National Fellowship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe Students (NFST) – Complete Guide
- What is the NFST
- Objectives of the Fellowship Scheme
- Eligibility Criteria
- Financial Support & Fellowship Benefits
- How to Apply
- Document Required
- Selection Process
- Importance of NFST
- FAQs
What is the National Fellowship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe (NFST)?
The National Fellowship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe Students (NFST) is a Central Sector fellowship scheme supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) to provide assistance to full-time M.Phil and Ph.D. students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
The endeavour is aimed at building ST students’ capacity through higher education in higher research universities/institutes located in different parts of the country.
Objectives of the NFST Fellowship
As stated in the official purpose, the aim of the scheme is to accomplish the following objectives:
- Provide support and financial assistance for ST research scholars to pursue M.Phil/Ph.D. studies after achieving the postgraduate academic qualification.
- Facilitate higher education at an advanced level to promote the participation of ST scholars at top universities and research institutions.
- Strengthen academic and research capacity within ST communities by facilitating long-term engagement in diverse areas such as science, technology, social sciences, humanities, and public policy and related fields.
- Promote inclusiveness and enhance national development by enhancing the diversity of India’s researcher base within all disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
The NFST (National Fellowship for Higher Education for ST students) offers financial assistance to students from the Scheduled Tribes who are pursuing full-time postgraduate M. Phil. Programs or M. Phil. + Ph.D. programs or Ph.D., at Indian institutions of higher education.
Please find below the comprehensive definition of eligible students, for which all provisions remain updated for 2026.
1. Course Eligibility and Duration
M.Phil
- Maximum Duration: 2 years (or til dissertation submission, whichever happens first, if permitted)
- Eligibility Requirement: Post-Graduation completed with minimum 55% marks and admission to an eligible university
M.Phil + Ph.D
- Maximum Duration: 2 + 3 = 5 years (maximum)
- Eligibility Requirement: Post-Graduation completed with a minimum of 55% marks and admission to an eligible university
Ph.D
- 5 years (or till dissertation submission, if permitted)
- Eligibility Requirement: Post-Graduation completed with a minimum of 55% marks and admission to an eligible university
The fellowship is only for full-time, regular research programs in the approved universities/institutes.
2. Income Criteria
There shall not be an income limit for NFST eligibility.
All ST students who meet academic & admissibility criteria are eligible to apply.
3. Age Limit (2026)
- Maximum Age: 36 years
- Age will be calculated as on 01 July 2026 (year of the award)
- This is required for all categories under the NFST.
4. Eligible Universities / Institutions (Very Important)
ST students will need to take admission in regular, full-time M.Phil / Ph.D. programs in one of the following:
Eligible Institutions under NFST:
- Universities / Institutes / Colleges recognized under UGC Section 2(f) and/or 12(B)
- Deemed Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act which receive UGC grants
- Central and State Government funded universities/institutes
- Institutes of National Importance (INI) notified by the Government of India i.e.
- IITs
- IISERs
- IIMs
- AIIMS
- NITs
- Others notify institutes of National Importance (INI).
5. Number of Fellowships (2026)
- Each academic year will see 750 new fellowships awarded.
- Any unawarded fellowships will rollover to the next academic year (there will be no state/university quota).
6. Slot Distribution (Priority Categories)
The slots will be distributed as follows:
Priority Category Slots
1. Divyangjan (PwD) – 5% 38
2. PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) 25
3. Female Candidates – 30% 225
4. ST Others (Open) 462
Total 750
Some Important Notes
- If there are no eligible ST candidates in a priority category, vacant slots are moved to the next category.
- If the number of applications exceeds the available slots, selection will be based on PG Merit (higher marks = higher priority).
- Female category (225 slots) includes female candidates from all categories (including Divyangjan & PVTG).
- Candidates who receive offer letters from AIIMS, FII, or IIM will be given special preference.
- When candidates who receive offers are selected, the respective number of slots will be adjusted from the ST-Others category.
7. Rules for Slot Distribution.
1. Divyangjan (38 slots)
- Candidates must have a minimum of 40% disability (certificate required).
- If applications exceed 38, the Top 38 (by PG marks) will be selected.
- If applications are less than 38, the remaining slots will be transferred to the PVTG category.
2. PVTG (25 slots)
- Top 25 you are selected (by merit).
- The remaining vacant slots will be transferred to the Female category.
3. Female (225 slots)
- Female candidates will be from Divyangjan & PVTG categories.
- If applications are less than 225 eligible, the remaining slots will be moved to ST Others category.
4. ST Others (462 slots)
- The remaining eligible candidates will apply (open category).
