NFSC Support Helps Village Scholar Complete PhD, Build Research Career

New Delhi: Financial support under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) has helped Sagar Kodi, a scholar from a village background, complete his Ph.D. and establish a career in research.

Kodi, 30, faced financial and geographical challenges while pursuing higher education. After completing his master’s degree, he appeared for the UGC-NET Junior Research Fellowship but fell short of the qualifying mark by less than two per cent.

Despite the setback, he enrolled in a Ph.D. programme with financial assistance from his university. However, limited financial resources made it difficult for him to meet research expenses while also responding to his family’s expectation that he should start earning.

His circumstances changed after he received support through the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students. He was provided assistance under both the Junior Research Fellowship and Senior Research Fellowship from December 27, 2019, to May 15, 2024. His last fellowship support amounted to Rs. 42,000.

The fellowship enabled Kodi to continue his doctoral research without the constant pressure of financial constraints. The assistance helped him meet academic and research-related expenses while also contributing to his family’s needs.

Kodi subsequently completed his Ph.D. and moved into a professional research career. He is currently working as a Research Associate at the Anthropological Survey of India in Mysore, drawing a basic pay of Rs. 37,600 under Level 6.

Expressing gratitude for the fellowship, Kodi said the NFSC support allowed him to pursue his Ph.D. without financial hardship and helped him support his family while working towards his academic goals.

His journey highlights the role of targeted fellowship programmes in helping students from disadvantaged communities overcome financial barriers, pursue advanced education and build professional careers in research.