UGC Scholarships 2023: Complete List, Eligibility Criteria, Application, Rewards

In the vast landscape of higher education, financial constraints should never be a roadblock to a student's dreams. Recognizing this fundamental principle, the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India established under the Ministry of Human Resource Development by the Government of India, has taken it upon itself to nurture the nation's academic talent by offering a diverse array of scholarships.

These UGC scholarships are more than just financial aid; they are the key to unlocking doors to higher education, empowering students to pursue their intellectual passions and reach new heights of knowledge and achievement. From undergraduate to postgraduate levels, from research to professional courses, the UGC scholarships cater to a wide spectrum of academic pursuits. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the invaluable contributions of the UGC scholarship programs and the transformative impact they have on the lives of students from diverse backgrounds across the nation.

Who Can Apply For UGC Scholarships?

UGC offers a number of scholarships, the eligibility criteria for which are listed below:
 

1. Post Graduate Merit Scholarship for PG Programs

Candidates eligible for this UGC scholarship must have successfully completed their undergraduate degrees in the following fields:

1. Life Sciences
2. Chemical Sciences
3. Physical Sciences
4. Mathematical Sciences
5. Earth Sciences
6. Social Sciences
7. Languages
8. Commerce

• They should have secured either first or second rank in their undergraduate degree.
• Applicants must be part of a full-time and regular master's degree course at a recognized university or college.
• The age of the applicant should not exceed 30 years at the time of admission to the postgraduate course.
• To qualify, students must have achieved a minimum aggregate of 60% marks in their undergraduate program.

Other Details:

• Application Window: August to November
• No. of Scholarships: 3,000

2. Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Research in Social Sciences
 

• This scholarship is exclusively designated for single girl children who are actively pursuing a full-time, regular PhD program in the field of Social Sciences.
• It is imperative that the candidate is enrolled in a recognized Indian college or university.
• Applicants falling under the General Category should ensure that they are below the age of 40, while candidates belonging to SC/ ST and PwD categories have an extended age limit of up to 45 years to apply for this scholarship. 
• Additionally, individuals who identify as Transgender are also considered eligible to avail of this scholarship opportunity.

3. Indira Gandhi Scholarship For PG Programs

• The upper age limit for female applicants seeking this UGC scholarship stands at 30 years.
• Additionally, to be eligible, the candidate must be the sole female child within her family. 
• Furthermore, she should be currently enrolled in a recognized university or college, pursuing a full-time postgraduate program. 

Other Details:

• Application Window: August to November
• No of Scholarships: 3,000

4. Post Graduate Scholarships for Professional Courses

• This UGC scholarship is for SC/ ST candidates only.
• This scholarship opportunity is available for candidates who are in the inaugural year of their postgraduate-level professional course.
• The course in which the candidate is currently enrolled must hold approval from a recognized regulatory body. Examples of such bodies include the Bar Council of India, RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India), PCI (Pharmacy Council of India), DCI (Dental Council of India), NCTIS (National Council for Teacher Education), MCI (Medical Council of India), Forensic Regulatory, INC (Indian Nursing Council), and ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).

Other Details:

• Application Window: August to November
• No of Scholarships: 1000

5. Special Scholarship Scheme Ishan Uday for NER

• This UGC scholarship opportunity is available to students who are residents of the North Eastern Region (NER) states and have successfully completed their 12th grade or its equivalent.
• Eligible students must have gained admission to a recognized institution, college, or university for a technical, professional, or general degree program.
• The total annual income of the student's family should not surpass INR 4.5 lakh.

Other Details:

• Application Window: August to November
• No of Scholarships: 10,000

6. Emeritus Fellowship

• This fellowship opportunity is available to exceptionally qualified and experienced educators who have retired from recognized institutions, colleges, or universities.
• Applicants must have made significant contributions to their careers through high-quality research and published works.
• Awardees of this fellowship are granted the opportunity to work with a clearly defined, time-bound action plan until they reach the age of 70 years.

Other Details:

• Application Window: NA
• No of Scholarships: 200

7. Dr. S. Radharkrishnan Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences

• The fellowship opportunity is accessible to young researchers who are currently unemployed and are under the age of 35 before the online application submission deadline. (Please note that candidates from SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and Women categories are eligible for a relaxation of up to 5 years).
• General category applicants should have secured a minimum of 55% marks at the undergraduate level and 60% marks at the postgraduate level. (Please note that reserved categories, including SC, ST, OBC, and PwD, are granted a 5% relaxation).
• The fellowship is also inclusive and extends to transgender candidates, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Other Details:

• Application Window: NA
• No of Scholarships: 200

8. Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme

• The fellowship is accessible to candidates under the age of 35 who possess a PhD degree in the field of science. (Please note that candidates from SC, ST, OBC, Women, and PwD categories are eligible for relaxation, with varying time extensions of up to 3, 5, and 10 years).
• Additionally, teachers who are currently employed in confirmed positions and are below the age of 35 are eligible to apply.
• Past applicants who were previously unsuccessful in securing the fellowship can reapply for consideration.

