PhD Scholarships in India 2026


Last updated: October 03, 2026

PHD FUNDING & FELLOWSHIPS

Fellowships, Stipends, Eligibility & How to Apply

Compare UGC JRF, CSIR-UGC NET JRF, PMRF, ICSSR, ICAR, WISE-PhD and SC/ST/OBC doctoral funding in one place, then turn your fellowship plan into a strong research proposal with Zonduo.

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10 steps to apply for a PhD fellowship
₹37,000 UGC / CSIR JRF per month
₹80,000 PMRF monthly, years 4 & 5
13 funding routes and fellowship pathways covered
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PhD fellowship and research
QUICK ANSWER

Do PhD students get scholarships in India?

Quick answer: Yes, funding opportunities exist for PhD students in India, but not every PhD student automatically receives a stipend. Common routes include UGC JRF, CSIR-UGC NET JRF, PMRF, ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship, ICAR doctoral fellowships and institution- or project-based funding.

If you are searching for PhD scholarships in India, the first thing to know is that doctoral funding does not come through one single scholarship system. Funding may come through a fellowship such as UGC JRF, CSIR-UGC NET JRF, PMRF or ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship, an institutional assistantship, a project-funded position, or a category-specific fellowship.

Many PhD scholars receive a monthly fellowship or stipend rather than a conventional salary. The amount, duration, eligibility and conditions depend on the funding scheme and the institution.

This guide explains the main PhD scholarships and fellowships in India, how JRF and SRF work, what PMRF is, where women and category-specific applicants can look, how subject-specific funding works, what documents are normally required and how to approach PhD funding without confusing unrelated scholarships with doctoral fellowships.

QUICK OVERVIEW

PhD Scholarships in India: Quick Overview

Fellowship / funding route Mainly relevant to Funding structure Typical route
UGC JRF Humanities, social sciences and sciences JRF → SRF structure UGC-NET/JRF or applicable joint route
CSIR-UGC NET JRF Selected science disciplines JRF → SRF structure Joint CSIR-UGC NET
PMRF Science and engineering/technology PhD Fellowship + research grant PMRF granting institution + nomination/selection
ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship Social and human sciences Fellowship + contingency ICSSR application
ICAR JRF/SRF Agriculture and allied sciences JRF/SRF ICAR doctoral examination route
WISE-PhD Eligible women in specified STEM fields Fellowship + research grant DST WISE-PhD
Institutional funding Depends on university/institute Assistantship/fellowship/project funding University or department
Project-funded research Research aligned with funded project Project-specific remuneration/fellowship PI/institution/project call

Funding rules change, so applicants should verify the applicable notification before applying. Need help shortlisting a research area first? See Zonduo's research topic selection support and the research funding agencies guide.



Scholarship vs Fellowship vs Stipend vs Salary

These terms are often used interchangeably online, but they are not identical.

Scholarship

Financial assistance intended to support education

Fellowship

Funding awarded to support research or advanced academic work

Stipend

Regular financial support paid to a student/researcher during training or research

Assistantship

Financial support linked to duties such as teaching or research assistance

Salary

Employment compensation under an employer-employee relationship

Research grant

Funding intended primarily for research expenses rather than personal income

A PhD stipend is therefore not automatically a PhD salary. The legal and administrative conditions depend on the particular funding arrangement.

Do PhD Students Get Paid in India?

Many funded PhD scholars receive a monthly fellowship or stipend, but this should not automatically be described as a salary.

₹37,000 UGC JRF / month then ₹42,000 at SRF
₹70,000 PMRF / month, yrs 1–2 up to ₹80,000 in yrs 4–5
₹2 lakh PMRF research grant per year

For example, as of October 2026, the UGC JRF scheme lists ₹37,000 per month for the JRF period and ₹42,000 per month after progression to SRF, subject to the scheme's conditions. It also provides separate contingency support.

PMRF has a different structure, with ₹70,000 per month in years 1 and 2, ₹75,000 in year 3 and ₹80,000 in years 4 and 5, plus a research grant of ₹2 lakh per year.

This is why there is no single answer to "how much do PhD students get paid in India?" The answer depends on the funding route.

Major PhD Fellowships in India

UGC Junior Research Fellowship for PhD

The University Grants Commission (UGC) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) supports qualified candidates undertaking advanced study and research leading to doctoral-level work in science, humanities and social sciences.

