PhD Scholarships in India

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Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) after completing a master’s degree is a significant step for those aiming to delve deeper into research and academia. However, the journey to earning a doctorate often comes with financial challenges, particularly for self-funded scholars. With PhD programs typically spanning 3-5 years, the associated costs can become overwhelming without adequate financial support. PhD scholarships in India play a crucial role in easing this burden, providing scholars with the financial freedom to focus on their research.

To assist aspiring researchers, we have curated a list of prestigious PhD scholarships in India. These scholarships not only offer substantial financial aid but also help pave the way for a seamless academic and professional journey, whether you plan to pursue your doctorate in India or abroad.

List of PhD Scholarships in India & Application Timelines

Discover a wealth of opportunities to pursue your doctoral studies in India with the help of PhD scholarships. From prestigious academic institutions to government bodies and renowned organizations, a wide range of scholarships and research fellowships are available to support aspiring scholars.

Take a look at the following list which elucidates the varied Indian scholarships and fellowships for PhD programs in India.

PhD ScholarshipOrganisation/InstitutionApplication Deadlines
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)MHRD, Government of IndiaBetween March and April
CSIR-UGC JRF FellowshipGovernment of IndiaOctober
DBT-JRF FellowshipGovernment of IndiaMarch
FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships SchemeForum on Indian Traditional
Medicine (FITM) and the Ministry of Ayush
Between November and December
SAARC Agricultural PhD ScholarshipsSAAR Agricultural CentreBetween March and April
Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social ScienceUGCBetween November and January
ESSO-NCESS Junior Research FellowshipESSO- National Centre for Earth Science StudiesOpen throughout the year
Vision India Foundation (VIF) FellowshipVision India Foundation (VIF)Between December and January
Burning Questions Fellowship AwardsTiny Beam FundBetween May and June
Google PhD ScholarshipsGoogleBetween March and April
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund ScholarshipsJawaharlal Nehru Memorial FundPh.D. Scholarship
ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)Between November and December

Note: The application deadlines for the different fellowships and scholarships mentioned above are only tentative and might change as per their specific organisation/institution.

Check Out: PhD after M.Tech

List of Top International PhD Scholarships & Application Timelines

Students looking for options to study abroad can avail of financial aid benefits through various scholarships for their research programs. Some of the scholarships are fully funded, covering all tuition, travel and living expenses while others are partially funded. Tabulated below is the list of top PhD scholarships in India which one can apply for to pursue higher education abroad: 

PhD ScholarshipOrganisation/InstitutionApplication Timeline (Approx)
UNU IAS PhD ScholarshipJapan Foundation of UNU (JFUNU)Between March and April
Dr Eduard Gubelin Research ScholarshipDr Eduard Gübelin Association
for Research
The last date to apply is June 30th
Sir Ratan Tata Trust & Navajbai Ratan TataTrust Education GrantsTata TrustsThe last date to apply is May 31st
Commonwealth PhD ScholarshipsCommonwealth Scholarship CommissionBetween November and December
Raman-Charpak FellowshipGOI and the Government of FranceBetween May and July
President’s PhD ScholarshipsImperial College LondonOpen throughout the year
Fulbright Kalam Climate FellowshipUSIEFBetween January and July
Japanese Government MEXT ScholarshipMEXT JapanBetween April and May
New Zealand Commonwealth ScholarshipsGovernment of New ZealandBetween February and March
Korean Government Scholarship ProgramGovernment of KoreaBetween February and March
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD fellowshipBoehringer Ingelheim Fonds, GermanyBetween May and June
MAXQDA Research GrantsVERBI Software GmbHBetween April and June
IGLP Residential Fellowship Program, Harvard Law School, USAInstitute of Global Law & Policy (IGLP), Harvard Law SchoolBetween December and February
CBS PhD Scholarships at the Department of Operations ManagementDepartment of Operations Management, Copenhagen Business School (CBS)Between May and June
IITB-Monash Research Academy PhD ScholarshipsIITB-Monash Research AcademyBetween February and March
HDR ScholarshipDeakin UniversityBetween April and May
Special Research Fun Doctoral Scholarships, Ghent UniversityGhent University, BelgiumBetween February and March
Cimi Toulouse Doctoral FellowshipsInternational Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science (CIMI), Toulouse, FranceBetween January and February
Fujian Normal University President Scholarship for Foreign StudentsFujian Normal UniversityBetween May and June
Imperial College PhD Scholarship in Chemical EngineeringImperial College LondonBetween March and April

Note: The application deadlines for the different fellowships and scholarships mentioned above are only tentative and might change as per their specific organisation/institution.

