A 33-year-old Ph.D. scholar from Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district has described how a central fellowship helped him continue his research, in a case study published by the Social Justice Ministry. The name in the study has been changed to Rahul Kumar.
He comes from a Below Poverty Line family and had faced a shortage of resources. He also cites misleading information and institutional practices, including regulations outside the University Grants Commission framework.
The support
In July 2023 he began receiving help under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC). The assistance, including fellowship support and House Rent Allowance, amounts to ₹45,700. He says it was far beyond his expectations and let him focus on his doctoral work.
What the ministry says
The ministry presents the case as an example of how targeted fellowships reduce financial barriers and widen access to higher education. This is a single case study, not data on how many scholars are helped or on outcomes of the scheme.
Source: official release by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (06 NOV 2026 3:15PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: A Journey Towards Academic Achievement Through the NFSC Fellowship.
How we verified this
VerifiedEvery fact, figure and quotation is taken from the official PIB release (Release ID 2333562) issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on 06 NOV 2026 3:15PM by PIB Delhi; checked against the source on publication. Story written by BDT from that release; no outside facts added.
Sources
- 1.A Journey Towards Academic Achievement Through the NFSC Fellowship — Press Information Bureau, Government of India
