Skip to content
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 Policies, schemes, jobs and law — tracked daily
Fellowship New Check UGC website for annual application dates

National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (UGC)

Ministry of Education

Published 18 September 2026

In short

This UGC fellowship gives persons with 40%+ disability pursuing M.Phil or PhD a monthly stipend at JRF/SRF rates plus HRA, contingency grant and disability-related allowances. Apply through the UGC website during the notified window.

Key facts

Offered by
Ministry of Education
Stipend
Junior Research Fellowship rate for the first two years and Senior Research Fellowship rate thereafter, plus contingency grant, HRA and additional disability-related allowances (reader, escort assistance).
Duration
Up to 5 years, covering the M.Phil/PhD duration
Location
India (at the enrolling university/institution)
Last date
Check UGC website for annual application dates

Persons with disabilities pursuing M.Phil and PhD get a monthly fellowship at UGC JRF/SRF rates, along with contingency grant, HRA, and additional allowances like escort/reader assistance, supporting research careers for scholars with disabilities in Indian universities.

The fellowship is administered by UGC with a fixed number of annual slots across all disciplines.

Who is eligible

  • Persons with 40% or more disability enrolled in or qualifying for M.Phil/PhD programmes at UGC-recognised universities
  • Qualified UGC-NET (including JRF) or equivalent, or enrolled through institutional PhD entrance

Frequently asked questions

What disability percentage is required for this fellowship?

40% or more disability, certified by a competent medical authority.

What additional support does this fellowship offer?

Reader and escort assistance allowances on top of the standard JRF/SRF stipend, HRA and contingency grant.

How do I apply for this fellowship?

Through the UGC website (ugc.gov.in) during the notified annual application period.

Before you apply: confirm every date, fee and eligibility rule on the official website linked on this page. Public and Policy is an independent portal, not a government body, and details change without notice.