Now that you are familiarised with the wide range of PhD scholarships in India as well as abroad, let’s explore some of these scholarships and fellowships in further detail.

Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research

The Ministry of Human Resource Development, under the Central Government of India, has introduced a prestigious scholarship scheme to support outstanding students pursuing a PhD. Offered through esteemed institutions like IISc and IITs, this initiative stands among the top PhD scholarships in India. Eligible scholars receive a monthly stipend of ₹70,000 in the first year, which increases to ₹80,000 per month during the fourth and fifth years of the program. Open to scholars from universities across India, this scholarship is awarded annually, with applications accepted via the official website.

Check Out: Scholarships for Girls in India

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

Another addition to the list of popular PhD scholarships in India is the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship. It is awarded to scholars who have registered themselves for a PhD at an Indian University. These fellowships spanning over 6-9 months are designed to help students advance their research in a vast range of fields like Sociology, Public Health, History, Machine Learning, etc.

One of the popular scholarships for Indian students, it broadly covers the expenses related to a J-1 visa, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges, monthly stipend, round-trip economy class air travel, other allowances, and modest affiliation fees. To know about the eligibility criteria, visit the official website for the fellowship. The application deadline as per the official website is July 15, 2022, 23:59:59 hrs (IST). Tabulated below are the important dates for the fellowship:

DatesProcess
July 2024Application due date for 2024 awards
Mid-August 2024Review of applications
Late September 2024Selected applicants informed by the USIEF
Early October 2024Interviews of short-listed candidates (To be conducted in Delhi)
End October 2024The principal and alternate nominees are notified by USIEF. Nominees take TOEFL
December 2024The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB)
receives the applications of shortlisted candidates from USIEF for final approval
March/April 2024USIEF notifies the finalists
May/June 2024Pre-Departure Orientation
July/August 2024Pre-academic training in the U.S. (if required)
August/September 2024Program commences

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships

Looking to pursue a PhD in India with financial support? The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity available to Indian students and those from other Asian countries. This scholarship provides comprehensive assistance, including a monthly stipend of ₹18,000 to cover maintenance and tuition fees, along with ₹15,000 for books, stationery, and other academic necessities.

Here’s everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria for this sought-after scholarship:

  • Age limit: Not less than 35 years
  • First-division postgraduate degree holder
  • A minimum of 60% in undergraduate and postgraduate level
  • Must have applied for a PhD program at a recognised university in India
  • For full-time PhD programs

Physical Research Laboratory Junior Research Fellowship

Amongst the top PhD scholarships in India for postgraduates in the field of Physics and Astronomy, Physical Research Laboratory Junior Research Fellowship is offered in the following specialisations:

  • Astronomy
  • Astronomical Sciences
  • Geosciences
  • Planetary Sciences
  • Optical Physics
  • Solar Physics
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Space and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Astrochemistry
  • Theoretical Physics

It is exclusively for PhD research at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and provides monthly awards of up to 35,000 INR. The eligibility criteria for this scholarship are as follows:

Check Out: PhD in Canada with Scholarship

Google PhD Fellowship India Program

This fellowship program is offered by Google for aspiring PhD scholars in Computer Science or related specializations. The Google Ph.D. Fellowship India Program provides a monthly fellowship amount as well as covers the contingency expenses along with giving an internship offer at Google. The requirements for this Google Scholarship for PhD in India are:

  • The candidate must be enrolled in a PhD course at a recognised university in India.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree holder from a university in India
  • A working professional at a recognised organisation in India

ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)

ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) are for PhD aspirants of Historical Studies and are offered by the Indian Council of Historical Research. It offers a monthly stipend of up to 17,600 INR as well as monthly contingency expenses of 16,500 p.a. for 2 years. The only eligibility requirement for this scholarship is that the applicant must be enrolled in a PhD in Historical Studies at a recognized higher education institution in India.

ICSSR Doctoral Research Fellowship

The Council of Social Science Research of MHRD, Government of India offers doctoral fellowships in Social Sciences to PhD scholars who are registered in a UGC-recognized Indian university. A great opportunity for scholars looking for PhD scholarships in India, it is strictly applicable for two years and the value of the fellowship is ₹20,000 per month. Offered in around 25 subjects of Social Sciences that include Political Science, Social Work, Gender Studies, Public Administration, etc, to be eligible for the fellowship, a candidate must have confirmed PhD registration at a recognized university. The application process for the 2019-20 session has already been closed but you should be prepared for the 2021-22 session to avail the benefits. 