As of October 2026, the UGC fellowship information lists:

  • JRF: ₹37,000/month for two years
  • SRF: ₹42,000/month for the remaining period
  • Maximum tenure: five years or submission of thesis, whichever is earlier
  • Separate contingency provisions depending on discipline.

The important point is that NET qualification and JRF qualification are not the same thing. NTA conducts UGC-NET for different eligibility outcomes, including JRF, Assistant Professor and PhD admission categories. The June 2026 NTA notice explicitly describes these different outcomes.

What is JRF?

JRF means Junior Research Fellowship. It is a fellowship status that provides financial support for eligible research candidates under an applicable fellowship scheme.

What is SRF?

SRF means Senior Research Fellowship. Under schemes such as UGC JRF, progression from JRF to SRF occurs after the applicable initial period and subject to the relevant conditions.

What is the difference between JRF and SRF?

JRF generally refers to the initial fellowship stage, while SRF refers to the subsequent stage after the scholar satisfies the required progress or assessment conditions.

CSIR-UGC NET JRF and CSIR Fellowship

The Joint CSIR-UGC NET is particularly relevant to science researchers.

The CSIR-UGC NET examination covers:

  • Chemical Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Physical Sciences.

The CSIR fellowship framework provides JRF support and progression mechanisms. As of October 2026, CSIR-HRDG guidance states that a JRF selected through CSIR-UGC NET receives ₹37,000 per month for the first two years, together with an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000.

What is CSIR NET?

CSIR NET is the national eligibility examination used for JRF and other eligibility outcomes in the covered science disciplines.

CSIR NET vs UGC NET

The two examinations serve overlapping but different academic populations.

Feature UGC-NET Joint CSIR-UGC NET
Broad focus University disciplines across many subjects Selected science disciplines
Subjects covered UGC-NET covers a broad range of university subjects; the June 2026 examination listed 84 subjects. Joint CSIR-UGC NET covers five core science disciplines: Chemical, Earth/Atmospheric/Ocean/Planetary, Life, Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
Exam structure Two papers in one CBT: Paper I (teaching/research aptitude) and Paper II (subject-specific). One CBT with three objective sections: Part A, Part B and Part C; the subject-specific question and marking pattern varies by discipline.
Eligibility outcomes Depending on performance/category, UGC-NET can lead to JRF, Assistant Professor eligibility, Assistant Professor + PhD admission, or PhD admission only. CSIR-UGC NET provides JRF and other applicable eligibility outcomes in the five covered science disciplines.
Science coverage Includes science subjects as well as humanities, social sciences, commerce, management and other university disciplines. Restricted to the five CSIR science disciplines listed above.

As of October 2026, the CSIR-UGC NET framework covers five science disciplines, whereas UGC-NET covers a much wider range of university subjects.

CSIR NET vs CSIR JRF

CSIR NET is the examination; JRF is a fellowship outcome. Passing or qualifying under one of the available categories does not mean every candidate receives the same fellowship status.

CSIR SRF

CSIR SRF refers to the Senior Research Fellowship stage after the applicable JRF period and assessment requirements. CSIR's published guidelines specify progression and assessment conditions rather than treating SRF as an automatic entitlement for every scholar.

Prime Minister's Research Fellowship — PMRF

The Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) is designed for doctoral research in science and engineering/technology.

As of October 2026, the official PMRF portal lists:

  • Year 1: ₹70,000/month
  • Year 2: ₹70,000/month
  • Year 3: ₹75,000/month
  • Year 4: ₹80,000/month
  • Year 5: ₹80,000/month
  • Research grant: ₹2 lakh per year, up to ₹10 lakh over five years.

As of October 2026, PMRF is not an open scholarship that every PhD student can independently apply for. For Direct Entry, the candidate must first be selected/admitted to the PhD programme at a PMRF-granting institute; the granting institute nominates eligible candidates, and nominated scholars then receive access to the PMRF portal for the detailed application. For Lateral Entry, the candidate must already be pursuing a PhD at a PMRF-granting institute and meet the applicable academic and timing requirements. Nomination does not guarantee final PMRF selection.

The current PMRF guidelines provide Direct Entry and Lateral Entry routes with specific academic and timing requirements.

PMRF stipend and research grant

The fellowship supports the scholar personally, while the separate research grant is intended to support research-related expenditure.

PMRF also has ongoing review requirements. Its official deliverables information states that continuation depends on satisfactory annual review.

04

ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) supports doctoral research in social and human sciences.

