The National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of Scheduled Tribe Students NFST is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Government of India. This scheme aims to promote higher education among ST students by providing financial assistance for pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D programs. For the academic year 2025-26 the application window is open from 1st August 2025 to 31st October 2025
What is NFST
NFST is a government-sponsored program designed to support ST students in their pursuit of higher education. It offers two main components
- National Fellowship Scheme Provides financial support to ST students pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D degrees
- National Scholarship Scheme Offers scholarships for ST students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in professional fields
Details About of NFST 2025-26
- Application Period 1st August 2025 – 31st October 2025
- Total Slots 750 new fellowships for M.Phil and Ph.D students
- Stipend Up to ₹35,000 per month for fellowship recipients
- Contingency Grant Up to ₹25,000 per annum
- Tuition and Admission Fees Covered under the scholarship scheme
- Mode of Application Online through the National Tribal Fellowship Portal
Read More: Wells Fargo Sophomore Discovery Fellowship Program 2025
Eligibility Criteria
National Fellowship Scheme
To be eligible for the fellowship
- Category Must belong to the Scheduled Tribe ST category
- Academic Qualification Must have completed a Postgraduate Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks
- Age Limit Should not be more than 36 years of age as of 1st July 2025
- Admission Must have secured admission in a regular and full-time M.Phil or Ph.D program in a university or academic institution recognized under the UGC Act
National Scholarship Scheme
For the scholarship
- Category Must belong to the ST category
- Course Must be pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in professional fields such as Management Medicine Engineering Information Technology Law etc
- Admission Must have secured admission in a recognized institution
- Income Limit The annual family income should not exceed ₹6,00,000
Application Process
Step 1 Registration
- Fellowship Register on the National Tribal Fellowship Portal
- Scholarship Register on the National Scholarship Portal
Step 2 Document Upload
Prepare and upload the following documents
- Photograph Recent colored passport-sized photograph
- Caste Certificate ST PVTG certificate issued by the competent authority
- Date of Birth Proof Class 10 Matriculation certificate
- Academic Certificates Postgraduate degree marksheet
- Admission Proof Admission or joining certificate for M.Phil or Ph.D program
- Bank Details Scanned copy of the bank passbook
Step 3 Application Submission
- Fellowship Complete the application form on the fellowship portal and submit
- Scholarship Complete the application form on the scholarship portal and submit
Benefits of NFST
National Fellowship Scheme
- Monthly Stipend Up to ₹35,000
- Contingency Grant Up to ₹25,000 per annum
- Tuition and Admission Fees Covered under the scholarship scheme
- Duration Fellowship duration aligns with the course duration
National Scholarship Scheme
- Tuition and Admission Fees Fully covered
- Other Benefits Additional allowances as per the scheme guidelines
Important Dates
- Application Start Date 1st August 2025
- Application End Date 31st October 2025
- Verification by Universities November 2025
- Final List Publication December 2025
FAQs
1 Can I apply for both fellowship and scholarship
No you can apply for either the fellowship or the scholarship not both
2 Is there any income limit for the fellowship
No the fellowship does not have any income criteria
3 How will the stipend be disbursed
The stipend will be disbursed directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the recipient
4 What if I am already receiving another scholarship
If you are already receiving another scholarship you must refund the amount and provide a No Objection Certificate NOC to be eligible for NFST
Conclusion
The NFST Fellowship 2025-26 is a significant initiative to empower ST students by providing financial support for higher education. By understanding the eligibility criteria application process and benefits eligible students can make informed decisions and take advantage of this opportunity. However it is crucial to be aware of the challenges such as potential delays in stipend disbursement and plan accordingly
Note For more information and updates regularly visit the official National Tribal Fellowship Portal and the National Scholarship Portal