 25,000 per annum for the remaining tenure
- Escorts/Reader Assistance: Rs 2,000 per month for eligible physically and visually handicapped candidates
Is HRA Available Under NF-OBC?
House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided according to the applicable UGC pattern to eligible students who are not provided hostel accommodation. However, if hostel accommodation is offered by the university or institution and the student refuses it, the candidate forfeits the claim to HRA. Other facilities, including medical facilities and leave provisions such as maternity leave, are governed by the applicable UGC fellowship guidelines.
Basis for NF-OBC Candidates Selection
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the nodal agency for implementing the National Fellowship for OBC Students. Selection for the fellowship is made on the basis of merit in the respective UGC-NET-JRF and CSIR-NET-JRF examinations. The selection process is conducted twice a year. Candidates who qualify have to enrol in eligible universities, institutions or colleges recognised under the applicable provisions of the UGC Act or in institutions funded or recognised by the Central or State governments.
NF-OBC: Aadhaar and DBT Payment
The fellowship amount and other admissible allowances are disbursed to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The scheme guidelines provide for validation of the beneficiary’s bank account through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). The concerned university or institution will verify the OBC certificate submitted by the candidate. It will also make sure that the candidate is not receiving any other fellowship or financial assistance from another organisation.
The fellowship can be cancelled if a candidate is found ineligible or violates the conditions of the scheme. The NF-OBC fellowship may be cancelled if a candidate does not follow the rules of the scheme. This can happen if the candidate provides false or misleading information, receives another fellowship or financial support, or shows unsatisfactory progress in research.
The fellowship may also be cancelled in cases of misconduct, violation of the scheme guidelines, plagiarism or other unethical research practices. Candidates who take up employment while pursuing their M.Phil. or Ph.D. may also lose the fellowship. In addition, the fellowship can be cancelled if the institution reports any serious issue or if the candidate is found to have obtained the fellowship through fraudulent means.
