National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD)

Introduction of National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities: A Brief Insight

Students with disabilities may face additional challenges while pursuing higher education and research. Expenses related to travel, accessibility and daily needs can make the journey more difficult. The National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD) provides financial support to eligible scholars so they can focus on their research and academic goals.

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, administers the fellowship with the involvement of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The scheme began in 2012-13 as the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities and now follows the selection process prescribed under the applicable guidelines.

The fellowship aims to help eligible scholars with disabilities pursue M.Phil. or Ph.D. research and prepare for careers in teaching and research. The scheme information lists 200 fellowships every year.

Selected scholars receive ₹37,000 per month as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) during the first two years. After a satisfactory assessment, they may receive ₹42,000 per month as Senior Research Fellows (SRF) for the remaining approved tenure, subject to the scheme rules.

The fellowship may continue for up to five years for Ph.D. research, subject to the applicable conditions. Scholars may also receive an annual contingency grant, eligible House Rent Allowance (HRA), escort or reader assistance for qualifying disabilities, and permitted leave benefits. Payments are processed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after the required formalities.

Applicants must generally have a benchmark disability of 40% or more and a valid disability certificate. They must also meet the applicable examination requirements and possess a Unique Disability ID (UDID), wherever required under the scheme guidelines. The supplied scheme information states that there is no income limit.

Eligible candidates must pursue a regular, full-time Ph.D. programme or an M.Phil. course permitted under the applicable guidelines, such as Clinical Psychology or Psychiatric Social Work where eligible. Candidates who have not secured admission must follow the prescribed admission deadline stated in the fellowship rules.

To prepare, candidates can visit the Official UGC NET portal to check examination details. They should also monitor the DEPwD Scholarship and Fellowship Notices for the application schedule, eligibility conditions and submission procedure. Keep your disability certificate, UDID and educational documents ready before applying.

Scholars who qualify for JRF can also explore the Junior Research Fellowship in Science, Humanities and Social Sciences. Single girl children pursuing doctoral studies can read about the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child, while eligible students in technical courses can explore the AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme.

Students, researchers, persons with disabilities and others seeking education assistance or welfare programmes can explore the available options on our List of Welfare Schemes of Central Government page.

Latest Update on National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities

• Fellowship Rates Revised in 2023: The monthly fellowship increased to ₹37,000 for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and ₹42,000 for Senior Research Fellows (SRFs), effective from 1 January 2023, in line with UGC rates.
• UDID Card Requirement: Applicants and fellows must check the applicable guidelines for the mandatory Unique Disability ID (UDID) card requirement before applying or continuing their fellowship.
• Selected Scholars List for 2023–24: In 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) published the list of scholars selected for the 2023–24 round on its official website.
• M.Phil. Courses: The fellowship provisions for M.Phil. courses are limited to Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work, subject to the applicable guidelines and the permitted session period, stated as up to 2025–26.
• Next Application Round: Applicants should check the official DEPwD website and UGC notifications for announcements about the next application round. Confirm the latest status before relying on earlier updates.
• Prepare Documents in Advance: Keep your UDID card, disability certificate, qualifying examination details and Aadhaar-linked bank account information ready. Also check the latest notification for the complete list of required documents.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD) provides financial assistance to eligible scholars pursuing higher research studies. The fellowship covers monthly payments and research-related expenses, helping beneficiaries focus on their M.Phil. or Ph.D. without bearing the entire financial burden themselves.

• Monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for the first two years.
• Monthly fellowship of ₹42,000 as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the remaining approved tenure, subject to a satisfactory assessment.
• Total monthly fellowship payments of approximately ₹24 lakh over five years, excluding additional grants and allowances, subject to the applicable rules.
• Annual contingency grant of ₹10,000 during the JRF period and ₹20,500 during the SRF period for Humanities and Social Sciences scholars.
• Annual contingency grant of ₹12,000 during the JRF period and ₹25,000 during the SRF period for Science, Engineering and Technology scholars.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) according to applicable Government of India rules, subject to eligibility and institutional conditions.
• Monthly assistance of ₹2,000 for an escort or reader for eligible scholars with physical or visual disabilities, as specified under the applicable guidelines.
• Fellowship support for up to five years or until thesis submission, whichever occurs earlier, for eligible Ph.D. scholars. The permitted tenure for M.Phil. studies is up to two years, subject to the scheme rules.
• Leave benefits, including up to 30 days of leave per year, maternity or paternity leave on full fellowship, and academic leave without fellowship, subject to the applicable conditions.
• One transfer of the research institution or place of research during the fellowship tenure, subject to approval under the scheme rules.
• Fellowship payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account after the institution completes the required formalities.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD) supports eligible Indian candidates with benchmark disabilities who pursue higher research studies. Applicants must meet the disability, examination and course requirements and follow the fellowship rules to receive financial assistance.

• Must have a benchmark disability of 40% or more under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, supported by a valid disability certificate.
• Must possess a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, as required under the applicable fellowship guidelines.
• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Must qualify for UGC NET or the applicable UGC-CSIR Joint Test. Candidates with disabilities who apply for both JRF and NET but qualify only for NET may also be considered, subject to the scheme rules.
• Must pursue an M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Science, Humanities or Social Sciences through a regular, full-time programme at an eligible UGC-recognised institution or an Institution of National Importance.
• M.Phil. admission is limited to Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work for the eligible academic sessions specified under the applicable guidelines, including the 2025-26 session where permitted.
• Candidates who have not secured admission must obtain admission within three years from the date of the fellowship award, subject to the applicable rules.
• There is no income limit for applying for the fellowship.
• Employees of universities, colleges, educational institutions or Government departments are not eligible, even if they are on study leave, as stated in the scheme conditions.
• Must not receive another scholarship or stipend simultaneously where the fellowship rules prohibit it. Fellowship payments may stop if the candidate accepts another financial award.
• Must provide an Aadhaar-linked bank account and complete the required verification formalities for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Documents Required to be Attached

Candidates applying for the National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD) should keep their disability certificate, educational records and other relevant documents ready. As the final document requirements may vary according to the applicable notification, applicants should check the official guidelines before submitting their applications.

Documents Required for Application

• Disability certificate confirming a benchmark disability of 40% or more, issued by the competent medical authority under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• UDID card or enrolment details, as required under the applicable fellowship guidelines.
• UGC NET or UGC-CSIR examination result and certificate, as applicable to the candidate.
• Proof of admission or registration in a regular, full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programme, if already admitted or registered.
• Master’s degree certificate and marksheets.
• Aadhaar Card, if required for identity verification and fellowship-related formalities.
• Bank account details, including the account number and IFSC code, along with Aadhaar-linking details wherever required for fellowship payments.

Documents Required After Selection

• Joining Report and institutional certificate, completed with the required signatures of the candidate, research supervisor, Head of Department and Registrar, Principal or Director, as applicable.
• HRA certificate or other relevant documents, if the candidate claims House Rent Allowance under the applicable rules.
• Details of any other scholarship or fellowship received by the candidate, if requested, to verify compliance with the rules on receiving multiple financial benefits.
• Category certificate, if applicable and specifically required under the relevant notification.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

To apply for the National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD), candidates must meet the eligibility conditions, prepare their disability documents and qualify through the applicable examination process. They must then follow the fellowship application procedure announced by the concerned authority. As the availability of a new fellowship round may change, check the official UGC and DEPwD websites for the latest notification before applying.

Candidates who plan to qualify through UGC NET should also check the Official UGC NET portal for the current examination schedule, application dates and eligibility rules. Do not rely on an earlier deadline without checking the latest notification.

Get Your Disability Documents Ready

Step 1: Check your disability certificate and confirm that it records a benchmark disability of 40% or more, as required under the applicable rules.

Step 2: If you do not have a Unique Disability ID (UDID), visit the Official UDID portal to check the registration process and apply for your card.

Step 3: Keep your UDID card and disability certificate together. You may need to submit both during the fellowship application or verification process.

Step 4: Keep your Aadhaar card, bank account details and educational documents ready. Check the latest fellowship guidelines to confirm which identity and banking documents you must submit.