Maulana Azad National Fellowship

The fellowship is provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs of the Government of India. The objective of the fellowship is to provide students from minority communities with financial assistance to pursue higher education such as MPhil and PhD. The Maulana Azad National fellowship can be availed by taking admission to any of the recognized universities in the country. One of the lesser-known PhD scholarships in India, it is awarded to those candidates whose family income is not more than 6 Lakh. Under the scheme, the scholar gets ₹28,000 per month for 5 years. Candidates can apply for the fellowship on the official website of UGC.

NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD

The fellowship is intended to enable young scholars to excel in research in their subject of interest. The candidates who show exceptional aptitude for research are shortlisted for the fellowship. It can be availed by taking admission to a recognized university in India. The NET-qualified NCERT Doctoral Fellows will receive ₹25,000 per month for a maximum period of three years from the date of registration into a PhD program. For the candidates who have not qualified for the NET exam, the amount is ₹23,000 per month. 

CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship

This is a fully-funded PhD scholarship offered by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) for the field of Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Science, and Chemical Sciences, amongst others.

DBT-JRF Fellowship

Another prominent scholarship for those planning to pursue their PhD in India, the DBT-JRF Fellowship is offered by the Government of India for Biotechnology scholars. Students need to clear the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) to get selected for this scholarship. The registration window for the BET exam opens around February every year and the exam is conducted around April. It is one of the sought-after PhD scholarships in India amongst Biotechnology students and offers a fellowship amount of ₹25,000 + HRA to JRF students and ₹28,000 + HRA to SRF students.

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FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme

It was launched to promote higher education in the aforementioned areas. The scheme is awarded in two categories Doctoral Fellowships and postdoctoral fellowships for ages 28 – 35. The scheme duration for the doctoral fellowships is two years and for postdoctoral fellowships is for one year. The requirements for the FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme is as follows:

  1. Full-time scholar in any UGC-recognized institution
  2. Educational backgrounds in any of AYUSH disciplines
  3. Additional qualifications in IT will be preferred.

SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships

This scholarship is ideal for students aspiring to pursue a PhD in Animal Nutrition or Fish Nutrition and feed technology. The scholarship is for 3 years and full-time education only. The scholarship will cover the economic fare, tuition fees, living allowance, expense of books, study materials, thesis preparation, etc. The requirements for the SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarship are as follows:

  1. Applicant should be a citizen of Bhutan/ India/ Maldives/ Pakistan/ Sri Lanka
  2.  Employed at National Agricultural Research System/ Ministry/ Department.
  3. Below the age of 40 years.
  4. Pursuing a full-time PhD for three years

Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science

The scholarship was launched to encourage the education of single girl children and to provide financial aid. The scholarship is available to single girl children pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences. The twin sisters are also eligible for the scholarship. The requirements for Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science are as follows:

  1. Single girl child pursuing PhD in social sciences
  2. Full-time PhD from UGC-approved institutions.
  3. The age should be below 40 years and the reserved category should be below 45 years.
  4. Transgender applicants are also eligible.

ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship

Students aspiring to pursue a PhD in areas of earth system sciences are eligible for this fellowship. Earth system science includes courses in:

  • Igneous Petrology
  • Metamorphic Petrology
  • Sedimentology
  • Paleomagnetism
  • Fluid inclusions
  • Geomorphology
  • Quaternary Geology
  • Paleoclimate
  • Geochemistry
  • Tectonic Geomorphology
  • Isotope Geology
  • Hydrogeology
  • Coastal Processes
  • Oceanography
  • Remote sensing
  • Natural Hazards and Cloud Microphysics

The requirements for ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship are as follows:

  1. M.Sc./M.Tech. Degree in Earth System Sciences or a related field
  2. CSIR-UGC NET qualification for JRF
  3. Age should not be more than 28 years
  4. Full-time PhD in earth science for 3 years

MHRD PhD Scholarships

MHRD stands for Ministry of Human Resource Development. There are also various PhD scholarships which are offered for the MHRD course. The basic eligibility criteria for MHRD PhD scholarships is that – the candidates need to be ongoing PhD students and can apply for the country only if he or she is from the ASEAN countries.

