The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC), offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC), supports eligible single girl children pursuing a regular, full-time Ph.D. in any subject. Selected scholars receive ₹37,000 per month for the first 2 years and ₹42,000 per month thereafter, for a maximum of 5 years. The age limit is 40 years for General category applicants and 45 years for eligible reserved-category applicants. UGC announces application rounds through its official channels.
Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC) Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC) |
| Scheme Level | Central Government |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Implementing Organisation | University Grants Commission (UGC), Selection and Awards Bureau |
| Year of Introduction | 2022, replacing the Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship |
| Scheme Type | Ph.D. Research Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | Single girl children, including eligible twin or fraternal twin daughters |
| Eligible Course | Regular, full-time Ph.D. in any subject or stream |
| Age Limit | Up to 40 years for General category applicants and up to 45 years for eligible SC, ST, OBC and PwD applicants |
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | ₹37,000 per month for the first 2 years |
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | ₹42,000 per month after the first 2 years, subject to satisfactory research assessment |
| Annual Contingency Grant | Humanities and Social Sciences: ₹10,000 for the first 2 years and ₹20,500 thereafter; Science, Engineering and Technology: ₹12,000 for the first 2 years and ₹25,000 thereafter |
| Additional Benefits | Eligible HRA, ₹3,000 per month for escort or reader assistance for eligible scholars with disabilities, and applicable leave benefits |
| Fellowship Duration | Up to 5 years or until thesis submission, whichever is earlier |
| Key Document | Affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper in the prescribed format, attested by an SDM, First Class Magistrate or Tahsildar |
| Application Mode | Online through the UGC Fellowship and Research Grant portal |
| Application Announcement | Through UGC notifications and other official announcements; check the latest notice for application dates |
| Payment Method | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, subject to prescribed requirements |
| UGC Contact Numbers | 011-23604446, 011-23604200 |
| UGC Email | contact.ugc@nic.in |
| Official Application Portal | UGC Fellowship and Research Grant Portal |
Introduction of Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child: A Brief Insight
A girl who is the only child of her parents often carries the hopes and dreams of her entire family. However, pursuing a Ph.D. requires years of dedicated research, and full-time scholars may have limited opportunities to earn. The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC) aims to support such daughters in pursuing their research goals.
The University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, administers the fellowship through its Selection and Awards Bureau. Introduced in 2022, it replaced the earlier Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship and expanded research support to Ph.D. scholars across all streams, rather than limiting it to Social Sciences.
The fellowship aims to promote higher education among single girl children and encourage the small-family norm. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of the single girl child and encourage her participation in higher education and research.
Selected scholars receive ₹37,000 per month as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) during the first 2 years and ₹42,000 per month as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) thereafter, subject to the required assessment. The fellowship can continue for up to 5 years. Scholars may also receive an annual contingency grant, HRA and applicable leave benefits. The fellowship amount is transferred directly to the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, subject to the prescribed requirements.
The applicant must be the only girl child of her parents, although eligible twin daughters can also apply. She must pursue a regular, full-time Ph.D. at an eligible institution and meet the applicable age limit of 40 years for the General category or 45 years for SC, ST, OBC and PwD categories. A girl whose family has one or more sons does not qualify under the stated single girl child conditions.
Applicants must apply online through the UGC portal and submit an affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper in the prescribed format, attested by an SDM, First Class Magistrate or Tahsildar. UGC announces application rounds through its official channels. As no new round has opened according to the available information, eligible scholars can prepare their documents in advance. For assistance, they can email contact.ugc@nic.in or call 011-23604446.
Parents planning for their daughter’s future can also explore the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Girls pursuing technical education can check the Pragati Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students, while orphaned students can learn about the Swanath Scholarship Scheme.
Students, researchers, parents and others looking for educational assistance or welfare benefits can explore more Central Government programmes on our Central Government Welfare Schemes List page.
Latest Update on Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child
- 2022: The University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child as a replacement for the Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship. The new fellowship covers Ph.D. research across all subjects.
- Fellowship Rates: The UGC’s 2022 guidelines mention monthly rates of ₹31,000 and ₹35,000, while the current scheme page lists ₹37,000 per month for the first 2 years and ₹42,000 thereafter. Applicants should check the latest official guidelines to confirm the applicable rates.
