Attention Single Girl Child! This Phd Scholarship is just for you
Support your PhD in social sciences with the Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship—eligibility and benefits inside
When you are thinking about going for a PhD in India, especially for women, it can be tough because it takes a long time, energy, and money. The University Grants Commission (UGC) gets it and has scholarships to assist students who need help.
This scholarship is not just about funding a PhD but it’s about empowering women, promoting gender equality, and sending a strong social message that girls also matter. It aims to encourage families to support their daughters’ higher education.
So, if you’re the only girl in your family and want to get a PhD in Social Sciences, this scholarship might be just what you are looking for. Let’s check out all the details, like who can apply, what you get, how to apply, and why it’s a big deal. For the latest updates, check out the official website.
- What is the Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship?
- Objectives of the Scholarship
- Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
- Financial Support
- How to Apply
- Selection Process
- Importance of the Scholarship
- Step-by-Step Application Tips
- Commonly Asked Questions
What is the Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship?
The Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship for Research in Social Sciences is a UGC-funded fellowship scheme. It is for female scholars who are the only daughters of their parents and are enrolled in a regular, full-time PhD program in Social Sciences at recognized institutions in India. The fellowship gives financial support for up to 5 years to cover living expenses, research costs, and other needs during the PhD journey.
The scheme is named after Swami Vivekananda, a visionary leader who believed in the power of education to transform individuals and societies. His emphasis on women’s empowerment and education makes him an ideal inspiration for this program.
Objectives of the Scholarship
Promoting Doctoral Education for Single Girl Children – Many families, especially in the countryside or poor areas, don’t really want to spend money on their daughters’ college education. This scholarship is there to give them support for their daughters’ dreams.
Small Families are Good
The scholarship also gives a positive message to families who just have one kid. This helps support the government’s plans for population control.
Girls are Important
In some places, girls are seen as a burden on the family’s money. This program is trying to change that thinking by showing that girls can achieve great things.
Social sciences research focuses on things like gender, community, culture, and how things grow.
Women’s Status in Society
This scholarship helps girls to do well in school and allow them to make their role and stand in their communities better.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
Before you start filling out forms, it’s important to check if you meet all the requirements.
Single Girl Child Status
You must be the only girl child of your parents. If you have brothers or sisters, you are not eligible. This status needs to be declared through an affidavit on ₹50 stamp paper.
PhD Enrollment in Social Sciences
You should be registered for a regular, full-time PhD program in Social Sciences.
Eligible institutions include:
Universities recognized under UGC Section 2(f) and 12(b)
Deemed-to-be Universities
Central and State Universities
Institutions of National Importance (like IITs, IISERs, etc., if they have social science departments)
Age Limit
General Category: Maximum 40 years at the time of application.
SC/ST/OBC/PwD: Maximum 45 years.
Transgender candidates are also eligible.
Mode of Study
Distance or part-time PhD students are not eligible.
Financial Support
The Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship offers a open financial package to ensure that scholars can focus fully on research without worrying about expenses.
Monthly Fellowship (Stipend)
₹25,000 per month for the first two years
₹28,000 per month for the remaining tenure
Contingency Grant (to cover books, research materials, travel for fieldwork, etc.)
₹10,000 per year for the first two years
₹20,500 per year thereafter
Support for PwD Scholars
Physically challenged awardees get ₹2,000 per month for escort/reader assistance.
Tenure
Maximum of 5 years OR until the PhD is completed—whichever is earlier.
No extension is provided beyond five years.
Accommodation Support
If you live in a university hostel, the scholarship covers the hostel fees.
If you stay outside, you may get House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government norms.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to details:
Check the UGC Portal
Every year, UGC announces the call for applications on its official website and in major newspapers.
Register Online
Visit the UGC online scholarship application portal and create your account.
Fill in the Form
Enter your personal, academic, and research details. Make sure everything matches your official records.
Upload Documents
Scan and upload all required documents.
Submit the Application
Review your details before final submission.
Documents Required
- Affidavit declaring you are a single girl child (on ₹50 stamp paper).
- Proof of PhD Registration in Social Sciences.
- UG & PG Certificates (mark sheets and degree certificates).
- Category Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates, if applicable).
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or school leaving certificate).
- Accommodation Proof
- Hostel accommodation certificate (if staying in hostel)
- HRA certificate (Annexure as per UGC format) if staying outside.
Selection Process
The UGC follows a transparent, merit-based selection process:
Expert Committee Review
All applications are screened by an expert committee appointed by UGC.
Merit List Preparation
Based on eligibility, research proposal, and academic record.
Award Letter
Selected candidates receive an official award letter through the UGC portal.
Joining & Activation
Once you receive the award letter, you must join and activate your fellowship within 3 months. If you delay beyond this period, your award is canceled.
Importance of this scholarship
The Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship isn’t just about money; it’s trying to change things for the better.
Crashing Gender Barriers: Not enough women are in top research jobs. This scholarship helps even things out.
Boosting Social Science Research: Research into subjects like society is super important for fixing problems. Backing women in this area brings in fresh ideas.
Helping Women Stand on Their Own Feet: This scholarship gives women the money they need to support themselves while they’re working on their PhDs. Shifting How People Think: When a single girl earns a PhD degree.
Step-by-Step Application Tips
To improve your chances of selection:
Prepare Your Affidavit Early
Getting the affidavit ready in advance will save you last-minute stress.
Ensure Your PhD Registration is Confirmed
Applications without proper registration proof are rejected.
Highlight Your Research Topic
A well-defined, socially relevant research proposal can make your application stand out.
Double-Check Eligibility
Many applications are rejected because candidates overlook small eligibility details.
Keep Soft Copies of Documents Ready
Ensure all files are clear, properly named, and in the required format before starting your application.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1: Who qualifies as a single girl child?
Ans: A female student with no siblings qualifies. This includes cases where the applicant is a twin or part of multiple births, provided there are no brothers or sisters.
Q2: Can part-time or distance education PhD students apply?
Ans: No. The scheme is strictly for full-time, regular PhD candidates.
Q3: What is the fellowship duration?
Ans: Maximum of 5 years or until the PhD is completed—whichever is earlier.
Q4: What happens if I don’t join within 3 months after selection?
Ans: Your award will be canceled automatically.
Q5: Do PwD candidates get extra benefits?
Ans: Yes. They receive an additional ₹2,000/month for escort or reader assistance.
Conclusion
The Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship for Research in Social Sciences does more than just give financial help, it helps the future of women and the nation. It helps smart young students deal with money problems, encourages families to see their daughters’ worth.
If you’re a single girl who’s really into social sciences, this scholarship might be your chance to really do something big in your area. Education has always many ways to change the world, and with support like this, you’ve got a great chance at making things better.
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