Ph.D. is an overwhelming move and financing can be an obstacle in some cases. In the case of single girl children in India, Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship of Single Girl Child (SJSGC) is a life-changing opportunity that would help you with your academic pursuits.
It is not only a financial grant set by the University Grants Commission (UGC), it is a congratulations of your family decision and a huge investment on your future. And is this guide is on the requirements you need to know in case you are the sole girl in the family and you desire to undertake a research degree, cover to cover.
What is the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship?
The UGC has a prestigious fellowship scheme, the SJSGC, in the ministry of Education. It offers financial aid in large amounts to the single girl children so that they can undertake full time research, which results in PHD degree in any given subject, in any given university in any recognised establishment in India.
The scheme is a masterpiece in that it rewards the values of the single girl child norm in the society in an effort to encourage high education and gender equality.
Who is an “Eligible” Single Girl Child?
- You should be the sole girl child in the family and no brothers or sisters.
- You are also eligible to apply in case you are a twin or fraternal daughter (there are no sons).
Key Benefits: What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The fellowship is fully funded over a five-year period, which means that you will be able to concentrate on your research fully.
Financial Support Breakdown:
- Fellowship Amount:
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹31,000 per month for the first two years.
- Senior Research Fellow (SRF): ₹35,000 per month for the remaining three years.
- Progress is subject to satisfactory review.
- Contingency Grant: (For books, journals, and other research-related expenses)
- Humanities & Social Sciences: ₹10,000 per year (first 2 years) and ₹20,500 per year (remaining tenure).
- Science, Engineering & Technology: ₹12,000 per year (first 2 years) and ₹25,000 per year (remaining tenure).
- Housing Rent Allowance (HRA): You are eligible for HRA as per Government of India norms if you make your own accommodation arrangements. If you stay in university hostels, only the hostel fee will be covered.
- Additional Support for Divyang Scholars: An escort/reader allowance of ₹3,000 per month is provided.
Other Important Provisions:
- Medical Assistance: You can use the medical facilities available at your host institution.
- Leave:
- Earned Leave: 30 days per year, plus public holidays.
- Maternity Leave: Full fellowship is provided for maternity leave as per Govt. of India norms, available once during the fellowship tenure.
- Intermittent Break: Women scholars can take a break for up to one year (maximum of three instances) for personal reasons. No fellowship is paid during this period, and it does not count towards your five-year tenure.
- Academic Leave: One year of academic leave (without fellowship) is permitted for assignments or foreign visits related to your research.
Are You Eligible? Check These Criteria
Before you apply, ensure you meet all the following conditions:
- Single Girl Child Status: You must be the only girl child in your family (or one of twin/fraternal daughters with no sons).
- Ph.D. Programme: You must be enrolled in a regular, full-time Ph.D. programme. Part-time or distance learning modes are NOT eligible.
- Age Limit:
- General Category: Up to 40 years of age.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD): Up to 45 years of age.
- Age is calculated as on the last date of application submission.
Who is Not Eligible?
- If your family has one or more sons and one daughter, you are not eligible.
- Candidates pursuing Ph.D. through part-time, distance, or open learning modes are not eligible.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is entirely online and typically opens once a year. Keep an eye on leading newspapers, Employment News, and the official UGC website for advertisements.
Official Website: https://frg.ugc.ac.in/
Here’s how to navigate the process:
Step 1: Read the Guidelines
Access the portal of the UGC FRG and read the section with the official SJSGC guidelines closely to make sure that you qualify.
Step 2: Registration
Click on new user on the SJSGC scheme. Complete your information and an email address. Prepared scanned versions of your passport sized photo and signature (less than 1MB, in JPG format).
Step 3: Login
Go to your email and check it to find the login credentials of ugchelp@mail.inflibnet.ac.in, with the help of which you can change your password during the initial visit.
Step 4: Complete Your Dashboard
There will be a number of sections on your dashboard. You must complete each one. When filled, they will make the green of them. Begin by clicking on the Eligibility Criteria.
Step 5: Prove Your Eligibility
This is a critical step. You will have to attach an affidavit of your parents on a stamp paper 100. This affidavit must:
- Confirm your status as a single girl child.
- Be duly attested by an SDM, First Class Magistrate, or Tahsildar.
- Be scanned and uploaded (file size less than 1MB).
If your parents are no longer alive, your legal guardian can provide this affidavit.
Step 6: Fill in Academic Details
Click “Apply Now” and provide your:
- Postgraduate (PG) educational qualifications.
- Ph.D. details and upload your research proposal and abstract.
Step 7: Final Declaration
Read the declaration carefully, check the “I Agree” box, and submit your application.
Step 8: Print, Sign & Upload
Once it is submitted an automatically generated application form will come into view. Print a copy, obtain the signature of your Head of Department (HoD) or Registrar and resubmit the signed copy to the portal.
Notice: No printed forms should be sent by mail. It will be done after you have uploaded the duly signed application form.
Key Documents Checklist
- Passport-size photograph and signature.
- Research proposal (up to 5MB) and abstract (up to 1MB).
- Affidavit of single girl child status (as described above).
- The final, signed copy of your auto-generated application form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, the process of application is free.
Q: Can I save my application and complete it later?
A: Yes, the portal gives you the ability to save your progress and fill out the form in several sittings.
Q: Who should I contact if I have a problem?
A: You can reach the UGC helpdesk at:
- Phone: 011-23604446, 011-23604200
- Email: webmaster.ugc.help@gmail.com
- Address: UGC, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002.
Q: Does applying guarantee I will get the fellowship?
A: No, the award is determined by the amount of available slots and the eligibility and full completion of all applications that were submitted.
Ready to take the next step? This fellowship is not merely a funding, but it is a betrothal of your potential and a leap towards a better educated and just society. Get your documents ready, watch the UGC site and invest your future today.
