Financial support can play an important role in enabling students from disadvantaged communities to pursue higher education and realise their academic aspirations. Timely fellowship assistance can help overcome financial barriers, strengthen educational opportunities and encourage greater participation in advanced studies.

Ms. Pratibha Rani, aged 35, from Faridabad, Haryana, received support under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (NFSC) Scheme. Her fellowship assistance began in September 2019 and included Fellowship, House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Contingency support. She received approximately Rs. 18 lakh under the scheme, which helped her pursue her Ph.D. and overcome the financial constraints associated with higher education.

Before availing the fellowship, Pratibha faced financial challenges and limited awareness regarding educational support schemes. She felt that higher education for women from the Scheduled Caste community could often seem like a distant dream due to financial difficulties, family circumstances and peer pressure. The lack of awareness and limited interest in girls’ higher education within the community added to these barriers.

The NFSC fellowship provided Pratibha with financial stability and enabled her to focus on her academic goals. The support also helped strengthen her family’s financial position, particularly as her parents are retired. Alongside her academic journey, she has contributed to the education of underprivileged children for around 12 years, reflecting her commitment to making education more accessible to others.

Extending her gratitude for receiving financial support, Ms Pratibha said, “The NFSC fellowship helped me overcome financial challenges and achieve my dream of higher education. It gave me financial stability and encouraged me to contribute towards the education of underprivileged children.”

Her academic and professional journey also opened new opportunities. She joined a project at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, where she received Rs. 43,000 per month for one year. The experience added to her professional exposure and helped improve her financial circumstances.

Pratibha’s journey demonstrates how targeted fellowship support can help talented students overcome financial barriers and pursue higher education. Her achievement has also motivated girls in her community to consider higher education and aspire towards professional and academic growth. Today, she takes pride in being professionally recognised as Dr. Pratibha Rani, reflecting the fulfilment of her dream of higher education and research.

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