Education can transform lives but for many students from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), financial pressure makes higher studies feel out of reach. To support such students at the postgraduate research level, the National Fellowship for OBC Students 2025 (NF-OBC) is a golden opportunity funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the National Fellowship for OBC Students 2025 eligibility, benefits, how to apply, last date, documents needed, and how it compares to other major scholarships for OBC and Indian students.
What Is the National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC)?
The National Fellowship for OBC Students 2025 is a government-funded fellowship that supports OBC students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs. It provides monthly financial assistance and contingency grants to help students complete research without economic stress.
This scheme is similar to the UGC JRF but specifically targets OBC candidates who are not already receiving any JRF or similar funding.
Also check out the Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students – 2025 Full Guide if you’re currently in Class 11 to PG
Key Features of NF-OBC 2025
| Feature | Detail |
| Fellowship Type | Research (M.Phil./Ph.D.) |
| Funding Body | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
| Number of Fellowships | 1000 per year |
| Duration | M.Phil. – 2 years, Ph.D. – 5 years |
| Application Mode | Online (UGC Portal or official notification) |
| Reservation | Only for OBC students |
| Focus year | 2025 |
If you’re in Class 11 to postgraduate courses, and not yet eligible for research-level funding, check out the Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students – 2025 Full Guide For students in Class 9 and 10, the Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students – 2025 Guide provides essential support to reduce dropout rates and encourage continued education.
Benefits – How Much Financial Support Will You Get?
This fellowship is more than just tuition reimbursement it’s a monthly stipend that fully supports your research journey:
| Level | Amount( Per Month) | Duration |
| JRF (First 2 years) | ₹31,000 | 2 years |
| SRF (Next 3 years) | ₹35,000 | 3 years |
Additional Grants:
Contingency Grant for Humanities/Social Sciences:
₹10,000/year (JRF)
₹20,500/year (SRF)
Contingency Grant for Science/Engineering:
₹12,000/year (JRF)
₹25,000/year (SRF)
HRA as per institution norms (if hostel isn’t provided)
Escort/Reader Allowance for PWD candidates
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for the National Fellowship for OBC Students 2025, you must meet all of the following:
Academic:
You must have taken admission in M.Phil. or Ph.D. courses in a recognized university or institution.
Your admission should be full-time and regular.
Caste:
Must belong to OBC category (non-creamy layer).
Valid OBC caste certificate is required.
Income:
Your total family income should be less than ₹8 lakh per annum.
Other Conditions:
You must not be availing any other fellowship like UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, or any other central/state-funded schemes.
How to Apply for NF-OBC 2025 – Step-by-Step
While the official portal may vary depending on the year (UGC, NSP, or a direct form), here’s the typical process:
- Visit the UGC or NSP Portal (to be updated via official notification).
- Register using Aadhaar and mobile/email.
- Fill in:
- Personal details
- Academic history
- Course and university details
- Upload necessary documents (see below).
- Submit and keep a copy of the application receipt.
Tip: Watch for announcements in August–October 2025.
Documents Required
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to apply for the National Fellowship for OBC Students 2025:
Recent passport-size photo
OBC caste certificate
Income certificate (within last financial year)
Admission proof (admit card or university letter)
Marksheet of postgraduate course
Aadhar card
Bank account details (linked with Aadhaar)
Research proposal (sometimes required)
Last Date to Apply (Expected Timeline 2025)
The exact application dates will be announced via official UGC or Ministry websites, but based on previous years:
Application Opens: Likely August–September 2025
Deadline: Around October–November 2025
Don’t wait! Many students miss out because they delay gathering documents or wait for the last week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an invalid or expired income certificate
Applying without final university admission
Not checking for duplicate fellowship status
Missing the application deadline
Forgetting to upload PDF documents clearly scanned
FAQs – National Fellowship for OBC Students 2025
Q1. Who funds the National Fellowship for OBC Students?
It is funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
Q2. Can I apply if I already have a JRF or UGC NET fellowship?
No. NF-OBC is only for students not receiving any other fellowship.
Q3. Can I apply during my first semester of Ph.D.?
Yes, but only after getting confirmed admission into the university.
Q4. What is the validity of this fellowship?
2 years for M.Phil., and up to 5 years for Ph.D.
Q5. Can private university students apply?
Yes, if the university is recognized by UGC and the course is full-time.
Final Words
The National Fellowship for OBC Students 2025 isn’t just a financial scheme it’s a bridge to academic excellence and research freedom. Whether you’re pursuing humanities, social science, or scientific research, this fellowship can fund your academic dreams without financial stress.
Start collecting your documents
Stay updated with official notifications
And apply confidently!