As of October 2026, the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship page specifies a Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship of ₹20,000 per month plus ₹20,000 annual contingency, with a two-year duration for the full-term fellowship.

The 2026–27 call included Full-Term, Short-Term and Contingency Grant schemes.

This makes ICSSR particularly relevant for searches such as:

  • scholarship for PhD in economics in India
  • PhD fellowships in social sciences
  • economics PhD funding
  • doctoral funding in development studies
  • social science research fellowship

A useful example is economics: ICSSR's research ecosystem includes economics and development-related research, so an economics PhD applicant should examine both national fellowship routes and ICSSR opportunities rather than searching only for something literally named an "economics scholarship."

05

Agriculture PhD Scholarships in India

Agriculture researchers should also examine the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) route.

ICAR has used the All India Competitive Examination for admission to doctoral programmes in agriculture and allied sciences and has associated JRF/SRF funding with the doctoral route. ICAR's published information describes JRF/SRF support for doctoral candidates, while its examination notices direct applicants to the relevant year's NTA information bulletin for eligibility, seats and fellowship rules. Applicants should verify the applicable 2026-27 notification before applying.

Therefore, candidates searching for agriculture PhD scholarships in India should check:

  • ICAR doctoral admission notifications
  • AICE-JRF/SRF information
  • university-level agricultural fellowships
  • project-funded research positions
  • discipline-specific institutional funding.

PhD Scholarships for Women and Girl Students

Women applicants have several possible funding routes, but it is important not to treat every "girl student scholarship" as a doctoral scholarship.

WISE-PhD

The Department of Science and Technology's WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD) is specifically designed for women scientists pursuing doctoral research in specified basic and applied science areas.

As of October 2026, the DST WISE-PhD information states that the programme covers:

  • Physical and Mathematical Sciences
  • Chemical Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Engineering & Technology.

As of October 2026, the page lists:

  • age range: 27–45
  • upper-age relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates
  • support for eligible unemployed women
  • maximum duration of five years
  • ₹37,000/month fellowship
  • ₹1 lakh annual research grant
  • HRA according to applicable norms.

As of October 2026, DST has announced the results for WISE-PhD proposals submitted under the previous call, with the results announcement dated 24 March 2026. The 31 December 2024 date refers to the closing of the previous call and should not be presented as a current application deadline. Applicants should check the official DST WISE-PhD page for the latest call status and application instructions before applying.

Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child

As of October 2026, UGC lists the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child for a single girl child pursuing PhD research in a recognised institution.

The UGC page lists:

  • JRF: ₹37,000/month for two years
  • SRF: ₹42,000/month thereafter
  • tenure up to thesis submission or five years, whichever is earlier
  • separate contingency support.

What about Pragati Scholarship?

AICTE Pragati should not be presented as a PhD scholarship.

As of October 2026, the National Scholarship Portal identifies AICTE Pragati separately for Technical Degree and Technical Diploma students.

Its purpose is technical education at degree/diploma level, not doctoral study. Therefore, searches such as "Pragati scholarship for engineering students" or "scholarship for diploma students in Maharashtra" belong to a different search intent from PhD funding.

PhD Scholarships for SC, ST, OBC and General Category Students

Category-based funding requires careful verification because reservation and fellowship eligibility are different concepts.

SC

SC students

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) is an active doctoral funding route. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment states that it supports SC students pursuing research leading to M.Phil/PhD and provides 2,000 new fellowships annually under the scheme framework in force as of October 2026, with selection linked to UGC NET/Joint CSIR-UGC NET results.

ST

ST students

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs identifies the National Fellowship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students for M.Phil and PhD study at eligible institutions. The scheme provides doctoral fellowship support subject to its applicable rules.

OBC

OBC students

Applicants searching for PhD scholarships in India for OBC students should check the National Fellowship for OBC framework and government/UGC guidance applicable as of October 2026 notifications rather than relying on older blog lists. UGC's guideline archive contains the National Fellowship for OBC guidelines, but scheme administration and calls applicable as of October 2026 should be verified before applying.

GEN

General category students

There is no single "general category PhD scholarship" that automatically applies to every unreserved candidate. General-category scholars can still be eligible for open merit fellowships such as applicable UGC/CSIR routes, PMRF, ICSSR, ICAR and institution/project-based funding, depending on discipline and eligibility.

Subject-Specific PhD Funding

Additional national and discipline-specific routes should also be checked before applying:

DST INSPIRE Fellowship — doctoral fellowship route for eligible students in science and technology areas.