- 27 October 2026: The UGC website was updated, and its scheme page displays the current fellowship rates and links to the Fellowship and Research Grant portal.
- Existing Fellows: Selected scholars can check fellowship payment-related requirements through the UGC Canara Bank scholarship portal.
- New Application Round: No new application round has been announced in the information available. Applicants should regularly check the official UGC scheme page, UGC circulars and official announcements for updates.
- Prepare in Advance: Keep your documents ready, including the single girl child affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper, attested by an SDM, First Class Magistrate or Tahsildar in the prescribed format.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC) provides financial support to eligible scholars pursuing full-time Ph.D. research. The fellowship covers monthly financial assistance, research expenses and other eligible allowances throughout the approved tenure.
- Monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 for the first 2 years as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF).
- Monthly fellowship of ₹42,000 for the remaining tenure as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF), subject to satisfactory research progress.
- Total monthly fellowship of approximately ₹24 lakh over 5 years, excluding additional grants and allowances.
- Annual contingency grant of ₹10,000 for the first 2 years and ₹20,500 thereafter for Humanities and Social Sciences scholars.
- Annual contingency grant of ₹12,000 for the first 2 years and ₹25,000 thereafter for Science, Engineering and Technology scholars.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) according to Government of India rules or hostel-related provisions, as applicable.
- Monthly assistance of ₹3,000 for escort or reader support for eligible scholars with disabilities.
- Fellowship payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, subject to the required monthly claims and verification.
- 30 days of earned leave per year and maternity leave once during the fellowship, with full fellowship as per the applicable rules.
- Intermittent breaks of up to 1 year in total, which may be taken in up to 3 spells without extending the fellowship tenure.
- Books and equipment purchased using the contingency grant remain with the institution after the fellowship ends.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC) supports eligible women pursuing full-time Ph.D. research. Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the fellowship.
- The applicant must be a single girl child with no brother or sister.
- Twin daughters or fraternal twin daughters are also eligible.
- A girl with one or more brothers is not eligible.
- The applicant must be pursuing a regular, full-time Ph.D. in any subject. Part-time, distance-mode and open-mode Ph.D. programmes are not covered.
- The applicant must be up to 40 years of age in the General category or up to 45 years in the SC, ST, OBC or PwD category, as on the last date of the online application.
- The applicant must be enrolled in an eligible institution, such as a qualifying Central or State university, a NAAC-accredited deemed university, a fully Government-funded degree-awarding institution or an Institution of National Importance.
- Non-teaching employees of universities, colleges or Government departments are not eligible, even if they are on study leave. The fellowship does not cover M.Phil. programmes.
- The applicant can receive only one fellowship at a time. Anyone receiving another scholarship must declare it and follow the applicable rules if selected.
- Applicants who have previously received a Ph.D. fellowship or failed to complete their research during an earlier fellowship are not eligible.
- The applicant must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive fellowship payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Documents Required to be Attached
Keep the following documents ready for the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC). Check the latest UGC notification for the final document requirements before applying.
Documents Required at the Time of Application
- Affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper, attested by an SDM, First Class Magistrate or Tahsildar
- Guardian’s affidavit, if both parents are no longer alive
- Passport-size photograph in JPG format, up to 1 MB
- Scanned signature in JPG format, up to 1 MB
- Postgraduate degree details and marks
- Ph.D. registration proof
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details
- Age proof and category certificate, where applicable
- Details of any other scholarship currently received
Documents Required After Selection
- Joining-cum-Verification Report
- Certificate by the Institution
- Monthly Confirmation Certificate
- Contingency Grant Claim Form
- HRA Certificate, where applicable
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
You can apply for the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC) online through the UGC Fellowship and Research Grant portal. After you submit the application, the concerned authorities verify your details and documents.
UGC announces application rounds through its official channels. As no new application round has opened yet, you can use the steps below to prepare your documents and understand the process before applications begin.
Get Ready Before the Round Opens
Step 1: Read the official SJSGC fellowship guidelines carefully to understand the eligibility conditions and application requirements.
Step 2: Check whether you meet all the conditions, including the single girl child requirement, full-time Ph.D. admission and applicable age limit.
Step 3: Ask your parents to prepare an affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper in the prescribed format.
