This scheme aims to support 1000 full-time PhD candidates in emerging research areas within Electronic System Design Read More... and Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (ITES) sectors over five years. Read less
Details
Are you looking to pursue a PhD in cutting-edge fields like Electronics, IT, or IT-enabled services? The Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme could be your gateway. Implemented by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, this scheme is designed to boost research and development in crucial sectors.
The Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme focuses on creating a strong foundation for PhD research in Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES). It's an institutional scheme, meaning universities and research institutions are allocated PhD seats, and they then enroll students for these positions based on their admission processes.
The scheme primarily targets institutions that wish to increase their PhD intake in specific, knowledge-intensive sectors. For students, it offers a pathway to pursue doctoral research with substantial financial and research support.
The core purpose of this initiative is to significantly increase the number of PhD holders in India within the ESDM and IT/ITES domains. By doing so, it aims to foster R&D, cultivate an environment for innovation, and ultimately enhance India's global standing in these technologically advanced fields.
Objective
Benefits
After admission in all Government and Non-Government schools of the state, children from Class 1 to 8 receive free education, meals, books, and shoe-bags.
Sources and references
The Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme operates on an institutional basis. Here's how it generally works:
The Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme is administered through eligible institutions. The process for individuals involves applying to institutions that have been allocated PhD seats under the scheme.
Therefore, the specific documents required will be determined by the admitting institution. Candidates are advised to:
What is the main goal behind starting the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme?
The scheme aims to boost the number of PhDs in Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES) sectors in India. It also focuses on promoting R&D, creating an innovative environment, and increasing India's competitiveness in these key knowledge-intensive industries.
How many students can get financial support through this PhD scheme?
The scheme intends to provide financial support to a total of 1000 full-time PhD candidates.
If I've already started my PhD, can I still apply for this scheme?
No, this scheme is for new PhD scholars who register after the institutions have been allocated seats. It does not apply to candidates who have already begun their PhD or are enrolled in ongoing PhD programs before the seats are assigned.
What kind of financial aid is available for full-time PhD candidates?
Full-time PhD candidates receive a monthly fellowship (₹38,750 for the first two years, then ₹43,750 for the next three years). Additionally, there's reimbursement for rent (RoR), an institutional overhead grant of ₹25,000 per year, a research contingency grant of ₹1,20,000 per year, and support up to ₹1.5 Lakh for attending international conferences. Selected candidates also get a one-time grant of ₹10.5 Lakh for a 6-month lab visit abroad.
Are there any special provisions for visiting research labs abroad?
Yes, the scheme offers a one-time support of ₹10.5 Lakh for 250 selected full-time PhD candidates from their third year. This is for a 6-month visit to international labs, covering a monthly fellowship of ₹1.50 Lakh and travel/visa expenses up to ₹1.50 Lakh. Domestic fellowship and rent reimbursement are suspended during this visit.
How are the funds managed and distributed?
Fellowships and rent reimbursements are paid directly to the candidates' bank accounts. Institutional overheads and research contingency grants are disbursed to the respective academic institutions.
What happens if a candidate leaves the scheme midway?
The institution must promptly inform the PhD Cell, DIC, and get acknowledgement. If this isn't reported on time, the institution becomes liable for recovering any excess funds disbursed to the candidate.
Can the fellowship continue if my PhD takes longer than five years?
No, the financial support is capped at a maximum of five years or until the PhD is completed, whichever comes first. Extension beyond five years is not permitted.
What exactly is the Reimbursement of Rent (RoR)?
RoR is a component tied to the candidate's fellowship. It covers a percentage of the fellowship amount for rent, based on city classification: 24% for X-class cities, 16% for Y-class cities, and 8% for Z-class cities. This support is only for candidates who do not use institutional hostel facilities.
Who is eligible to apply for PhD seats under this program?
The scheme is institutional. Eligible institutions first apply for and are allotted PhD seats by the DIC, MeitY. Only candidates who enroll in PhD programs at these allotted institutions during the scheme's active period, after the seats are announced, are eligible for financial support. Candidates already receiving financial aid from other government schemes are not eligible.
How do institutions get PhD seats allocated to them?
Institutions need to submit proposals when the PhD Cell, DIC, MeitY, announces a call for applications on its website (https://phd.dic.gov.in/). Suitable seats are then allotted to institutions based on their proposals and the scheme's evaluation criteria.
What is covered under the funding for attending international conferences?
This support covers travel and related expenses for a PhD candidate to attend an international conference where their research paper has been accepted for oral presentation (poster presentations are not covered). A list of relevant renowned international conferences in ESDM and IT/ITES is provided on the scheme's portal.
Can unfilled PhD seats be used in the next academic year?
No, seats allocated for a particular year must be used during that academic year. Any unfilled seats will be returned to the general pool of the scheme for redistribution.
Which universities or colleges can participate in this scheme?
Information on eligible institutions and how they can apply for seats can be found on the official website: https://phd.dic.gov.in/eligibility.