DBT-JRF / Joint CSIR-UGC-DBT JRF-NET — biotechnology and life-science route; the joint CSIR-UGC-DBT JRF-NET is scheduled to apply from the December 2026 examination cycle.

ICMR BRET — the former ICMR-JRF route was revised to the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) from 2024.

MeitY Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme Phase-II — relevant to Electronics, IT/ITES and related technology research.

ICHR Junior Research Fellowship — relevant to doctoral research in History and allied subjects.

ICPR Junior Research Fellowship — relevant to doctoral research in Philosophy and allied disciplines.

MANF (Maulana Azad National Fellowship) — The Ministry of Minority Affairs discontinued the MANF scheme from 2022–23 onward. Existing MANF fellows may continue to receive the fellowship until the end of their respective tenure, subject to the applicable guidelines.

Verify the applicable 2026–27 official notification before describing any fellowship or funding route as open for applications.

Economics and Social Sciences

ICSSR Doctoral Fellowships are particularly relevant to eligible research in economics, development studies and other social and human sciences.

Agriculture and Allied Sciences

ICAR doctoral routes and university agricultural institutions are important funding pathways for eligible agriculture and allied-science researchers.

Science

UGC JRF, CSIR-UGC NET JRF and DST INSPIRE Fellowship are relevant national routes, subject to discipline and eligibility.

Engineering and Technology

PMRF, institutional/project fellowships and the MeitY Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme are relevant routes for eligible engineering and technology research.

Computer Science and Data Science

PMRF explicitly includes Computer Science & Engineering, Data Science and Mathematics among its broad areas; Visvesvaraya and institution/project-funded routes may also apply.

Biotechnology and Life Sciences

DBT-JRF / the Joint CSIR-UGC-DBT JRF-NET route, CSIR-UGC NET and applicable ICMR BRET pathways should be checked for eligible doctoral research.

History and Philosophy

UGC JRF, ICHR Junior Research Fellowship and ICPR Junior Research Fellowship provide discipline-specific routes subject to their respective eligibility rules and calls.

PhD Scholarships in Tamil Nadu

There is no need to limit your search to a scholarship whose name contains "Tamil Nadu."

A student pursuing a PhD in Tamil Nadu may be able to consider:

National fellowships such as UGC JRF, CSIR-UGC NET JRF, ICSSR and ICAR where applicable
Anna Research Fellowship (ARF) at Anna University for eligible full-time PhD candidates.
Tamil Nadu Government Research Fellowship listed by Anna University's Centre for Research.
Chief Minister's Research Fellowship Scheme for Differently Abled PhD Scholars, subject to the applicable Tamil Nadu Government terms.
Institution-specific fellowships, university assistantships and project-funded research positions.

The correct approach is to search both the university and the national funding ecosystem.

As of October 2026, PMRF's official list of granting institutes includes IIT Madras and NIT Trichy among the Tamil Nadu institutions listed.

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in India

"Fully funded" should be treated carefully.

A fellowship may cover a monthly stipend but not every expense associated with doctoral study. Depending on the scheme, students may still have to consider:

Tuition or registration charges
Examination fees
Hostel
Food
Travel
Research materials
Conference expenses
Publication expenses
Thesis-related costs

A funding package should therefore be evaluated by total coverage, not simply by its monthly fellowship amount.

PhD Fees and Cost in India

There is no single reliable national PhD fee applicable to every university.

The cost of a PhD in India may include:

1. Application/entrance fee
2. Registration fee
3. Tuition fee
4. Coursework fee
5. Examination fee
6. Hostel and accommodation
7. Living expenses
8. Research materials
9. Laboratory or fieldwork expenses
10. Conference/travel expenses
11. Thesis submission-related charges

Before accepting a PhD offer, compare the institution's fee structure with the fellowship's actual coverage. A fellowship that looks attractive on a monthly basis may still leave significant expenses outside its scope.

Can I Get a PhD Fellowship Without NET?

Yes, a fellowship without NET may be possible, depending on the funding scheme.

NET/JRF is one important route, but it is not the only possible source of doctoral funding. PMRF has its own admission and nomination mechanism; ICSSR has its own doctoral fellowship process; ICAR has a separate doctoral examination route; and universities may offer institutional or project-based funding.
The better question is: Which fellowship routes accept candidates in my discipline and situation without requiring UGC-NET or CSIR-NET? That produces a much more useful funding search.