Step 4: Get the affidavit attested by an SDM, First Class Magistrate or Tahsildar. Scan the document and keep the file size below 1 MB.
Step 5: Scan your passport-size photograph and signature in JPG format. Keep each file within 1 MB.
Step 6: Keep your postgraduate qualification details, Ph.D. registration proof and Aadhaar-linked bank account details ready.
Step 7: Regularly check the UGC fellowship scheme page and UGC circulars for the latest application notice and opening date.
Register and Log In on the UGC Portal
Step 1: Open the UGC Fellowship and Research Grant portal.
Step 2: When applications open, select the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child and click New User to register.
Step 3: Enter the required details and provide an active email address that you check regularly. UGC may use this address to send your login details and other updates.
Step 4: Upload your photograph and signature, check the details and click Submit. According to the stated portal instructions, you may not be able to change these details after submission.
Step 5: Check your email for the login ID and password sent by the portal.
Step 6: Log in using these details and change your password if the portal asks you to do so. Keep your new password safe.
Fill the Online Application Form
Step 1: Open your dashboard and check which sections you need to complete. The portal may use different colours or status indicators to show your progress.
Step 2: Click Eligibility Criteria, read the conditions carefully and confirm that you have understood the rules.
Step 3: Complete the eligibility form and upload the single girl child affidavit in the prescribed format.
Step 4: Check every entry before clicking Submit. The stated portal instructions indicate that you cannot edit the eligibility form after submission.
Step 5: Click Apply Now to open the application dashboard.
Step 6: Enter your postgraduate qualification details and submit the section after checking the information.
Step 7: Enter your Ph.D. details, upload the documents requested by the portal and submit the section.
Step 8: Read the declaration carefully. If the information is correct, tick the confirmation box and submit your application.
Step 9: Save or download your submitted application and keep a copy for future reference.
After You Are Selected
Step 1: Check the official UGC website for the selection list or other information about the result.
Step 2: If you are selected, log in to the portal and download your award letter.
Step 3: Follow the joining deadline mentioned in your award letter. The stated instructions specify that you must join your institution within 3 months of the award letter; otherwise, the award may be cancelled.
Step 4: Ask your institution about the required process for registering or linking your fellowship details on the UGC Canara Bank scholarship portal so that your fellowship payments can be processed.
Step 5: Complete the Joining-cum-Verification Report with your research supervisor, Head of Department and Registrar or Director, as applicable.
Step 6: Submit the Monthly Confirmation Certificate to your institution during the first week of each month, following the prescribed procedure, so that it can process your fellowship claim.
Important: Enter correct information and submit genuine documents. UGC may cancel the fellowship and recover payments with interest if it finds false information, subject to the applicable rules. For assistance, you can email contact.ugc@nic.in or call 011-23604446. Confirm the current contact details and application instructions through the official UGC website before proceeding.
Single Girl Child Fellowship: Old and New Scheme Compared
Students may come across information about both the earlier and current single girl child fellowships. The table below highlights the key differences between the Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship and the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC), which replaced it.
| Point of Comparison | Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship | Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects Covered | Ph.D. research in Social Sciences | Ph.D. research in any stream or subject, including Science and Engineering |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹25,000 for the first 2 years, followed by ₹28,000 | ₹37,000 for the first 2 years, followed by ₹42,000 |
| Contingency Grant | Applicable rates under the earlier fellowship | Different rates for Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science, Engineering and Technology |
| Status | Replaced in 2022 | Introduced in 2022 as its replacement |
Students planning to pursue a Ph.D. should refer to the current Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship guidelines for the latest eligibility conditions, fellowship rates and application updates. The earlier Swami Vivekananda fellowship should not be confused with the current scheme.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- SJSGC Fellowship Official Scheme Page – University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship Guidelines – Official UGC PDF
- UGC Fellowship and Research Grant Portal – Online Application
- UGC Circulars and Notices – Latest Fellowship Updates
- UGC Canara Bank Scholarship Portal – Fellowship Payment Services
- UGC Student Corner – Scholarships and Fellowship Schemes
- Ministry of Education, Government of India – Official Website
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Office: University Grants Commission (UGC), Selection and Awards Bureau, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002
- Phone: 011-23604446, 011-23604200
- Email: contact.ugc@nic.in
- Institution Level: The research section or fellowship cell of your university or institute, which checks your details and sends your claims every month
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. It is a fellowship offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to eligible single girl children pursuing a regular, full-time Ph.D. programme. It provides a monthly fellowship and a yearly contingency grant to support their research.