Step 5: Use the official scheme notification to confirm the current eligibility conditions and application procedure.

Qualify for NET-JRF

Step 1: Visit the official UGC NET portal to find the examination notification and application link.

Step 2: Read the information bulletin carefully. It explains the eligibility conditions, examination dates, application fee and other important rules.

Step 3: Fill in the online application form and select the appropriate examination category according to your eligibility and the instructions in the notification.

Step 4: Enter your disability-related details and upload the required certificate or other documents if the application form asks for them.

Step 5: Pay the applicable fee, submit the form before the deadline and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Step 6: Download your admit card when it becomes available and appear for the examination on the scheduled date.

Step 7: Check your result on the official NTA website. Download your scorecard or certificate, as applicable, and keep it safe for the next stage of the process.

Step 8: Check the fellowship guidelines to understand whether candidates who qualify for NET but not JRF can also be considered under a separate provision. Do not assume that qualifying NET automatically guarantees fellowship selection.

Apply When the Fellowship Application Round Opens

Step 1: Regularly check the Official DEPwD scholarship and fellowship notices and the UGC website for announcements about the fellowship.

Step 2: Read the latest notification before starting your application. It will explain who can apply, the closing date, the application portal and the documents you need to submit.

Step 3: Open the application portal specified in the notification. Register using your email address and mobile number if the portal requires a new account.

Step 4: Enter your personal details, disability information, examination details and research admission information in the relevant fields.

Step 5: Upload clear copies of your UDID card, disability certificate, educational records and other documents listed in the notification.

Step 6: Review the form carefully before submitting it. Correct any errors, submit the application before the deadline and save a copy of the completed form and acknowledgement.

Step 7: Check the official website for selection lists, document verification instructions and further updates. Follow the instructions provided to selected candidates.

Complete the Formalities After Selection

Step 1: If you have not yet secured admission, obtain admission to an eligible, regular, full-time research programme within the period specified in the fellowship guidelines and award letter.

Step 2: Complete the prescribed Joining Report with the required signatures from your research supervisor and authorised institutional officials.

Step 3: Submit the Joining Report, examination certificate, UDID card, disability certificate, bank details and other documents requested by your institution.

Step 4: Ask your institution’s fellowship section to complete the required payment formalities. If the notification directs the institution to use the Canara Bank scholarship portal, follow the institution’s instructions for submitting your details and processing payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Step 5: Complete the research progress assessment required under the fellowship rules. Your institution will explain when the assessment is due and which documents or reports you must submit.

Step 6: If you meet the conditions for upgradation and the assessment committee approves your progress, your fellowship may be upgraded from Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to Senior Research Fellow (SRF), subject to the applicable guidelines.

Important: Do not accept another scholarship, stipend or paid position without first checking the fellowship rules. Submit accurate information and genuine documents throughout the process. Providing false information or violating the conditions may lead to cancellation of the fellowship and recovery of payments, as permitted under the applicable rules.

National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities: Old Rules and Present Rules

The National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD) has undergone changes in its selection process, fellowship rates and documentation requirements. Older articles may still mention outdated conditions, which can confuse applicants. The table below highlights the key differences between the earlier and present rules described in the scheme information.

Applicants should check the latest official fellowship guidelines and the notification for the relevant application round before relying on any eligibility condition, fellowship rate or document requirement.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• National Fellowship For Persons With Disabilities (NFPwD) – Official Scholarship Notifications
• National Fellowship For Students With Disabilities – Scheme Details On myScheme
• UGC NET Application Portal – National Testing Agency
• UDID Portal – Apply For A Unique Disability ID Card
• National Fellowship For Persons With Disabilities – UGC Guidelines PDF
• UGC Student Corner – Fellowship And Scholarship Information
• Department Of Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities – Official Website

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Department: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Pt. Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, 5th Floor, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
• UGC Office: University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002
• UGC Phone: 011-23604446, 011-23604200
• UGC Email: contact.ugc@nic.in
• Institution Level: The research section or fellowship cell of your university, which sends your Joining Report and handles your claims on the portal
• For the NET Exam: The helpdesk of the National Testing Agency, whose numbers are in the information bulletin of the round

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.