National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities: Overview, Benefits, and Eligibility

The National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD) is a Central Government initiative designed to support eligible students with benchmark disabilities pursuing full-time research in India. Administered by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, with the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) acting as the implementing agency, the scheme aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education.

Key Financial Benefits and Allowances

Selected scholars under the NFPwD scheme receive monthly financial assistance, subject to scheme guidelines and satisfactory progress:

• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹37,000 per month for the first two years of research.
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): ₹42,000 per month for up to three additional years, following performance assessments.
• Contingency Grants: Annual grants vary by subject area, providing support for research materials and expenses.
• Allowances: Eligible scholars may receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) and ₹2,000 per month for escort or reader assistance.
• Leave and Medical Benefits: Standard UGC fellowship provisions for leave and medical facilities apply.

Selection Process and Allocation

The scheme provides 200 fellowships annually through recognized national examinations:

• 150 fellowships allocated via UGC-NET.
• 50 fellowships allocated via Joint CSIR-UGC NET.
• There is no separate standalone NFPwD application form initially; candidates qualify through these national tests and complete subsequent admission and verification formalities.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the NFPwD fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Disability Status: Must possess a benchmark disability of 40% or more under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, backed by a valid disability certificate and a Unique Disability ID (UDID).
• Academic Enrollment: Must be admitted to a regular, full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programme at a recognised Indian university or higher education institution.
• Employment Restrictions: Regular employees of universities, colleges, or government bodies are ineligible, even on study leave.
• Exclusivity: Recipients must not concurrently draw another prohibited fellowship or financial stipend.

Verification and Document Submission

Upon selection and admission, scholars must complete joining formalities through university nodal officers and the fellowship portal. Required documents typically include:

• Aadhaar card and linked bank account details
• Valid disability certificate and UDID card
• Academic mark sheets and admission proof
• Institution joining report and verification forms

For official updates, current guidelines, and detailed verification procedures, applicants should consult the official DEPwD scholarship section or the NDFDC portal.