Access to higher education can play an important role in helping scholars pursue their aspirations and build opportunities for academic and professional growth. However, financial difficulties and family pressure can become challenges for scholars aspiring to pursue higher education and research.

Demonstrating how fellowship assistance can support higher education and research, Ms PRIYANGA G, a 27-year-old scholar from Puducherry, pursuing her Ph.D.

Before availing the benefit of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (NFSC) Scheme, she faced financial burden and family pressure while pursuing her dream of higher education. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to research and aspired to utilise the government fellowship for her career growth.

Her NFSC fellowship assistance began in November 2022. The fellowship support significantly eased her financial constraints during her Ph.D. journey and enabled her to meet research-related expenses. She was able to purchase costly research material priced between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, without hesitation, supporting her research work more effectively.

The fellowship also enabled Priyanga to attend two international conferences abroad, where she was able to gain international academic exposure. She was even able to take her parents along with her, an experience that she stated would not have been possible without the fellowship support. In addition, she has presented her work at more than 10 international conferences held within India.

With the support of the NFSC fellowship, Priyanga pursued her Ph.D. while strengthening her research exposure and career prospects. She remains focused on a genuine commitment to research rather than results alone and considers the fellowship an important support for her career growth.

Priyanga G stated ‘This government fellowship (NFSC) has been a turning point in my journey. It has not only supported my research but also given me the strength to grow, learn and make my family proud.’

Priyanga's journey highlights how fellowship support can help scholars pursue advanced research despite financial pressures. From facing financial burden and family pressure while aspiring for higher education to attending international conferences and expanding her academic exposure, her journey reflects the positive changes enabled through the NFSC fellowship.

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SS-35-TAR-KV-GA-RK

Date: 16.08.2026