Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship: Higher education and research often become financially challenging for many students in India. To encourage women’s participation in doctoral research, the University Grants Commission (UGC) offers the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC).
This prestigious fellowship provides financial assistance to eligible female Ph.D. scholars who are the only girl child in their family. Under the revised fellowship structure, selected candidates receive up to Rs. 37,000 per month as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Rs. 42,000 per month as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) along with contingency grants and other benefits.
In this article, you will find complete information about eligibility criteria, fellowship amount, age limit, tenure, application process, required documents and important guidelines.
Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship |
| Offered By | UGC |
| Beneficiaries | Single Girl Child Ph.D. Scholars |
| JRF Amount | Rs. 37,000/month |
| SRF Amount | Rs. 42,000/month |
| Duration | Up to 5 Years |
| Age Limit | 40 Years (General), 45 Years (Reserved Categories) |
| Course | Regular Full-Time Ph.D. |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Authority | UGC, Government of India |
Read Also: NFOBC Fellowship 2026
What is Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship?
The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship is a UGC-funded scheme designed to support women pursuing full-time Ph.D. research in recognized universities and institutions across India. The fellowship aims to promote higher education among single girl children and encourage them to undertake advanced research in various academic disciplines. The scheme is available for students enrolled in regular Ph.D. programs and covers almost all subjects and streams offered by recognized institutions.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The primary objectives of the scheme are:
- Promote higher education among women.
- Encourage single girl children to pursue doctoral research.
- Support gender equality in research and academia.
- Reduce financial barriers during Ph.D. studies.
- Increase women’s participation in higher education and research sectors.
Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship 2026 Benefits
Selected candidates receive monthly fellowship support similar to UGC Junior Research Fellowship and Senior Research Fellowship rates.
Monthly Fellowship Amount
| Fellowship Type | Amount Per Month |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (First 2 Years) | Rs. 37,000 |
| Senior Research Fellowship (Remaining Tenure) | Rs. 42,000 |
Annual Contingency Grant
| Subject Category | First Two Years | Remaining Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities & Social Sciences | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 20,500 |
| Science, Engineering & Technology | Rs. 12,000 | Rs. 25,000 |
Additional Benefits
| Benefit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Escort Reader Assistance (Divyang Scholars) | Rs. 3,000/month |
| HRA (as per UGC rules) | Applicable |
The fellowship helps scholars cover research expenses, books, fieldwork, stationery, and accommodation-related costs.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
1. Single Girl Child Requirement
The applicant must be the only girl child of her parents.
Eligible:
- Single daughter in the family.
- Twin daughters.
- Fraternal twin daughters.
Not Eligible:
- If the family has one or more sons along with a daughter.
- If the applicant is not considered a single girl child under UGC norms.
2. Ph.D. Registration
Applicants must be:
- Registered in a regular full-time Ph.D. program.
- Enrolled in a UGC-recognized university, institution, or college.
Not Eligible:
- Distance education Ph.D.
- Part-time Ph.D. programs.
- Open learning mode research programs.
3. Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General | 40 Years |
| SC/ST/OBC/PWD | 45 Years |
The age is calculated as on the last date of application submission.
Fellowship Tenure
The fellowship is awarded for:
- Maximum 5 years, or
- Until submission of the Ph.D. thesis,
whichever occurs earlier.
The fellowship becomes effective from:
- 1 April of the selection year, or
- Actual joining date,
whichever is later. No extension is normally granted beyond five years.
Required Documents
Applicants may need the following documents during online application:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Ph.D. Registration Certificate
- Single Girl Child Affidavit/Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (for PWD candidates)
- Bank Account Details
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- University Enrollment Documents
- Identity Proof and Address Proof
How to Apply Online for Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship 2026?
The application process is conducted online through the UGC Fellowship Portal.
Step 1
Visit the official UGC Fellowship Portal.
Step 2
Read the fellowship guidelines carefully.
Step 3
Register as a new user.
Step 4
Fill in personal, academic, and research details.
Step 5
Upload required documents.
Step 6
Verify all information carefully.
Step 7
Submit the application form and save the acknowledgment number.
Applicants should regularly check UGC notifications for opening and closing dates of the application window.
Important Conditions
- Scholars must maintain satisfactory research progress.
- Fellowship may be discontinued for unsatisfactory performance.
- Benefits are available only during the approved tenure.
- Academic leave may be granted according to UGC rules.
- Institutions and scholars are jointly responsible for compliance with scheme guidelines.
Why is this Fellowship Important?
The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship is one of the most significant research support schemes for women in India. It recognizes the contribution of single girl children and helps them pursue advanced research without financial stress. By providing monthly stipends, contingency grants and additional support for Divyang scholars, the fellowship promotes academic excellence and women’s empowerment in higher education.
Important Links – Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship 2026
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UGC Website | https://www.ugc.gov.in |
| UGC Fellowship Portal | https://fellowship.ugc.ac.in |
| Fellowship Guidelines PDF | https://frg.ugc.ac.in |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | https://scholarships.gov.in |
| Apply Online | Through UGC Fellowship Portal |
| Latest Notifications | https://www.ugc.gov.in |
| Contact UGC | https://www.ugc.gov.in/page/Contact-Us.aspx |
FAQs
1. What is the fellowship amount under Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship 2026?
Selected scholars receive Rs. 37,000 per month as JRF for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month as SRF for the remaining tenure.
2. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Only single girl children enrolled in regular full-time Ph.D. programs at UGC-recognized institutions can apply.
3. Are twin daughters eligible?
Yes. Twin or fraternal daughters are considered eligible under UGC guidelines.
4. Is NET or JRF qualification mandatory?
No. The fellowship is specifically meant for eligible single girl child Ph.D. scholars and does not require UGC-NET JRF qualification under the scheme guidelines.
5. Can part-time Ph.D. students apply?
No. Only students registered in regular full-time Ph.D. programs are eligible.
Conclusion
The UGC Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for single girl child scholars pursuing Ph.D. research in India. With financial support of up to Rs. 42,000 per month, contingency grants, HRA provisions, and additional assistance for Divyang scholars, the scheme helps deserving women focus on research and academic excellence. Eligible candidates should keep track of official UGC notifications and apply as soon as applications open.
Alok Kumar Singh is the Editor at Fellowship, dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information on fellowships, scholarships, research grants and educational opportunities. With a passion for education and career guidance.