Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2024: Apply Online & Eligibility

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Apply Online & Application Form | Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Check Benefits & Features | Beneficiary Category & Last Date | Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Check Selection & Implementation Procedure | Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Check Eligibility & All Details |

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) program, initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, provides financial assistance to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) students in higher education. Eligible candidates can apply before the deadline for this esteemed fellowship opportunity. The last date to apply online will be updated here.

This article will provide you with all types of information about the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2024 like purpose, Eligibility Criteria, Benefits, Features, important documents, etc. Apart from this, we will share the process to apply online for this fellowship. To get complete information about this fellowship, read this article till the end.

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) is a prestigious program by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It provides financial assistance to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) students pursuing higher education. The fellowship supports various degrees and offers a stipend amount. Eligible categories can apply to receive this esteemed fellowship opportunity.

The Indian government’s Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship plays a major role in enhancing higher education and research among students coming from marginalized communities. Through financial aid and advanced study opportunities, the fellowship aims to empower SC and ST students to actively contribute to the nation’s development. This initiative is a significant stride towards establishing a more inclusive and fair education system in India.

Highlights of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2024

The highlights of this fellowship are as follows:- 

Objectives of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2024

The primary objective of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is to encourage students from SC and ST communities to pursue higher education and research in various fields. The fellowship program supports students in their pursuit of M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in recognized universities and institutions across India. By providing financial assistance, the fellowship aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and enable them to focus on their studies and research.

Another objective of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is to promote higher education among SC and ST students and encourage them to pursue research in various disciplines. The fellowship aims to provide opportunities for these students to engage in advanced studies and research, thereby enabling them to contribute to the development of the nation.

Beneficiary Category

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is open to students from SC and ST communities who have secured admission in M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs. The fellowship provides financial support in the form of a monthly stipend, contingency grant, and other benefits. The program covers a wide range of disciplines, including sciences, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and technology. It encourages students to pursue research in areas that contribute to the development and welfare of marginalized communities.

Application Enrollment Last Dates

The application enrollment for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship opens in July every year. Interested students can apply online through the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The last date for application submission is usually in September. It is important for students to carefully read and understand the eligibility criteria and guidelines before applying for the fellowship.

Selection Procedure

The selection procedure for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship involves a rigorous evaluation process. The applications are scrutinized by a selection committee, which assesses the academic qualifications, research proposal, and other relevant factors. Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview or presentation, where they are evaluated based on their knowledge, research aptitude, and potential contribution to their respective fields of study.

Application Process

The application process for this fellowship typically involves the following steps:-

• Notification: The fellowship is advertised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) through a notification on their official website and other relevant channels.
• Online Application: Eligible candidates need to submit their applications online through the designated portal within the specified deadline.
• Document Verification: After the application submission, the UGC verifies the documents provided by the applicants to ensure their eligibility.
• Selection Process: The selection of candidates is based on a merit list prepared by the UGC, considering factors such as academic performance, research proposal, and availability of funds.
• Final Approval: The selected candidates are then recommended for the fellowship, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Implementation Procedure

Once selected, the implementation procedure of the fellowship is carried out by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The UGC disburses the fellowship amount directly to the selected candidates’ bank accounts every month. The fellowship also provides additional financial support for research-related expenses, such as books, equipment, fieldwork, and conference attendance.

Supervision Body

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is supervised by the University Grants Commission, which ensures the smooth implementation and adherence to the guidelines. The UGC monitors the progress of the fellows and provides necessary support and guidance throughout their research journey. The supervision body plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective utilization of the fellowship funds and the overall success of the program.

Duration of the Fellowship

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is typically awarded for a period of up to five years, depending on the duration of the research program. The fellowship can be extended for a maximum of two years for M.Phil. candidates and four years for Ph.D. candidates, subject to certain conditions and the availability of funds.

Financial Assistance

One of the primary benefits of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is the financial assistance it provides to eligible students. The fellowship covers the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and other incidental expenses. It also includes a monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship, which helps students focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.

Research Grant

In addition to financial assistance, the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship also provides a research grant to the selected candidates. This grant can be used to cover research-related expenses, such as purchasing books, and equipment, or conducting fieldwork. The research grant plays a crucial role in supporting the research endeavours of the fellows and helps them carry out high-quality research.

Reservation

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship program has a reservation policy in place to ensure equal opportunities for students from SC and ST backgrounds. As per the policy, 15% of the fellowships are reserved for SC candidates and 7.5% for ST candidates. This reservation policy aims to promote inclusivity and provide a level playing field for students belonging to marginalized communities.

Guidance Facilitation

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship program not only provides financial assistance but also offers guidance and mentorship to the fellows. Each fellow is assigned a mentor who provides academic and research guidance throughout the fellowship period. The mentor plays a crucial role in shaping the research direction of the fellow and provides valuable insights and support.

Professional Development

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship program recognizes the importance of professional development for the fellows. Various workshops, seminars, and conferences are organized to enhance the research and professional skills of the fellows. These opportunities enable the fellows to network with experts in their field, learn from their experiences, and stay updated with the latest developments in their area of study.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is an essential aspect of any academic or professional journey. The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship program provides ample networking opportunities to the fellows. They get the chance to interact with fellow researchers, scholars, and experts from diverse backgrounds. These interactions not only broaden their horizons but also pave the way for future collaborations and partnerships.

