What is Maulana Azad National Fellowship?
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) is a central government fellowship scheme for students belonging to notified minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi, Jain) pursuing M.Phil and PhD at recognised universities in India. Fellowship amount: ₹37,000/month for JRF (first 2 years) and ₹42,000/month for SRF (next 3 years), plus contingency allowance ₹10,000/year (Humanities/Social Sciences) and ₹12,000/year (Sciences). HRA as per university norms. Duration: up to 5 years total (2 years JRF + 3 years SRF). 756 new fellowships per year. Selection through NET-JRF score (UGC-NET or CSIR-NET). Implemented by University Grants Commission (UGC) on behalf of Ministry of Minority Affairs. Application on NSP/scholarship portal. Note: As per 2023 Supreme Court ruling and government review — verify current status before applying as scheme has had regulatory changes.
Maulana Azad National Fellowship — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) 2026 — ₹37,000/Month for Minority PhD Students |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2009 |
| Benefit | ₹37,000/month (JRF) + ₹42,000/month (SRF) + contingency grant for 5-year PhD — for minority community students |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 23 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://www.minorityaffairs.gov.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=2&ls_id=648&lid=429 |
मौलाना आजाद राष्ट्रीय फेलोशिप — मुस्लिम, ईसाई, बौद्ध, सिख, पारसी, जैन अल्पसंख्यक समुदाय के PhD/M.Phil छात्रों को ₹37,000/माह (JRF, 2 वर्ष) + ₹42,000/माह (SRF, 3 वर्ष) + contingency। UGC/CSIR-NET JRF स्कोर से selection। 756 फेलोशिप/वर्ष।
₹37,000/माह (JRF) + ₹42,000/माह (SRF) + ₹10,000-12,000/वर्ष contingency — 5 वर्ष PhD
Benefits of Maulana Azad National Fellowship
₹37,000/month (JRF) + ₹42,000/month (SRF) + contingency grant for 5-year PhD — for minority community students
Who is Eligible for Maulana Azad National Fellowship?
- ✓Must belong to notified minority community: Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi, or Jain
- ✓Must have qualified UGC-NET/CSIR-NET with JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)
- ✓Pursuing full-time M.Phil or PhD at a UGC-recognised university in India
- ✓Not availing any other fellowship/scholarship from central government
- ✓Family income: no income limit specified (merit-based via NET-JRF score)
Documents Required for Maulana Azad National Fellowship
How to Apply for Maulana Azad National Fellowship Online?
- 1First qualify UGC-NET or CSIR-NET with JRF (Junior Research Fellowship).
- 2Secure admission to a full-time M.Phil or PhD programme at a UGC-recognised university.
- 3Apply through the scholarship channel linked from minorityaffairs.gov.in — verify current application status before applying.
- 4Submit Aadhaar card and a minority community certificate (Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi or Jain) from the state/central authority.
- 5Attach your UGC-NET/CSIR-NET JRF result and university enrolment letter for M.Phil/PhD.
- 6Get university and research supervisor approval endorsed on the application.
- 7Provide bank account details for disbursal — ₹37,000/month as JRF for 2 years, then ₹42,000/month as SRF for 3 years.
Official Government Portal
Use www.minorityaffairs.gov.in directly — there is no application fee, and no third party can speed up your approval.
🔗Apply on www.minorityaffairs.gov.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=2&ls_id=648&lid=429