How to Get a PhD Scholarship in India

Use this process rather than applying randomly to every scholarship you find online.

1

Define your research area

Start with a broad discipline and narrow it into a research problem.

2

Shortlist universities

Check faculty expertise, research centres, doctoral regulations and available funding.

3

Step 3 — Identify the relevant fellowship route

For example:

  • Humanities/social sciences → UGC/ICSSR
  • Science → UGC/CSIR
  • Engineering/technology → UGC/PMRF/institutional/project routes
  • Agriculture → ICAR
  • Eligible women in STEM → WISE-PhD and other applicable routes.
4

Check the official eligibility

Look at:

  • academic qualification
  • marks/CGPA
  • age
  • category
  • discipline
  • PhD registration status
  • nationality
  • institutional eligibility
  • previous fellowship status.
5

Step 5 — Prepare your research proposal

A strong proposal normally explains:

  • research problem
  • background
  • research gap
  • objectives
  • research questions
  • methodology
  • expected contribution
  • references.
6

Prepare your documents

Keep digital copies ready before applications open.

7

Apply through the correct portal

Use the fellowship provider's official website or the designated government portal.

8

Track the application

Save:

  • application number
  • submission confirmation
  • uploaded documents
  • official notification
  • correction window
  • result/award letter.
9

Check institutional joining requirements

Winning a fellowship and completing PhD admission/registration are related but separate processes in many funding systems.

10

Track renewal requirements

Some fellowships depend on satisfactory academic/research progress.

Need a hand with steps 1 and 5?

Zonduo supports research topic selection, research proposal writing and research methodology.

Documents Usually Required

Requirements vary by scheme, but applicants should commonly prepare:

  • degree certificates
  • postgraduate mark sheets
  • undergraduate mark sheets
  • category certificate where applicable
  • income certificate where applicable
  • disability certificate where applicable
  • identity proof
  • NET/JRF certificate where applicable
  • PhD admission/registration proof
  • research proposal
  • supervisor/institution documents
  • bank details
  • recommendation documents where required
  • publications/research experience documents where relevant.
Do not assume that one document checklist applies to every fellowship.

Can PhD Students Receive Two Scholarships?

There is no universal rule that permits every scholar to hold two fellowships simultaneously.

Before accepting another award, check:

  • fellowship terms
  • concurrent-funding restrictions
  • institutional rules
  • whether the second award is a grant or fellowship
  • whether the funding periods overlap
  • whether outside employment is permitted.

For example, ICSSR's 2026–27 doctoral fellowship call states that a scholar can apply for only one of its fellowship schemes in a financial year.
Never assume that two monthly fellowships can simply be combined.

PhD Scholarships in India and Abroad

There are three different situations that are often mixed together in search results:

1. Full PhD abroad

You leave India and enrol in a doctoral programme at a foreign university.

2. International research fellowship during an Indian PhD

You remain registered at an Indian university and undertake a period of research abroad.

3. Split-site or collaborative research

Your doctoral programme remains connected to the Indian institution while you spend a defined period at an overseas institution.

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship, for example, is designed for Indian scholars already registered for a PhD at an Indian institution and supports six to nine months of research in the United States.

Indian students looking for a full PhD abroad can separately investigate programmes such as Commonwealth PhD Scholarships and university-funded doctoral positions. As of October 2026, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission lists Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for full-time doctoral study at UK universities.

PhD scholarships in India and abroad

Common Mistakes When Applying for PhD Fellowships

01

Relying on an old blog for a current stipend

02

Confusing a scholarship with a fellowship

03

Assuming every girl-student scholarship supports PhD

04

Confusing NET qualification with JRF qualification

05

Ignoring age requirements

06

Applying without checking PhD registration requirements

07

Using an outdated category certificate

08

Submitting a generic research proposal

09

Missing the correction window

10

Ignoring university-specific requirements

11

Assuming "fully funded" means every expense is covered

12

Accepting another fellowship without checking concurrent-funding rules

13

Trusting unofficial WhatsApp/Telegram scholarship lists without checking the original notification.

How to Choose a PhD Fellowship

Instead of asking which fellowship is "best," compare the scheme against your own requirements.

