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Education & Learning

Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC & Others)

The scheme aims to ensure the educational empowerment of OBC and EBC students. Through this scheme, fellowships and interest subsidies on overseas education loans are provided to eligible beneficiaries.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- The scheme provides 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships per year for eligible OBC students. Out of the total 1,000 slots, 750 fellowship slots are allocated for subjects covered under the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship. | - The remaining 250 fellowship slots are allocated for subjects covered under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship for Science streams. | - These 1,000 fellowship slots are over and above the number of Other Backwards Classes students selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government for University Grants Commission fellowships. | - Rate of fellowship: | - The rates of fellowship for JRF and SRF will be at par with the UGC Fellowships. Presently, these rates are as follows: | Fellowship in Science, Humanities and Social Science₹ 31,000/- PM for initial two years (JRF) ₹ 35,000/- PM for remaining tenure (SRF)Fellowship in Engineering & Technology₹ 31,000/- PM for initial two years (JRF) ₹ 35,000/- PM for remaining tenure (SRF)Contingency for Humanities & Social Science₹ 10,000/- PM for initial two years (JRF) ₹ 20,500/- PM for remaining tenure (SRF)Contingency for Science, Engineering & Technology₹ 12,000/- PM for initial two years (JRF) ₹ 25,000/- PM for remaining tenure (SRF)Escorts/Reader assistance (All Subjects)₹ 2,000/- PM in cases of physically and visually handicapped candidates | - The House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be on the UGC pattern and will be payable to those students who are not provided with hostel accommodation. In case hostel accommodation offered by the University/institution is refused, the student will forfeit his claim of HRA. Other facilities, such as medical facilities, leave, including maternity leave, will be governed as per the guidelines of the UGC in case of their fellowship programme.

Who can apply

The applicant must be a student belonging to the Other Backward Classes category.; The applicant should have qualified the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship or the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship, as per the relevant examination notifications.; The applicant should be eligible for the award of the National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes and should secure placement in a University, Indian Institute of Technology, or recognised institution.; The applicant should pursue a regular and full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programme in a recognised University or research institution.; The applicant should not be entitled to receive any other fellowship or similar financial benefit from the Central Government, State Government, University Grants Commission, or any other body offering similar benefits.; The applicant should commence the fellowship from the date of declaration of the National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes result or the date of joining the M.Phil. or Ph.D. programme, whichever is later, in applicable cases.; The applicant should note that the validity period of the Junior Research Fellowship offer is 3 years from the date of issue of the award letter.; The applicant’s fellowship tenure may be extended from Junior Research Fellow to Senior Research Fellow after 2 years, subject to satisfactory assessment of research progress as per University Grants Commission norms.; The total period of fellowship as Junior Research Fellow and Senior Research Fellow together should not exceed 5 years.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

How many fellowships are available under the scheme?

A total of 1,000 Junior Research Fellowships are awarded every year.

How are the fellowship slots distributed?

Out of 1,000 slots, 750 are allocated for UGC-NET JRF subjects and 250 for CSIR-UGC NET-JRF Science streams.

Is there any reservation for persons with disabilities?

Yes, 5% of the total fellowship slots are reserved for students with disabilities.

What is the objective of the scheme?

The objective of the National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes is to provide financial assistance in the form of fellowship to Other Backward Classes students for pursuing quality higher education and advanced research leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees, thereby promoting their educational empowerment through support for regular and full-time research programmes in recognised institutions.

Which authority implements the scheme?

The scheme is implemented by the University Grants Commission.

Who can apply for this fellowship?

Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes category who have qualified UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-UGC NET-JRF and are enrolled in a regular M.Phil. or PhD programme.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship is awarded for up to 5 years, including 2 years as Junior Research Fellow and up to 3 years as Senior Research Fellow, subject to satisfactory progress.

What is the fellowship amount?

The fellowship amount is ₹31,000/- per month for Junior Research Fellow and ₹35,000/- per month for Senior Research Fellow, as per University Grants Commission norms.

Are fellows entitled to House Rent Allowance?

Yes, House Rent Allowance is payable as per University Grants Commission norms if hostel accommodation is not provided.

Can a fellow receive another scholarship or fellowship simultaneously?

No, a fellow is not permitted to receive any other fellowship or similar financial benefit from any source during the tenure.

How is the fellowship amount paid?

The fellowship amount is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer into the beneficiary’s bank account after monthly confirmation by the host institution.

Can employed candidates apply for this fellowship?

No, employees of any University, Educational Institution, or Central, State, or Union Territory Government are not eligible, even if on study leave or Extraordinary Leave.