Ans. The University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, administers the fellowship through its designated authorities.
Ans. The Swami Vivekananda fellowship focused on research in Social Sciences, while the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship covers Ph.D. research in any subject, including Science and Engineering, subject to the scheme’s rules.
Ans. A selected scholar receives ₹37,000 per month for the first 2 years as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and ₹42,000 per month for the remaining tenure as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF), subject to the required assessment.
Ans. The fellowship can continue for up to 5 years or until the scholar submits her Ph.D. thesis, whichever occurs earlier. The tenure cannot exceed 5 years.
Ans. Humanities and Social Sciences scholars receive ₹10,000 annually for the first 2 years and ₹20,500 annually thereafter. Science, Engineering and Technology scholars receive ₹12,000 annually for the first 2 years and ₹25,000 annually thereafter.
Ans. Yes. Eligible scholars can receive HRA according to the applicable Government of India rules. Hostel-related provisions may apply to scholars staying in institutional hostels. Check the official guidelines for the conditions governing HRA.
Ans. A single girl child is a girl who has no brother or sister. The scheme also recognises eligible twin or fraternal twin daughters under its rules.
Ans. Yes. Twin or fraternal twin daughters can qualify under the scheme’s eligibility conditions.
Ans. No. A girl who has one or more brothers does not meet the single girl child requirement described under the scheme.
Ans. The age limit is up to 40 years for General category applicants and up to 45 years for applicants belonging to the SC, ST, OBC or PwD categories, as on the last date of the application, subject to the applicable rules.
Ans. The fellowship covers regular, full-time Ph.D. programmes in eligible subjects. Part-time, distance-mode and open-mode Ph.D. programmes are not covered. The fellowship is also not meant for M.Phil. programmes.
Ans. Eligible institutions include qualifying Central and State universities with valid NAAC accreditation, NAAC-accredited deemed universities, fully Government-funded degree-awarding institutions and Institutions of National Importance, subject to the official guidelines.
Ans. Non-teaching employees of universities, colleges or Government departments are not eligible under the stated conditions, even if they are on study leave.
Ans. No. A scholar can hold only one fellowship at a time. Applicants must disclose any other scholarship they receive and follow UGC’s applicable rules if selected.
Ans. Applicants who have previously received a Ph.D. fellowship, or failed to complete their research during an earlier fellowship, are not eligible under the stated conditions. Check the official guidelines for the precise rules.
Ans. It is an affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper, prepared in the prescribed format to confirm that the applicant is a single girl child. It must be attested by an SDM, First Class Magistrate or Tahsildar. If the parents are no longer alive, the guardian must provide the affidavit as required by the scheme.
Ans. Apply online through the UGC Fellowship and Research Grant portal when applications open. Register as a new user, complete the eligibility form, enter your postgraduate and Ph.D. details, upload the required documents and submit the declaration.
Ans. Check the official UGC fellowship page and UGC circulars for application announcements. No new application round has opened according to the information provided, so applicants should monitor official notices for updates.
Ans. UGC determines the number of available slots based on its applicable selection process and the eligible applications received. Check the latest official notification for the current number of awards.
Ans. Payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, subject to the required institutional verification and monthly claims.
Ans. No. The scholar’s research progress must undergo the prescribed assessment. If the assessment is satisfactory, the scholar may be upgraded to SRF. If the progress does not meet the required standard, the applicable JRF extension rules may apply.
Ans. The stated provisions include 30 days of earned leave per year, maternity leave once during the fellowship with full fellowship, an intermittent break of up to 1 year in total and academic leave without fellowship, subject to the applicable rules.
Ans. No. The Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child supports eligible postgraduate students, whereas the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship supports eligible single girl children pursuing Ph.D. research.
Ans. Yes. UGC may cancel the fellowship for reasons such as false information, plagiarism, misconduct or unsatisfactory research progress. It may also recover the amount paid, including interest where applicable, under the relevant rules.
Ans. You can email UGC at contact.ugc@nic.in or call 011-23604446. You can also contact your institution’s fellowship section. Confirm the current contact details through the official UGC website.
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.