Factor What to check
Discipline Does the scheme cover your research field?
Eligibility Do you meet every criterion?
Funding Monthly amount and additional support
Duration How long is funding available?
Research grant Is research expenditure separately supported?
Age Is there an upper/lower age limit?
Registration Must you already be registered for PhD?
Institution Is your university eligible?
Renewal What progress requirements apply?
Concurrent funding Can you accept another award?
Application timing When does the official call open?
Documentation Can you obtain all required certificates?
Research support for PhD scholars
RESEARCH SUPPORT

Need research support after identifying your funding route?

Once funding is clear, the next challenge is often turning an academic interest into a viable research plan. Zonduo provides research-support services covering areas such as topic identification, proposal development, literature review and data analysis.

If your next step is a research proposal, methodology or statistical analysis, use support that strengthens your own research decisions and academic work rather than treating a fellowship application as a generic writing exercise.

PhD Assistance Thesis Writing Journal Publication Research Methodology
Get Research Proposal Help Talk to a Research Expert

Get PhD Research Guidance for Your Fellowship Plan

Tell us your discipline, research stage and the support you need. Our team will review your requirement and connect you with the appropriate research specialist.

PhD Research Guidance

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do PhD students get scholarships in India?

    Yes. Eligible PhD scholars may receive fellowships, scholarships, assistantships or project-based funding, depending on the scheme, institution and discipline. Not every PhD student receives funding automatically.

  • Do PhD students get paid in India?

    Many funded PhD scholars receive a fellowship or stipend. This is not necessarily the same as a salary from an employer.

  • What is the PhD stipend in India?

    As of October 2026, the UGC JRF rate is ₹37,000/month initially and ₹42,000/month at the SRF stage, while PMRF has a different progression structure.

  • What is the highest PhD stipend in India?

    Among the national schemes listed here, PMRF has the highest fellowship amount at ₹80,000/month in years 4 and 5, plus a separate research grant. Some institutional or industry fellowships may differ.

  • How can I get a PhD scholarship in India?

    Identify your discipline, shortlist eligible universities, find matching fellowship routes, check official eligibility, prepare your documents and research proposal, and apply through the authorised portal.

  • What is PMRF?

    PMRF means Prime Minister's Research Fellowship. It supports eligible PhD scholars in science and engineering/technology at PMRF-granting institutes through a fellowship and research grant.

  • What is JRF?

    JRF means Junior Research Fellowship. It is a research fellowship status that can provide financial support to eligible doctoral researchers.

  • What is CSIR NET?

    CSIR-UGC NET is a national examination relevant to JRF and other eligibility outcomes in five core science disciplines.

  • What is the difference between CSIR NET and UGC NET?

    UGC-NET covers a much wider set of university subjects, while CSIR-UGC NET focuses on selected science disciplines. Both can be relevant to doctoral fellowship pathways.

  • What is the difference between JRF and SRF?

    JRF is generally the initial fellowship stage. SRF is the subsequent research fellowship stage after the applicable progression and assessment requirements are met.

  • Can I get a PhD fellowship without NET?

    Yes, some funding routes use different selection mechanisms. PMRF, ICSSR, ICAR and institution/project-based funding have their own eligibility and selection processes.

  • Can PhD students receive two scholarships?

    Not automatically. Concurrent funding depends on the terms of the schemes and institutional rules. Always check before accepting another award.

  • Are there PhD scholarships for women?

    Yes. Examples include the UGC Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child and DST's WISE-PhD, subject to their specific eligibility rules.

  • Are there PhD scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students?

    Yes, category-specific doctoral fellowship routes exist, but eligibility varies. As of October 2026, the NFSC provides 2,000 new fellowships annually for eligible SC students, while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs operates the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students.

  • Are PhD fees covered by scholarships?

    Sometimes funding may offset some doctoral expenses, but coverage differs by scheme. Do not assume that a monthly fellowship automatically covers tuition, hostel, travel, research or publication expenses.

  • Are there PhD scholarships in Tamil Nadu?

    Tamil Nadu scholars can apply for national fellowships when eligible, in addition to university- and institution-specific funding. Funding should be checked at both national and institutional levels.

  • Are there scholarships for Indian students doing PhD research abroad?

    Yes. Indian researchers can encounter international doctoral scholarships as well as research-mobility fellowships. Fulbright-Nehru, for example, supports eligible Indian PhD scholars registered at Indian institutions for research in the United States.

  • What documents are required for a PhD scholarship?

    Common documents include academic records, identification, category/income certificates where relevant, research proposal, fellowship qualification certificate, PhD registration documents and bank details. The exact list must be checked against the individual notification.

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