- If you are an eligible candidate and slots remain, the slots may be forwarded.
8. Special Preference for National Institutions
Regarding admissions in Ph.D. offer letters at:
- AIIMS
- IIT
- IIM
- IISER.
These are institutes who require proof of financial support for admission consideration.
The National Financial Support Trust (NFST) will give preference to applicants with an admission offer.
Applicants are required to upload their offer letter to apply.
Financial Support & Fellowship Benefits
Monthly Stipend
1. Ph.D.
- ₹31,000 per month for the first two years
- ₹35,000 per month for the following three years
2. Contingency Grant (per annum)
- ₹20,500 per annum (Humanities & Social Sciences)
- ₹25,000 per annum (Science / Engineering / Technology)
HRA (monthly)
Paid as per UGC rates based on the city category:
- 8%
- 16%
- 24%
In case a student is provided hostel accommodation by the university, he/she would not be eligible to claim HRA, but will be eligible to draw only hostel fees charged by the University. The scholar will not be entitled to claim mess, electricity, water charges, etc. A certificate to this effect is to be furnished through the Registrar/Director/Principal.
If the student makes his/her own arrangements of accommodation, he/she may be entitled to draw HRA as per categorization of cities by Govt. of India.
Escort Allowance (for Divyang Scholars)
- ₹2,000 per month (as per UGC rates)
Duration of Fellowship
- M.Phil: 2 years
- Ph.D.: 5 years
- Integrated M.Phil + Ph.D.: 5 years in total
How to Apply for NFST
Submissions will be made digitally through the official portal: https://fellowship.tribal.gov.in
Application Method
- Register on the National Tribal Fellowship Portal
- DigiLocker verification through Aadhaar is required.
- Fill Out Online Application Form
- Provide personal, academic, and admission details.
Upload Required Documents
- ST certificate
- Mark sheet of the PG
- Proof of date of birth
- Admission / Joining letter
- PVTG / Disability certificate (if applicable)
University Verification
- The university verifies the documents and the authenticity of the admission.
Ministry Verification
- MoTA will review the application and make note of any defects.
- The candidate will be required to rectify and resubmit.
Selection & Merit List
- The final merit list will be based on PG marks and priority of slots.
Documents Required
- Recent passport photo
- ST certificate/PVTG certificate
- 10th certificate (DOB proof)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Marksheets from Post Graduation (with percentage conversion if CGPA)
- Admission/Joining Certificate – M.Phil/Ph.D
- Admission offer-IIT/AIIMS/IIM/IISER (if applicable)
Selection Procedures for the NFST
Selection will be conducted on a merit-basis in accordance with the official guidelines:
1. Merit List Preparation
- The merit list will be based on the following criteria:
- Marks in Post Graduation
- Eligibility documentation
2. Approval by the University and the Ministry
- The application must be approved by both the University and the Ministry for final selection.
3. Categories of Priority (first priority to last)
- Divyang
- PVTG
- Women
- ST Others
4. Final Award List Publication
- Upon completion of the process, the final award list will be published on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Section of the Government of India Website.
5. Report and Documentation of Joining
- Selected candidates must submit their report of joining within one month of the start of the program.
Importance of NFST
- The NFST Fellowship is one of India’s most meaningful research fellowships for the Scheduled Tribe community in the country.
- This fellowship alleviates economic barriers and creates long-lasting pathways into academia for tribal members across multiple research disciplines.
- With full funding, scholars can commit to developing strong research, publishing work, conducting field research, and contributing to academia and the tribal development sector.
- The fellowship creates opportunities for representation, diversity, and access for ST researchers within India’s top research institutions.
FAQs
1. What is the total yearly allotment for the fellowships?
Ans. 750 new M.Phil/Ph.D. fellowships.
2. What are the monthly awards for Ph.D.?
Ans. ₹31,000 for first 2 years, ₹35,000 for next 3 years.
3.Is a part-time Ph.D. allowed under NFST?
Ans. No, only full-time Ph.D. courses are allowed.
4. Is there a limit on income?
Ans. There is no income criteria.
5. What is the age limit?
Ans. 36 years as of 1 July 2026.
6. Does this scheme give preference to women or PVTG scholars?
Ans. Yes, there are reserved slots for Divyang, PVTG & Women.
Conclusion
The NFST Fellowship for 2026 continues to be an exceptional opportunity for ST students to engage in funded M.Phil/Ph.D. research at top universities across the country, complete with full financial support, an annual contingency, and Housing Rent Allowance (HRA). The fellowship enables early career researchers to further their academic research careers while making meaningful contributions to tribal development and indoctrination in national research.
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