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The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship supports young researchers to conduct advanced studies and research in Read More... various fields for an academic career. Read less
Details
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is offering a fantastic opportunity for bright minds looking to take their research careers to the next level. The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship is designed to groom young researchers by providing them with a platform for advanced studies and research.
What Is This Scheme?
This fellowship scheme, introduced by the UGC under the Department of Higher Education (DoHE), aims to empower researchers by enabling them to gain new skills, explore cross-disciplinary areas, and transition smoothly into academic or research careers. It's a stepping stone for those who have completed their Ph.D. and wish to pursue post-doctoral research in Indian universities and institutions.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This fellowship is for individuals who have recently been awarded their Ph.D. degree in Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, or Social Sciences, including languages. It's specifically for unemployed candidates who are below 35 years of age and are looking to deepen their research expertise.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The scheme plays a crucial role in nurturing India's research talent. By offering financial support and a conducive research environment, it helps bridge the gap between doctoral studies and a full-fledged research career. It encourages innovation and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in various academic disciplines across the country.
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Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: You must have been awarded a Ph.D. degree in the relevant subject/discipline of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences, including languages. A provisional certificate is acceptable if the degree is not yet awarded.
- Employment Status: You must be unemployed. Candidates already in regular service are not eligible.
- Age Limit: Below 35 years of age as of the application deadline. An age relaxation of 5 years is provided for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Women/PWD and Transgender candidates.
- Previous Fellowships: If you are already receiving any other fellowship or remuneration, you must resign from it before accepting this fellowship. Candidates who have previously availed any kind of Post-Doctoral Fellowship from UGC are not eligible to apply again.
- Academic Performance: General category candidates need a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent) at the Postgraduate level. Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PWD/Transgender) get a 5% relaxation, requiring 50% marks.
- Mentor and Research Center: You must identify a Mentor/Supervisor (Associate Professor or above, with a Ph.D. and at least 3 supervised Ph.D. theses) at a recognized institution and obtain their consent. You also need a No Objection Certificate from the proposed research center, signed by the Mentor, HOD, and Registrar/Director.
Eligibility for Research Center:
The research must be conducted in institutions that are:
- Universities (including constituent and affiliated institutions) listed under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and have valid NAAC accreditation.
- Deemed to be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, with valid NAAC accreditation.
- Institutions fully funded by Central or State Governments, empowered to award Degrees.
- Institutions of National Importance.
How to Apply
The application process for the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship is entirely online.
- Visit the official UGC website for the fellowship portal.
- Fill out the online application form completely and accurately. Mandatory fields will be marked with a red asterisk (*).
- Prepare your research proposal and abstract as per the specified guidelines.
- Scan and upload your passport-size photograph and signature (max 1 MB, JPG format).
- Upload your complete research proposal (max 5 MB) and abstract (max 1 MB).
- After completing the online form, an auto-generated application form will be displayed. Take a printout of this form.
- Get the printed application form duly signed by your Head of Department (HoD), Registrar, or Director of the University/Institute.
- Upload the signed application form before the final submission.
Please note that submission of an application form does not guarantee the award of the fellowship.
Documents You'll Need
Before you start your online application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- A recent passport-size photograph and your signature (scanned copy, JPG format, up to 1 MB).
- Your complete research proposal (scanned copy, up to 5 MB).
- An abstract of your research proposal (scanned copy, up to 1 MB).
- The auto-generated application form, printed and signed by the HoD/Registrar/Director of your proposed research center.
Official Sources
For the latest notifications and detailed guidelines, please visit the UGC website: www.ugc.ac.in
FAQ’s
What does 'Aadhaar Seeding' mean for this fellowship?
Aadhaar Seeding means linking your Aadhaar number to your bank account. This is mandatory for receiving fellowship payments directly into your account, as per Government of India directives for all direct benefit transfers.
Can I apply for this grant through mail or in person?
No, you can only apply for this fellowship online through the official UGC website. Offline applications are not accepted.
What happens if I provide wrong information in my application?
It's entirely your responsibility to provide correct and complete information. If any incorrect or incomplete details are found, it can lead to the cancellation of your candidature, and you will be solely responsible for it.
Is there any charge to apply for this fellowship?
No, the application process for the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship is completely free of cost. There is no application fee.
How will I know which parts of the application form are compulsory?
Any field in the application form that is mandatory will have a red asterisk (*) symbol next to it.
How many fellowships are being offered under this scheme?
The scheme offers a total of 900 fellowship slots. As per the Government of India's reservation policy, 30% of these slots are reserved for women candidates.
What are the main goals of the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
The main objective is to give researchers a chance to conduct advanced studies and research in subjects like Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences within Indian universities. The fellowship tenure is fixed at 3 years and cannot be extended.
Will I get extra help if I have a disability?
Yes, if you are a Person with Disability (PWD), you will receive Escorts/Reader Assistance at a fixed rate of Rs. 3,000/- per month.
How much is the annual contingency allowance provided?
The fellowship includes a contingency allowance of Rs. 50,000/- per year for research-related expenses.
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 possess valid NAAC accreditation are eligible to apply.
Are there any rules on how to use the contingency grant?
The contingency grant can be used for research equipment (like laptops or lab items under Rs. 50,000/-), chemicals, and other research materials, up to a yearly limit of Rs. 1,00,000/- with host institution approval. Purchased items become the property of the institution. This grant cannot be used for international travel or buying furniture.
What is the procedure if I want to claim House Rent Allowance (HRA)?
If you wish to receive HRA, you must submit a certificate in the prescribed format to your institution.
Does the scheme cover medical expenses?
No specific medical allowance is provided. However, you can use the medical facilities that are available at your host institution.
Can I take maternity or paternity leave?
Yes, maternity/paternity leave is available to scholars as per the norms of the Government of India, and it will be paid at full fellowship rates once during the tenure.
What exactly is an 'Intermittent Break' for women scholars?
An 'Intermittent Break' allows women scholars a total break of up to 1 year, which can be taken in up to 3 installments during the fellowship tenure. No fellowship is paid during this break, and it does not count towards the fellowship period, keeping the total tenure the same.
Where can I find the official notification for this scheme?
You can find the short notification and other relevant details on the UGC website at www.ugc.ac.in.
How long can I take 'Academic Leave' for research-related activities?
'Academic Leave' is allowed for a maximum of one year throughout the fellowship tenure for academic assignments or research visits abroad. However, you won't receive fellowship or contingency payments during this leave, and it will count towards your total fellowship tenure. Any expenses for foreign visits must be borne by the scholar.
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