Other Details:

• Application Window: open all year
• No of Scholarships: NA

9 . Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Women Candidates

• The fellowship is exclusively available to female candidates who are unemployed and possess a PhD degree.
• The applicant's age should not exceed 55 years. (Please note that candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories are eligible for a relaxation of up to 5 years).
• General category applicants are required to have obtained a minimum of 55% marks at the undergraduate level and 60% marks at the postgraduate level. (A 5% relaxation in the minimum percentage of marks is granted to SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates).
• This fellowship is also open to transgender candidates, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

Other Details:

• Application Window: NA
• No of Scholarships: 100

10. Post-Doctoral Fellowship to SC/ ST Candidates

• This fellowship is accessible to individuals who are currently unemployed and hold a relevant PhD degree.
• The maximum age limit for male applicants is 50 years, while female applicants can apply up to the age of 55 years.
• Applicants should have achieved a minimum of 50% marks at the undergraduate (UG) level and 55% marks at the postgraduate (PG) level.
• Transgender candidates are also encouraged to apply, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Other Details:

• Application Window: NA
• No of Scholarships: 100

11. National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students

• Candidates who have successfully completed their postgraduate degree and are currently enrolled in an M.Phil/ PhD course are eligible to apply for this fellowship.
• The fellowship is also inclusive and extends to transgender candidates, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Other Details:

• Application Window: NA
• No of Scholarships: 2000
   

How To Apply For UGC Scholarships?

• Go through the points mentioned below to know how to apply for UGC scholarships:
• Begin by thoroughly reviewing the eligibility criteria for the specific UGC scholarship program you wish to apply for.
• Identify the UGC scholarship scheme that aligns with your academic level, field of study, and personal qualifications.
• Visit the official UGC website @ugc.gov.in/page/Scholarships-and-Fellowships.aspx  and complete the online registration process.

UGC Scholarship Application Process

Candidates must follow the steps given below to complete their UGC scholarship application process:

• Visit the Portal: Go to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the UGC scholarship portal.
• New Registration: If you're a first-time applicant, register on the website.
• Complete Registration: Fill in the UGC scholarship registration form, submit it, and receive your login details.
• Log In: Use your UGC login credentials to access the portal.
• Choose Scholarship: On the dashboard, select the scholarship type you want to apply for.
• Fill the Form: Complete the online application form, and review it for accuracy.
• Attach Documents: Upload all required documents.
• Submit: Finally, click 'Submit' to complete your application.

UGC Scholarship - Documents Required

Here's the list of documents required for UGC scholarships:

• UG/ PG marks card
• Domicile certificate
• Income certificate of parents
• Physical disability certificate (if applicable)
• Aadhar card copy
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Minority certificate (if applicable)
• 10th and 12th-grade marks card
• Birth certificate
• The first page of the bank passbook
• Bonafide certificate provided by the head of the institution
• ID proof provided by the government

Please make sure to check the specific scholarship requirements for the correct order and submission guidelines.

UGC Scholarship Last Date

Here are the last dates of UGC scholarships that you need to know:

• Last date of application: January 2024 (Anticipated)
• Date of Institute Verification: January 2024 (Anticipated)

UGC Scholarship Benefits

The table given below provides the benefits of UGC scholarships offered by the Government of India.

UGC Scholarship Contact Details

If candidates have any queries or concerns about the UGC scholarship and fellowship programs, they can contact the UGC support desk. Here are the UGC scholarship helpline details:

• Postal Address: UGC, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002.
• UGC Scholarship Contact Numbers: 011-23604446, 011-23604200
• Email: Reach out to the UGC support team at webmaster.ugc.help@gmail.com

UGC Scholarship Status

You can know the status of a scholarship through the UGC portal. Here are the steps:

1. Click on the "Login Button."
2. Select the Scheme (e.g., Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for ST).
3. Enter your Student ID (e.g.,123789).
4. Enter your Date of Birth in DD/MM/YYYY format (e.g., 03/12/2001).
5. Enter the Captcha code.

Find the link here: @scholarship.canarabank.in/scholar/Registration.aspx