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The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship by the University Grants Commission offers financial support for researchers Read More... to pursue advanced studies and prepare for academic careers. Read less

Details

Are you a PhD holder looking to take your research to the next level? The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship could be the perfect opportunity to advance your academic and research career.

What Is This Scheme?

This fellowship, offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Department of Higher Education (DoHE), aims to support young researchers after their PhD. It's designed to help you gain new skills, explore interdisciplinary areas, and build a strong foundation for your future in academia or research. The fellowship is for a fixed tenure of 3 years, with no possibility of extension.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is for talented individuals who have recently completed their PhD in subjects like Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences, including languages. If you are unemployed and looking to conduct advanced research in Indian universities and institutions, this fellowship is for you.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Post-doctoral research is a crucial stepping stone for budding scholars. This fellowship not only provides a platform for advanced learning and skill development but also encourages researchers to transition into new and exciting fields. It plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of academics and researchers in India.

Objective

The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship by the University Grants Commission offers financial support for researchers to pursue advanced studies and prepare for academic careers.

Benefits

Stipend:A stipend amount of ₹15,000/- per month will be provided for physical internships only.

Certificate of Internship:Certificates will be issued to the interns on satisfactory completion of their internship and evaluation of their Report/Paper by the concerned.

Logistic Support:MNRE shall provide them with internet facilities and other necessities as deemed fit by the concerned Heads for physical internship.

Notes:

Interns will be required to have their own Laptops. They shall also make their own lodging and boarding arrangements.

For virtual internships, the stipend will not be provided.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

Here are the main criteria to be eligible:

You must have been awarded a PhD degree in a relevant subject. A provisional certificate is accepted if the degree hasn't been formally awarded. You should not be in regular employment.
Age should be below 35 years as of the application deadline. SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Women/PWD/Transgender candidates get a 5-year age relaxation.
If you are receiving any other fellowship or remuneration, you must resign from it before accepting this fellowship.
Candidates who have already received any type of Post-Doctoral Fellowship from UGC cannot apply.
General category candidates need at least 55% marks (or equivalent) at the postgraduate level. Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PWD/Transgender) get a 5% relaxation.
You need to identify a Mentor/Supervisor (Associate Professor or above, with a PhD and supervision experience of at least 3 PhDs) from a UGC-approved research center. You must get their consent and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the proposed research center.

Research Center Requirements:

Universities recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, with valid NAAC accreditation.
Deemed to be Universities under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, with valid NAAC accreditation.
Institutions fully funded by the Central or State Governments empowered to award degrees.
Institutions of National Importance.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online. Here's how you can apply:

Visit the official UGC website for the fellowship notification.
Fill out the online application form carefully. Mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk (*).
Upload required documents (details below).
After completing the form, an auto-generated application form will be displayed. Print this form.
Get the printed form signed by your Head of Department (HoD)/Registrar.
Upload the signed form before submitting your final application.

Important: Make sure all information provided is accurate, as incorrect details can lead to the cancellation of your candidature.

Official Website: Check the UGC website (www.ugc.ac.in) for the latest application link and detailed notification.

Documents Needed for Application

Please have these documents ready when you apply:

A recent passport-size photograph and your signature (in JPG format, up to 1 MB).
Your complete research proposal (up to 5 MB).
An abstract of your research proposal (up to 1 MB).
The auto-generated application form, duly signed by your HoD/Registrar (after filling the online form).

FAQ’s

What is the total number of fellowship slots available?

There are 900 slots for this fellowship. The distribution follows the Government of India's reservation policies, with 30% reserved specifically for women candidates.

Can I apply if I have already received a post-doctoral fellowship from UGC before?

No, if you have previously availed any type of Post-Doctoral Fellowship from UGC, you are not eligible to apply for this scheme again.

What happens if I provide wrong information in my application?

It is your responsibility to ensure all information submitted is correct and complete. You will be solely responsible if your candidature is cancelled due to incorrect or incomplete details.

Is there a provision for maternity or paternity leave?

Yes, scholars are eligible for maternity/paternity leave as per the norms set by the Government of India. This is provided at full fellowship rates and can be availed once during the fellowship tenure.

What is the monthly stipend for this fellowship?

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹ 50,000/-.

Can I get HRA if I stay in a hostel?

If your institution provides hostel accommodation, you are entitled to draw only the hostel fees, excluding charges for mess, electricity, and water. If you make your own accommodation arrangements, you can claim HRA as per government rules for different city categories.

What is the purpose of the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship?

The main goal is to offer opportunities for advanced research and study in various subjects within Indian universities and institutions, helping young researchers build careers in academics and research. The fellowship duration is fixed at 3 years.

Are candidates from NAAC-accredited universities eligible?

Yes, candidates from universities (including their constituent and affiliated institutions) that are recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and hold valid NAAC accreditation are eligible to apply.

How long is the 'Academic Leave' permitted?

'Academic leave' can be taken for a maximum of one year throughout the fellowship tenure for academic assignments or research-related foreign visits. However, UGC will not provide fellowship or contingency during this period, and it will be counted towards the fellowship tenure.

Is there a specific age limit for applicants?

Applicants should be below 35 years of age as of the application deadline. There is an age relaxation of 5 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Women/PWD and Transgender categories.

What is the annual contingency grant amount?

An annual contingency grant of ₹ 50,000/- is provided to support research expenses.

What if I'm already employed? Can I still apply?

No, this fellowship is specifically for unemployed candidates who have been awarded their PhD degree. Those already in regular service are not eligible.

How should I handle the requirement for a Mentor/Supervisor?

You need to identify a Mentor/Supervisor who is an Associate Professor or above, holds a PhD, and has supervised at least 3 PhD theses at a potential research center. You must obtain their consent and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the institution, signed by the Mentor, HOD, and Registrar/Director.

Is there a fee to apply for this fellowship?

No, the entire application process for the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship is completely free of charge.

What medical facilities are available for fellows?

The scheme does not offer separate fixed medical assistance. However, fellows can utilize the medical facilities already available within their respective institutions.

What is an 'Intermittent Break' and who can take it?

An 'Intermittent Break' is a provision for women scholars, allowing a total break of up to 1 year during the fellowship tenure. This break can be taken in up to 3 instances but cannot exceed 1 year in total. No fellowship is provided during these breaks, and they do not count towards the fellowship tenure.

What is the maximum duration for this fellowship?

The fellowship is tenable for a period of 3 years. There is no provision for extending this duration.

Where can I find the official notification for this scheme?

You can find a short notification on the official UGC website, which is www.ugc.ac.in.

How can I make sure a field in the application form is mandatory?

Mandatory fields in the application form are clearly indicated with a red asterisk (*) symbol next to them.

What specific percentage of marks is required at the PG level?

General category candidates require a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent) at the postgraduate level. Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC Non-Creamy Layer/PWD/Transgender) are eligible with a 5% relaxation in marks.

Is Reader Assistance available for Persons with Disabilities?

Yes, a fixed monthly assistance of ₹ 3,000/- is provided as Escorts/Reader Assistance for Persons with Disability (PWD) candidates.

Can I apply offline?

No, applications for this fellowship must be submitted online only through the official website.