The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has highlighted how the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme helped a scholar from Assam complete doctoral studies despite facing poverty and geographic isolation. The case of Dr. Abinash Mandal, a 33-year-old from Udalguri district, shows how fellowship support can remove financial obstacles for students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing advanced degrees.
The Support and Its Impact
Dr. Mandal received NFSC assistance between 2020 and 2024 while pursuing his Ph.D. at Pondicherry University. As a Junior Research Fellow, he received Rs 37,000 per month. When he progressed to Senior Research Fellow status, this amount increased to Rs 42,000 monthly.
The financial help allowed him to:
- Conduct full-time doctoral research without depending entirely on family resources
- Purchase quality research materials and academic resources
- Attend academic conferences and seminars
- Publish research in international journals
- Present work at institutions including IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Indore and IIT Delhi
Coming from an aspirational district with limited access to advanced educational facilities, Dr. Mandal faced additional challenges beyond financial hardship. Geographic remoteness and social barriers linked to his marginalised background created obstacles that the fellowship helped overcome.
What This Means for You
If you belong to a Scheduled Caste community and are pursuing or planning doctoral research, the NFSC Scheme can provide monthly financial support to sustain your studies. The fellowship reduces pressure to work while studying, allowing you to focus fully on research and building an academic career. Dr. Mandal’s example shows that students from remote areas and economically weaker sections can use this support to achieve advanced qualifications and secure positions in higher education institutions, ultimately contributing back to their communities through teaching and research.