NFST Fellowship 2026 (National Fellowship for ST Students) is a flagship fellowship scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The scheme provides financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe students pursuing full-time PhD research in recognised Indian universities and institutions.
Under NFST, selected scholars receive a monthly fellowship, House Rent Allowance (HRA), contingency grants, and other academic support to complete their doctoral research. The fellowship aims to increase participation of Scheduled Tribe students in higher education and research while reducing financial barriers.
If you are an ST student planning to pursue a PhD in 2026, this guide covers the latest eligibility criteria, fellowship amount, benefits, application process, required documents, selection procedure and official links.
NFST Fellowship 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students (NFST) |
| Offered By | Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India |
| Level | PhD Research |
| Beneficiaries | Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students |
| Fellowship Amount | Rs. 37,000/month (JRF) and Rs. 42,000/month (SRF) |
| Duration | Up to 5 Years |
| Family Income Limit | Up to Rs. 6 Lakh Per Year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Portal | fellowship.tribal.gov.in |
Also Read: INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship 2026
What is NFST?
The National Fellowship for ST Students supports eligible Scheduled Tribe scholars pursuing doctoral research in India. The fellowship covers living expenses and research-related costs, enabling students to focus on academic work without significant financial constraints.
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and follows the Government of India guidelines regarding fellowship rates, tenure, and research support.
NFST 2026 Fellowship Benefits
Selected candidates receive:
- Rs. 37,000 per month as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Rs. 42,000 per month as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable
- Contingency grant for research work
- Escort/Reader assistance for eligible PwD candidates
- Financial support for up to five years
Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2026 |
| Institute Verification | October – November 2026 |
| Merit List Publication | After Verification |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for NFST 2026, applicants must:
- Belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
- Be an Indian citizen
- Hold a Master’s degree from a recognized institution
- Have secured the minimum qualifying marks prescribed in the notification
- Be admitted to a full-time PhD programme in a recognized university or institution
- Have an annual family income not exceeding ₹6 lakh
- Meet the age criteria mentioned in the latest notification
Documents Required
Applicants generally need:
- Aadhaar Card
- ST Certificate
- Master’s Degree Marksheet and Certificate
- PhD Admission Letter
- Income Certificate
- Passport Size Photograph
- Bank Account Details
- Identity Proof
How to Apply for NFST 2026?
- Visit the official NFST portal.
- Complete online registration.
- Fill in personal, academic, and research details.
- Upload required documents.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| NFST Portal | Apply Here |
| Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Official Website |
| Scholarship Portal | National Scholarship Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NFST Fellowship?
NFST is a fellowship scheme for Scheduled Tribe students pursuing PhD research in recognised Indian institutions.
What is the NFST fellowship amount in 2026?
Eligible scholars receive fellowship benefits as per Government of India norms, including JRF and SRF rates.
Who can apply for NFST?
ST students admitted to full-time PhD programmes and meeting the eligibility conditions can apply.
Is there an income limit?
Yes. Applicants must satisfy the family income criteria specified in the official notification.
Can I receive NFST and another fellowship simultaneously?
Generally, candidates cannot draw two Government fellowships at the same time. Refer to the latest scheme guidelines for details.
Conclusion
The National Fellowship for ST Students (NFST) 2026 is an important opportunity for Scheduled Tribe scholars pursuing doctoral research. The fellowship provides financial support, research assistance, and academic stability, helping students focus on quality research and higher education. Candidates should regularly check the official portal for the latest notifications, application dates, and eligibility updates.
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.