The University Grants Commission (UGC) India is seeking applications for award of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) 2011-12 for scheduled class (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) candidates. The number of fellowships to be awarded include 2000 fellowships for SC candidates and 667 fellowships for ST candidates for the year 2011-12. With these scholarships, the SC/ST students are encouraged to undertake advanced studies in Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences in Indian universities and colleges for pursuing fulltime studies leading to M.Phil/ Ph.D degree.
This fellowship is applicable only for those SC/ ST candidates who are not availing of the benefit of JRF of UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET. Selection will be done on the basis of Merit.
Nature of Assistance Available under the Scheme
The tenure of fellowship is initially for two years under the RGNF Scheme. Before expiry of this period, the work of the Fellow will be evaluated by a Committee of three members comprising of Head of the Department, Supervisor and one outside subject expert to be constituted by the concerned Department of the /University/Institution/ College.
If the research work is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended further for a period of three years under the enhanced emoluments of the Rajiv Gandhi National Senior Research Fellowship (RGNSRF). The recommendation of the Committee shall be submitted to the UGC for upgradation to the level of RGNSRF.
The work done and the time spent on scholarships or fellowships of any agency other than the UGC will not be taken into account while considering the proposals for enhancement in the value of fellowship. The fellowship may be withdrawn if the work is not considered satisfactory or the candidate fails in any of the examinations related to Ph.D.
In case the work for the first two years is not found satisfactory, an additional year will be given to him/her for improvement. However, during this period he/she will be designated as Rajiv Gandhi National Junior Research Fellow.
In such cases work will be evaluated again before third year of the tenure, and if improvement is found, the Fellow will get two more years under the RGNSRF. Thus, the total period of fellowship (RGNJRF and RGNSRF) is for five years, with no further provision of extension.
Eligibility Condition
Only Indian citizens belonging to SC/ST categories are eligible for the fellowship.
Documents Required
– Scanned Copy of Caste Certificate (SC/ST)
– Scanned Copy of Master Degree Marksheet
– Declaration/Certificate from Head of Department/Institution or competent authority of the University/Institute/College to the effect of forwarding of application and necessary facilities will be provided to the candidates during research of M.Phil/Ph.D. respectively.
– Scanned Copy of Physical Disability (if required)
Last date for submitting the applications is August 30, 2011.
For more information and details, visit this link.
