Scope of the Scheme The objective of the scheme is to provide fellowships in the form of financial assistance to Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) to pursue higher studies leading to M.Phil/Ph.D in Science, Humanities or Social Science, in Indian Universities/Institutions/Colleges recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC). The scheme provides for award of fellowships to 200 Fellows each year. Out of the total 200 slots available for the Students with Disabilities, 75% scholars Page 13 of 60 (i.e. 150) will be selected based on National Eligibility Test-Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and remaining 25% scholars (i.e. 50) will be selected based on UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF joint test. However, the slot is transferable between UGC-NET and CSIR-NET to the extent of the total no. of slot, in case sufficient no. of eligible scholars is not available in one category. Note: M.Phil courses under this scheme will be restricted to those allowed by UGC from time to time. Though UGC discontinued M.Phil programme as per NEP, 2020, it has conveyed through public notice dated 30th January, 2024, that students can be admitted to an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology and M.Phil in Psychiatric Social Work programmes byHEIs till 2025-26 academic session only and the decision regarding M.Phil courses by the UGC will be applicable to NFPwD. Institutions covered All universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC); Central/State Universities (including constituent and affiliated institutions) included under Section 2(f) of UGC Act, 1956 and having valid accreditation from NAAC. Deemed Universities under Section 3 of UGC Act i.e. Institution for higher education notified by Central Government to be deemed University, in consultation with the UGC and having valid accreditation from NAAC. Institution fully funded by State/Central Government and empowered to award degrees. Institutions of National Importance as notified by Ministry of Education. Eligibility Fellowship is open to students with benchmark disability (i.e 40% or more disability) as defined in ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and having a valid certificate of disability as prescribed under rules issued by the competent authority. Fellowship holder under this scheme will not avail any other scholarship/stipend. No scholarship will be paid to the students under this scheme from the date he/she accepts any other scholarship/stipend. Fellowships shall be awarded to candidates for pursuing regular and full time M. Phil./Ph. D courses in Universities/Research Institutions After two years of joining the fellowship on the pattern of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), if the progress in the research work of the fellow is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended for a further period of three years on the pattern of Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) as per UGC Fellowship Guidelines issued from to time. Duration of Fellowship Name of the Course Maximum Duration M.Phil 2 years or submission of dissertation whichever is earlier Ph.D. 5 years from commencement of Fellowship or till submission of Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier M.Phil + Ph.D. 5 years from commencement of Fellowship or till submission of Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier Financial Assistance Fellowship for all subjects @ Rs. 37,000/- per month on the pattern/norm of JRF for in2 years.@ Rs. 42,000/- per month on the pattern/norm of SRF for subsequent period of maximum 3 years. Contingency (For Humanities, SocialSciences and Commerce) (including Arts/FineArts) @Rs.10000/-p.a. for initial two years@Rs.20500/-p.a. for remaining tenure Contingency (For Sciences and Engineering & Technology) @Rs.12000/-p.a. for initial two years@Rs.25000/-p.a. for remaining tenure Escorts/Reader assistance @Rs. 2000/- p.m. in cases of physically handicapped & blind candidates. HRA @ 9%, 18% and 27% to those students whoare not provided with hostel accommodation,in accordance with Govt. of India norms asapplicable in the research fellows are working. How to apply The selection for the award of fellowship to students will be made on the basis of scores/merit obtained in UGC National Eligibility Test (UGC- NET) and UGC Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC- CSIR) tests conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). The merit list will be prepared by NTA on all India basis from amongst the eligible candidates belonging to the category of ‘benchmark disability’ who apply for both- JRF and NET, but qualify for NET only Source: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities