Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Netaji Subhas - ICAR International Fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualification: A Master's degree in agriculture or allied sciences with an OGPA of 6.60 out of 10.0 or 65% marks is required.
2. Age Limit:
   • Fresh candidates: Not more than 35 years of age as of the application deadline.
   • In-service candidates: Not more than 40 years of age as of the application deadline.
3. Candidate Type: The fellowship is open to both fresh graduates and in-service professionals. Fresh candidates must have completed their qualifying degree within two years of the specified date in the year of admission.
4. Employment for Indian In-service Candidates: In-service candidates from India must be employed within the ICAR-AU system.
5. Research Areas and Institutions: Candidates must pursue studies in priority research areas identified and announced by ICAR, at institutions listed by the Council.

Bank Guarantee and Service Bond Requirements:

1. Indian Fellows: Must provide an irrevocable Bank Guarantee of US$ 10,000 (or its rupee equivalent) in favour of the Secretary, ICAR, valid for the entire program duration.
2. Overseas Fellows: INR 2,00,000 will be recovered from their fellowship grant (INR 1,00,000 from the first and second installments) as an alternative to a Bank Guarantee. This amount will be returned upon successful completion of their PhD.
3. Service Commitment for Indian In-service Candidates: Selected in-service Indian candidates must sign a bond with their deputing University/Institute to serve it for at least three years after completing their degree.

Conditions for Continuing the Fellowship:

• Fellows must submit a progress report every six months, certified by their advisor/supervisor/head of institution.
• Fellows must not change their research area or place of work without ICAR's approval.
• Full-time dedication to studies and research is mandatory.
• Satisfactory academic progress, reflected in grades and advisor certification, is essential for continuing the fellowship.
• Failure to maintain satisfactory performance can lead to termination of the fellowship.
• This fellowship is strictly for degree programs and not for short-term training or research.

Other Important Conditions:

• Medical Fitness & Insurance: Selected fellows must undergo a medical fitness test and obtain medical insurance at their own expense.
• Fees: All fees charged by the host institution must be paid by the fellow from their fellowship grant or personal resources.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Fellows are expected to protect IPR generated during their research. ICAR will have a share in patents and knowledge generated, and the support from ICAR must be acknowledged in all publications.
• Completion Report: Both Indian and Overseas fellows must submit a copy of their dissertation/thesis and a brief report on their activities within 15 days of program completion.
• Return to India for Indian Fellows: Indian fellows must return to India after completing their PhD. If offered a suitable position in the ICAR-AU system, they are expected to serve it. Non-compliance may result in recovery of all fellowship amounts paid, plus 10% overhead costs.