Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships In Sciences 2026

The Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences, launched by the UGC, offers financial support for Read More... full-time research. This scheme aims to streamline the application and decision process for young researchers. Read less

Details

Are you a young researcher looking to take your scientific exploration to the next level? The Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences might be just the opportunity you need. Introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC), this fellowship aims to provide robust financial backing for promising scientists.

What Is This Scheme?

This fellowship is designed to support full-time research work for those who have recently earned their Ph.D. degree in science disciplines. It's a flexible scheme focused on fast-track, online application and decision-making, offering a significant financial boost to 132 selected candidates over a two-year period.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The fellowship primarily targets young researchers, preferably under 35 years of age, who have completed their Ph.D. in science subjects. The scheme adheres to the Government of India's reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates. While the general age limit is 35, relaxations are available for SC/ST/OBC/Women applicants as per government norms.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Recognizing the need for dedicated support beyond existing research positions, the UGC introduced this fellowship to encourage advanced research in science. It provides a structured yet flexible pathway for post-doctoral work, fostering innovation and contributing to scientific advancements in India.

Objective

The Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences, launched by the UGC, offers financial support for full-time research. This scheme aims to streamline the application and decision process for young researchers.

Benefits

Financial Assistance:

The tenure of the award is three years with no provision for further extension. The financial assistance available under the scheme is as follows:

Fellowship:

@ Rs. 43,800/- pm for I year

@ Rs.45,000/- pm for II year

@ Rs. 46,500/- pm for III year

Contingency:

@Rs.1,00,000/-p.a.

HRA:

Suitable hostel accommodation may be provided to the candidates in the institutions. In such cases, the fellow is eligible to draw only hostel fees excluding mess, electricity, water charges, etc. A certificate to this effect is to be furnished through the Registrar/Director/Principal. HRA is not permissible for those candidates who are staying in Hostel accommodation.
In case of non-availability of hostel accommodation, the fellow may be provided with single accommodation by the host institution. In such cases, the rent paid by the fellow on an actual basis may be reimbursed subject to the ceiling of HRA as per Govt. of India norms.
If the fellow makes her own arrangements of accommodation, he/she may be entitled to draw HRA as per the categorization of cities by the Govt. of India.

Medical:

No separate/fixed medical assistance is provided. However, the Post-Doctoral Fellow may avail of the medical facilities available in the University/Institution/College.

Leave:

Leave for a maximum period of 30 days in a year in addition to public holidays may be taken by the Post-Doctoral Fellow with the approval of the Head of the Department. However, they are not entitled to any other vacations, such as summer, winter, and pooja vacations.
Candidates are eligible for maternity/ paternity to leave at full rates of the fellowship as per Government of India rules once during the tenure of the award.
The fellow, in special cases, may be allowed by the Commission, academic leave without fellowship and contingency for a period not exceeding one year during the tenure of the award on the recommendation of the Head of the department of the institution concerned to undertake academic/ teaching assignment or foreign travel in connection with academic work. The expenditure on travel cannot be claimed from UGC. The period of leave without fellowship will be counted towards the tenure.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in a relevant science subject, ideally with published research work.
Only unemployed candidates who have been awarded their Ph.D. are eligible to apply for this post-doctoral fellowship.
The upper age limit for applicants is 35 years. Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST/OBC/Women candidates as per Government of India Norms.

How To Apply

The application process for the Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences is entirely online. Prospective candidates can apply through the designated portal.

Visit the official application website: http://ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in/
Fill in all the required details in the online application form.
Upload necessary documents as specified.
Submit the application form online.

The selection process is designed to be completed within 6 weeks of receiving an application.

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card
Educational Qualification Certificates (including Ph.D. award certificate)
Proof of Age
Bank account details (for fellowship disbursement)
Community/Caste Certificate (if applicable for relaxation)

Post-Selection Procedures:

Selected candidates must submit a Joining Report, along with their award letter, to the designated Canara Bank branch. This report needs to be signed by the Head of the Department and countersigned by the Registrar of their institution.
After the Joining Report is verified, the fellowship will be disbursed by the bank.
To continue receiving the fellowship, a Continuation Certificate must be submitted to the designated Canara Bank branch every three months.
For the contingency grant, a Contingency Utilization Certificate must be submitted annually to the designated Canara Bank branch. The grant for the next year will be released thereafter.
If availing House Rent Allowance, an HRA Certificate needs to be submitted to the designated Canara Bank branch every three months.

FAQ’s

What is the duration of the Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowship?

The fellowship is initially for a tenure of 2 years. However, the benefits and financial assistance are detailed for three years, with specific monthly amounts for each year. There is no provision for extension beyond the initial tenure.

Can I apply if I am currently employed after my PhD?

No, this fellowship is specifically for Ph.D. awarded unemployed candidates. If you are currently employed, you are not eligible to apply for this particular post-doctoral fellowship.

Are there any specific dates to apply for this fellowship?

The application process for the Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships is ongoing. There isn't a fixed deadline, as Ph.D. degree awards can happen throughout the year. UGC encourages institutions to display a rolling advertisement.

How long does it usually take to get a decision on my application?

The selection process for the fellowship is quite efficient and is expected to be completed within 6 weeks from the date of receiving your individual application.

What if I don't get hostel accommodation at my institution?

If hostel accommodation is unavailable, the host institution may provide single accommodation. In such cases, the rent you pay can be reimbursed up to the ceiling of HRA as per Government of India norms. If you arrange your own accommodation, you are entitled to HRA based on city categorization by the government.

What financial assistance is provided under this fellowship?

Fellows receive monthly financial support: Rs. 43,800/- for the first year, Rs. 45,000/- for the second year, and Rs. 46,500/- for the third year. Additionally, an annual contingency grant of Rs. 1,00,000/- is provided for research expenses.

Does the scheme follow reservation policies?

Yes, absolutely. The Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships strictly follows the Government of India's reservation policy for SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates.

Can I take leave other than the 30 days allowed annually?

No, you are allowed a maximum of 30 days of leave per year plus public holidays, with approval from your Head of Department. Other long vacations like summer or winter holidays are not permitted. However, maternity/paternity leave is available as per government rules.

Is there an age limit to apply for the fellowship?

Yes, the general upper age limit for applicants is 35 years. However, relaxations are provided for SC/ST/OBC/Women candidates, in line with Government of India norms.

How are the fellowship payments made?

The fellowship amount is directly disbursed through a designated bank into the awardee's bank account. You can find the list of designated UGC bank branches on the UGC portal.

Do I need a Ph.D. to apply for this fellowship?

Yes, a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant science subject is a mandatory eligibility criterion for this fellowship. Published research work is also preferred.

Can I claim travel expenses from UGC?

No, the expenditure incurred on travel cannot be claimed from UGC. However, academic leave without fellowship may be granted for foreign travel related to academic work.

What is the annual contingency allowance for?

The annual contingency allowance of Rs. 1,00,000/- is provided to cover research-related expenses. You will need to submit a utilization certificate for this grant annually.

How often do I need to submit a continuation certificate?

To ensure uninterrupted fellowship disbursement, you need to submit a Continuation Certificate to the designated Canara Bank branch at the end of every three months.

Is medical assistance provided separately?

No separate fixed medical assistance is provided. However, fellows are encouraged to utilize the existing medical facilities available within their university or institution.

Why was this fellowship program created?

This fellowship was introduced by the UGC to offer a more flexible and streamlined approach to post-doctoral research funding. It addresses the need for a fast-track, online system for selecting and supporting young researchers, complementing existing research positions.