Recognition

The RGNF program recognizes the achievements and contributions of the fellows. The successful completion of the fellowship is acknowledged through certificates and awards. This recognition not only boosts the confidence of the fellows but also adds value to their academic and professional profiles.

Key Guidelines

Key Guidelines for the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship:-

• Applicants must belong to the SC or ST category.
• They should have secured admission to a recognized M.Phil. or Ph.D. program.
• The fellowship is available for full-time research only.
• The duration of the fellowship is five years for an M.Phil. and four years for a Ph.D.
• Selected candidates must not be employed or pursuing any other course.
• The fellowship amount is subject to income criteria set by the Government of India.
• Regular progress reports and submission of research work are mandatory.
• Fellows are expected to contribute to the development of their respective communities.
• Change of research topic or institution requires prior approval.
• Fellows must abide by the rules and regulations of the fellowship program.

Benefits of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2024

The benefits of this fellowship are as follows:-

• Financial Support: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other research-related expenses.
• Research Grant: Provides a research grant of up to Rs. 25,000 per annum for fieldwork and data collection.
• Increased Stipend: Offers a higher stipend compared to other scholarships for focused study.
• Study Leave: Allows study leave for up to two years, allowing full dedication to research.
• Contingency Grant: Provides up to Rs. 10,000 per annum for research-related expenses.
• Travel Allowance: Includes travel allowance for attending conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Mentorship: Assigns experienced mentors for guidance throughout the research journey.
• Networking Opportunities: Offers opportunities to interact with renowned scholars and experts.
• Recognition: Adds prestige to academic profiles, enhancing career prospects.
• Continued Support: Provides support for a maximum of five years, allowing ample time to complete research and pursue academic goals.

Features Of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship 2024

The features of this fellowship are as follows:-

• Financial Assistance: The fellowship provides financial assistance to cover various expenses such as tuition fees, maintenance allowance, contingency grant, and escort/reader assistance.
• Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must belong to SC/ST categories, have a postgraduate degree, and be registered for a full-time M.Phil. or PhD program in a recognized university/institution.
• Selection Process: The selection of candidates is done through a national-level entrance examination conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Duration: The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of five years for M.Phil. students and four years for Ph.D. students, subject to satisfactory progress.
• Research Grant: The fellowship provides a research grant to cover expenses related to fieldwork, data collection, and analysis.
• Reservation: The fellowship ensures the reservation of seats for SC/ST candidates in each subject and category.
• Guidance: The fellowship offers guidance and mentoring support to the scholars through experienced supervisors and research guides.
• Professional Development: Scholars are encouraged to participate in seminars, conferences, and workshops to enhance their research skills and knowledge.
• Networking Opportunities: The fellowship provides opportunities for scholars to interact and collaborate with other researchers and experts in their field of study.
• Recognition: Being a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship adds prestige to the scholar’s academic profile and opens doors to various career opportunities.

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Eligibility Criteria 

The applicants will need to follow the below-mentioned points to apply online for this fellowship:-

• They must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category as specified by the Indian government.
• They must have completed their postgraduate studies and be enrolled in a full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. program in a recognized university or institution.
• Their annual family income should not exceed the prescribed limit set by the government.

Important Documents 

Some of the important documents required to apply online for this fellowship are as follows:-

• Aadhar Card
• Residence Certificate
• Caste cert (PDF, JPG, GIF)
• Handicap cert (if applicable)
• PG mark sheet (PDF, JPG, GIF)
• Dept/Inst. certificate for fellowship facilities
• Income Certificate 
• Educational Certificates 
• Bank Account Details 
• Latest Passport Size Photos 
• Mobile No
• Email ID 

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Apply Online 2024 

The applicants will need to follow the below-mentioned points to apply online:- 

• Click on the provided link to download the official scholarship notification.
• Carefully read the details mentioned in the notification.
• Click on the given link to go to the official Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship website.
• The homepage of the organization will be displayed on your screen.
• Find and click on the “Apply Now” button on the menu bar.
• The registration form for the scholarship will appear.
• Complete the registration by providing your details.
• Successfully apply for the scholarship by uploading all required documents.

Edit/Print Application Form

The applicants will need to follow the below-mentioned points to edit or print the application form:-

• Visit the official website again.
• Select the “Edit/Print” option.
• A new application form will appear on the screen.
• Enter details like registration number, date of birth, etc.
• Select the “Search” option.

Check Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Result

The applicants will need to follow the below-mentioned points to check the results:-

• Go to the official website.
• Select the “Result & Award Letter” option.
• A new application form will appear.
• Enter details like registration ID, date of birth, etc.
• Select the “Show Result” option.

Contact Information

In case of queries and questions come to your mind regarding the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship, then you may contact the below-mentioned phone no and email ID:- 

• Office Address:- 
  • University Grants Commission (UGC), 
  • Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, 
  • ITO Metro Gate Number 3 Road, 
  • New Delhi, 
  • Delhi 110002
• Phone No:- 0120-6895200