SERB Research Scientist Scheme 2026

This UGC scheme offers a postgraduate scholarship to top-ranking students from their undergraduate studies, helping them pursue Read More... their Master's degree for up to two years. Read less

Details

Are you a top performer from your undergraduate days looking to pursue a Master's degree? The University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Department of Higher Education, has a special scholarship just for you!

What Is This Scheme?

The Post Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme is designed to support university rank holders from their undergraduate studies. If you've secured a top position at your university in your Bachelor's degree (General or Honours), this scheme can help you financially as you embark on your Master's journey. The scholarship is tenable for two years, allowing you to focus on your postgraduate studies without financial stress.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scholarship is for bright minds who have excelled at the undergraduate level. Specifically, it's for students who have been university rank holders in General or Honours courses like B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com. The aim is to encourage talented students to continue their academic pursuits at the postgraduate level in any specialization across India.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The primary goal of this scheme is to nurture and promote academic talent in the country. By rewarding students who have demonstrated outstanding performance at the undergraduate level, it encourages them to pursue higher education. It also aims to strengthen the study of basic subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, fostering academic excellence across universities and colleges nationwide. Please note that professional courses are not covered under this scheme.

Objective

This UGC scheme offers a postgraduate scholarship to top-ranking students from their undergraduate studies, helping them pursue their Master's degree for up to two years.

Benefits

The “SERB Research Scientists” will be entitled to receive the grants as given below:

Sl. No.Budget HeadAmount1Emolument*Consolidated amount of ₹1,20,000/- per month2Research Grant₹7,00,000/- per annum3Overheads₹1,00,000/- per annum* All Inclusive

Note 01:Research grants can be used for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, and travel. There is no provision for providing manpower support under this scheme. The Research Scientist is expected to undertake the research objectives by himself/herself during the entire duration of the SRS Scheme.

Note 02:The SERB Research Scientists are not eligible to receive any other research project/fellowship from any Government or Non-Governmental source during the tenure of the Scheme.

Note 03:The SERB Research Scientists must seek the consent of SERB if he/she intends to be away from the implementing institute (except for field work related to the project) continuously for a period of more than eight weeks.

Leave:

SERB Research Scientists are entitled to leave as per the rules of the host institution.
Participation in scientific workshops held in India or abroad will be treated as on duty.
Maternity leave as per the Govt. of India instructions issued from time to time would be available to female candidates in all categories.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

General Courses: First and Second Rank holders at the Undergraduate (UG) level are eligible to apply if admitted to any Postgraduate (PG) course.
Honours Courses: Only First Rank holders in Honours (Main or Major) courses are eligible.
Academic Performance: You must have secured a minimum of 60% marks at the undergraduate level.
Mode of Study: The scholarship is for students admitted to a regular, full-time Master’s Degree course in a recognized university or postgraduate college.
First PG Degree: This scholarship is available only for your first postgraduate degree.
Age Limit: Your age should not be more than 30 years at the time of admission to the PG course.
Distance Education: Students pursuing their studies through distance mode are not eligible.

Eligible Undergraduate Subjects

The scholarship is applicable for students who have completed their undergraduate studies in the following subjects:

B.Sc. (General) (Common for all subjects)
B.A. (General) (Common for all subjects)
B.Com. (General)
B.Com. (Hons.)
B.Sc. (Botany) (Hons.)
B.Sc. (Chemistry) (Hons.)
B.Sc. (Mathematics) (Hons.)
B.Sc. (Physics) (Hons.)
B.Sc. (Statistics) (Hons.)
B.Sc. (Zoology) (Hons.)
B.A. (Economics) (Hons.)
B.A. (English) (Hons.)
B.A. (Geography) (Hons.)
B.A. (Hindi) (Hons.)
B.A. (History) (Hons.)
B.A. (Philosophy) (Hons.)
B.A. (Political Science) (Hons.)
B.A. (Psychology) (Hons.)
B.A. (Sanskrit) (Hons.)
B.A. (Sociology) (Hons.)
B.A. (Urdu) (Hons.)

Important: Applications for subjects not listed above will be rejected. Ensure your application meets all guidelines before submission.

How To Apply

The application process involves submitting the required documents to your university. Universities then compile and forward the applications and necessary reports to the UGC.

Application Submission: Candidates need to fill out the application in the prescribed format.
University Verification: Universities will issue rank certificates to the toppers and verify the merit position and postgraduate admission details.
Compilation: Universities will compile statements including the names of selected students, scholarship amounts received, and progress reports.
Reporting: Universities must submit a Utilization Certificate and a statement of expenditure along with the progress report of the first year for the second-year grant release.

Official Sources

For detailed guidelines and the prescribed application format, please refer to the official UGC website or contact your university's administration.

Note: Please ensure your university is recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act for the UGC to provide financial assistance.

Documents Required

Candidates need to provide the following documents:

Application form in the prescribed format.
Attested copy of your university undergraduate degree.
Matriculation certificate (for age and identity proof).
A verification certificate from the institution where you have taken admission for your Ist Year PG Course.
A provisional certificate from the university (not applicable for autonomous colleges) confirming your merit position at the undergraduate level.

Certificates to be Submitted by the University/Institution

Each year, the university or institution must submit a compiled statement including:

Names of students selected for the scholarship and details of scholarship amount received.
Progress Report after the first year, showing the percentage of marks obtained by the candidates.
Utilization Certificate.

FAQ’s

What is the primary goal of this UGC scholarship?

The main goals are to nurture and promote talent, reward meritorious students for their outstanding undergraduate performance, encourage the study of basic subjects, and build academic excellence at the postgraduate level across India.

Can I get this scholarship for pursuing a distance learning Master's degree?

No, this scholarship is only for students pursuing a regular, full-time Master’s Degree course in a recognized university or postgraduate college. Distance education is not covered.

What is the age limit for applicants under this scheme?

The age limit for students applying for this scholarship is 30 years at the time of admission to the postgraduate course.

How much money can I receive through this scholarship, and for how long?

You can receive ₹ 2,000 per month for two years. This covers 10 months of study each year. The second year's grant is subject to receiving a progress report from the first year.

What is the duration of the scholarship?

The scholarship is tenable for a period of two years to help you complete your Master’s Degree.

Do I need to have a specific percentage of marks in my undergraduate studies to apply?

Yes, you need to have secured a minimum of 60% marks at the undergraduate level to be eligible for this scholarship.

Is this scholarship available for a second Master's degree?

No, the scholarship is exclusively for your first postgraduate degree only.

Which undergraduate courses are covered under this scholarship?

The scholarship covers General and Honours courses like B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com. Specifically, it applies to subjects like B.Sc. (Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology), B.A. (Economics, English, Geography, Hindi, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sanskrit, Sociology, Urdu), and general B.Sc., B.A., and B.Com. Professional courses are not included.

Are there any additional benefits like hostel or medical allowances?

No, the scholarship amount of ₹ 2,000 per month is the sole financial assistance provided. No other additional grants for hostel charges or medical expenses are payable under this scheme.