The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment published a case study highlighting the impact of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme through the journey of Dr. Chetana Regar from Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. The NFSC Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible Scheduled Caste scholars to pursue doctoral studies, addressing financial constraints that often hinder higher education advancement.
Dr. Chetana Regar, age 32, faced financial barriers and family pressure that made pursuing her academic ambitions challenging. Her NFSC fellowship assistance began in November 2020 and included fellowship support, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and contingency assistance. This comprehensive financial support enabled her to continue her Ph.D. studies and complete her doctoral education, which she stated would not have been possible without the fellowship.
The assistance also contributed to personal development, with Dr. Regar reporting increased confidence that supported her academic and professional aspirations. She is currently preparing for Assistant Professor opportunities, demonstrating how the fellowship support helps scholars pursue careers in teaching and research. The case study illustrates the scheme's role in making higher education accessible to Scheduled Caste students and supporting their professional development in academia.