Voice of the Margins: The Lived Experience of NFSC Scholars in Indian Higher Education

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes (NFSC) is a fellowship scheme for Dalit scholars pursuing doctoral research in Indian higher education, referred to as NFSC scholars. This study investigates the experiences of NFSC scholars using qualitative methods, including interviews, narrative analysis and participant observation. Twenty NFSC scholars participated in this research. Using theories of humiliation, symbolic violence, microaggressions and discrimination, the interviews were analysed thematically. The findings identify four main challenges: systemic inequalities, institutional barriers, peer humiliation and supervisory discrimination, manifested through fellowship delays, complex procedures and discriminatory behaviour. Limited social capital and intra-group dynamics exacerbate feelings of alienation and psychological trauma, impacting scholarly engagement and emotional well-being. The researcher’s experience as an NFSC scholar offers an insider perspective, enriching the analysis. By amplifying marginalised voices, the study concludes that fellowships alone cannot ensure true inclusion and equity; structural reforms are essential to dismantle caste hierarchies and foster academic inclusivity in India.