Higher education can be expensive, especially when pursuing research degrees like M.Phil. or Ph.D. To support students from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), the Government of India offers a dedicated scheme called the National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC). This fellowship provides financial assistance to eligible students so they can focus on their research without financial stress.
What is the NF-OBC Fellowship?
The National Fellowship for OBC Students is a central government scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, implemented through the University Grants Commission (UGC). It helps OBC students pursue full-time M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs in universities or colleges recognized by the UGC.
Who Can Apply?
A student can apply for the NF-OBC Fellowship only if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Belong to the OBC category (non-creamy layer)
- Have a postgraduate degree in the relevant subject
- Be unemployed at the time of applying
- Be admitted to a full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. program in a recognized university/institution
- Have an annual family income below ₹6 lakh
- Be NET-JRF qualified (UGC or CSIR)
Key Features of the Fellowship
| Particulars | Benefits |
| Number of Fellowships | 1,000 per year |
| Duration | M.Phil. – 2 years Ph.D. – 5 years |
| Stipend for JRF (1st 2 yrs) | ₹25,000/month |
| Stipend for SRF (3rd–5th yrs) | ₹28,000/month |
| Disability Assistance | ₹2,000/month (for PwD candidates) |
Documents Required
While applying, you may need to provide:
- Caste certificate (OBC – non-creamy layer)
- Income certificate (below ₹6 lakh per annum)
- NET-JRF scorecard
- Postgraduate degree certificates
- Admission/enrollment letter for M.Phil./Ph.D.
- Aadhar-linked bank account details
Application Period
The application period for this fellowship usually starts with the month of October to December.
Selection Process
Automatic consideration: No separate application—candidates qualifying for NET-JRF are shortlisted based on merit, typically twice yearly. The final selection depends on your NET-JRF score, your admission status in a recognized university, and your reservation category (OBC).
How to Apply
If you want to get the National Fellowship for OBC students, you first need to apply for the UGC NET-JRF or CSIR JRF exam. Here is the step-by-step process to apply for the UGC NET-JRF exam.
- Go to https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in and click on “UGC NET” under Quick Links.
- Fill out the online form and save your application number.
- Upload your photo and signature in the correct size and format.
- Pay the exam fee online using SBI MOPS and keep the receipt.
- Take 4 printouts of the confirmation page after payment.
If you’re an OBC student with research aspirations, the NF-OBC Fellowship is a golden opportunity. Prepare for and clear the NET JRF exam, secure your admission into an M.Phil. or Ph.D. program, and let the fellowship take care of your financial needs during the research journey.
