1070 OBC students benefitted from National Fellowship Scheme in 2022-23, highest in 5 years: Govt

As per the data released in Rajya Sabha, 324 students benefitted in the 2018-19 financial year which increased to 810 students in 2019-20. Further, the number increased to 722 in the 2020-21 financial year and 831 in the 2021-22.

The existing rates under NF-OBC have been revised at par with UGC fellowships w.e.f from January 1, 2023:

Know how much about is disbursed in the five years for the OBC students. Express photo by Partha Paul/ representational image

A total of 1070 Other Backward Class (OBC) students benefitted from the National Fellowship Scheme of the Centre in the 2022-23 financial year. This is the highest number of beneficiaries in the past five years. This data was today shared by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in a written reply.

As per the data released in Rajya Sabha, 324 students benefitted in the 2018-19 financial year, and 810 students in 2019-20. Further, the number increased to 722 in the 2020-21 financial year and 831 in the 2021-22.

The total number of Junior Research Fellows under the scheme for the last five years is as follows. (Data credit: pib.gov.in)

The aim of the National Fellowship Scheme of Government for OBC students is their educational empowerment by way of awarding fellowship (financial assistance) in obtaining quality higher education, the minister informed. The scheme is designed to provide a total number of 1000 Junior Research Fellowships per year to undertake advanced studies and research leading to an MPhil /PhD degree, who have qualified in the following tests:

National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or

2. UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF Joint Test (for Sciences)

Read | Over 1500 OBC students benefitted from MPhil, PhD scholarships in 2022: Govt

The existing rates under NF-OBC have been revised at par with UGC fellowships w.e.f from January 1, 2023:

For JRF (Junior Research Fellowship):- From Rs 31,000 per month for 2 years to Rs 37,000 per month for 2 years
For SRF (Senior Research Fellowship):- From Rs 35,000 per month for remaining tenure to Rs 42,000 per month for remaining tenure.