Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child

The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child (SJSGC) is a significant fellowship initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education, designed to support single girl children in their pursuit of a Ph.D. The program aims to uplift the only girl child in families with no siblings, including a girl child who is one of twin or fraternal daughters, making her eligible for the fellowship. The number of annual fellowship slots is determined based on eligible applications, received via the online application process.

Objectives of the Scheme

1. Encourage higher education in Social Sciences for single girl children.
2. Promote the societal observance of small family norms.
3. Support and propagate the norm of single girl children in society.
4. Recognize and assist the pursuit of academic milestones for single girl children.

Benefits of the Fellowship

TENURE:
The fellowship lasts for five years, commencing from April 1 of the selection year or the actual date of joining at the selected university, whichever is later. Support is provided until the submission of the Ph.D. thesis or until the five-year limit is reached. Extensions are not permitted beyond the five-year period.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

Fellowship Amount:

• JRF (Junior Research Fellowship): ₹31,000 per month for the first two years (subject to progress).
• SRF (Senior Research Fellowship): ₹35,000 per month for the remaining tenure (subject to progress).

Contingency Grants:

• Humanities & Social Sciences: ₹10,000 annually (initial two years), ₹20,500 annually (remaining tenure).
• Science, Engineering, and Technology: ₹12,000 annually (initial two years), ₹25,000 annually (remaining tenure).

Escort Reader Assistance:

• ₹3,000 per month for scholars with disabilities.

Note: Upon completion, books, journals, and equipment purchased with the contingency grant become the property of the institution.

HRA (Housing Rent Allowance):

1. If hostel accommodation is available, scholars may draw only hostel fees (excluding mess, utilities, etc.).
2. If the institution does not offer hostel accommodations, rent reimbursement may be arranged, capped at government norms.
3. Scholars arranging their own accommodation may draw HRA according to government ceilings. An accommodation certificate is required.

Medical Assistance:
While no separate medical support is provided, scholars may access their institution’s medical facilities.

Leave Provisions:

1. Up to 30 days of earned leave per year (in addition to public holidays) is allowed, though no additional vacation (summer, winter, etc.) is provided.
2. Maternity/paternity leave is granted per government norms, with full fellowship support once during the fellowship tenure.
3. Female scholars may apply for an ‘Intermittent Break’ of up to 1 year, taken in up to 3 installments, without a fellowship. This period does not count towards the five-year tenure.
4. Up to one year of unpaid academic leave may be taken for research assignments or teaching-related activities. The leave duration is counted toward the tenure.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Any single girl child pursuing a Ph.D. full-time in a recognized institution is eligible.
2. This scheme applies to single girl children enrolled in regular Ph.D. programs.
3. The program excludes those in part-time or distance learning Ph.D. programs.
4. General category applicants up to age 40, and SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates up to age 45, are eligible.

Exclusions:
Families with sons, or girl students in part-time or distance Ph.D. programs, are ineligible.

Check Eligibility

Application Process

1. Online Submission: Applications are accepted once per year via the UGC website.
2. Guidelines Review: Visit the UGC portal and carefully review the eligibility criteria.
3. Registration: On the homepage, click “New User,” complete your details, and upload a scanned passport-sized photo and signature.
4. Login and Dashboard Access: After receiving your login credentials by email, log in to complete the application form.
5. Eligibility Verification: Confirm eligibility by selecting criteria, submitting your affidavit of single girl child status on a ₹100 stamp paper, and completing your profile.
6. Academic and Declaration Submission: Provide details on your postgraduate and Ph.D. qualifications and submit the declaration.

Required Documents

1. Scanned passport-sized photo and signature.
2. Research proposal (up to 5 MB) and abstract (up to 1 MB).
3. An affidavit on a ₹100 stamp paper, attested by SDM/First Class Magistrate, confirming single girl child status. If parents are deceased, this can be provided by a guardian.

Note: Only online submissions are accepted; no hard copies are needed.

Visit the UGC website to apply.

Also Read:

1. PMEGP Scheme : Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
2. Industrial Corridors in India: A Pathway to Economic Transformation 2025
3. Exploring the NAMO Drone DIDI Scheme: How Drones Are Empowering Women in Agriculture 2024
4. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao : India’s Best Scheme for Empowring Girls