PhD ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
MHRD PhD Fellowships for ASEAN Students 2023PhD applicants from the ASEAN countries are eligible to apply.INR 35,000
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)Candidate must complete MTech and apply for PhDINR 70,000 for the first 2 years
INR 75,000 in the third year
INR 80,000 in the Fourth Year
ICSSR Doctoral Research FellowshipMust have a master’s degree from a recognised university with first class or second class and registered for a doctoral degree in social scienceINR 20,000 per month

Application Process of PhD Scholarships in India 

There are various scholarships available for students interested in pursuing PhD from India and abroad. Now, you must be wondering how can I apply for these scholarships. Here is a stepwise application process:

  1. Visit the official Website. Most of the scholarships have their website or you can apply at the UGC scholarship website.
  2. Click on the scholarship scheme you want to apply for.
  3. Check the eligibility criteria before applying. Every scholarship scheme has different eligibility criteria, it is advisable to check the eligibility before applying.
  4. Submit the application form with the required documents.
  5. Submit the thesis or research proposal.
  6. Some scholarship schemes will call applicants for personal interview rounds as well by the selection committee.
  7. Applicants selected for the grant will be contacted or they can track their progress through their application portal as well.

Cancellation of PhD Scholarship

Scholarships are awarded to students with excellent academic backgrounds with the talent and potential to perform better. Sometimes the scholarship grant that has been provided or approved can be cancelled by the official authority in some cases. If an applicant is unable to perform well or in case fails in a subject of MPhil or PhD the award can be cancelled. Another case is if an applicant is found ineligible later.

If an applicant is found ineligible in any scenario his/her scholarship will be cancelled. Lastly, scholarships are not just awarded based on academic scores, applicants must hold good character and ideal behaviour. In any case, if applicants are found misconducting in the organization, his/her scholarship might be cancelled.

Source: warikoo

FAQs

Ques: Is there any scholarship for PhD in India?

Ans: There is a wide range of PhD Scholarships in India that you can choose from. The most popular PhD scholarships include the Fullbright-Nehru Research Doctoral Fellowships, Prime Minister Fellowships for Doctoral Research, CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship, NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD, Maulana Azad National Fellowship, etc.

Ques: How can I get a scholarship for PhD?

Ans: There are various ways to find a scholarship for your PhD program. You can either search for scholarship and research grants offered in your chosen field of study or fellowships and scholarships offered by the government, public organisations as well as academic institutions in the country where you want to study PhD.

Ques: What is the general PhD scholarship amount in India?

Ans: The general scholarship amount for most scholarships in India for PhD students can range anywhere between INR 10,000 to INR 25,000. The amount of the scholarship depends on the course you are pursuing.

Ques: What is the list of PhD Scholarships in India?

Ans: Here’s the list of PhD scholarships in India:
ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship
Maulana Azad National Fellowship
Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research
Google PhD Fellowship India Program
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships
NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD
ICSSR Research Fellowship
Commonwealth Scholarship
DBT-JRF
INSPIRE Fellowship
National Fellowship

Ques: What is the stipend for PhD in GATE?

Ques: The stipend for PhD students under the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) scheme is provided to those who secure a GATE scholarship. Typically, the stipend is around ₹31,000 per month for the first two years, which is subject to change based on the institution’s policy. In some cases, the amount may increase in the subsequent years depending on the progress of the research.

Ques: How to apply for Prime Minister Scholarship for PhD?

Ques: To apply for the Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in a PhD program in a recognized institution in India. The application process typically involves submitting an online application form along with necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, research proposals, and letters of recommendation. Keep an eye on official announcements for specific application deadlines and detailed instructions on how to apply.

Ques: What are the available PhD scholarships in India?

Ques: India offers various scholarships for PhD students, including the ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF), Maulana Azad National Fellowship, Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship, Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships, Google PhD Fellowship India Program
NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD, ICSSR Research Fellowship,
Commonwealth Scholarship, DBT-JRF, INSPIRE Fellowship and
National Fellowship.

Ques: How can I apply for a PhD fellowship in India?

Ques: To apply for a PhD fellowship in India, candidates generally need to check the eligibility criteria for specific fellowships like the ICSSR Research Fellowship or the DBT-JRF. The application process usually involves submitting an online form, academic documents, research proposals, and recommendation letters. Make sure to stay updated on application deadlines and guidelines from the fellowship providers.

Ques: What is the average PhD stipend in India?

Ques: The average PhD stipend in India varies based on the fellowship or scholarship. For example, fellowships like the Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research and ICSSR Research Fellowship offer monthly stipends ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹35,000. However, specific amounts depend on the fellowship’s terms and the institution offering it.

Ques: What is the highest PhD stipend in India?

Ques: The highest PhD stipends in India can be found in prestigious fellowships like the Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research, which offers a stipend of up to ₹70,000 per month. Other scholarships, like the INSPIRE Fellowship and Google PhD Fellowship, also provide generous financial support, though the amount may vary.

Availing PhD scholarships in India will ensure that financial constraints don’t come your way while you excel in research in the area of your interest. To know more about the scholarships and to get help with your admissions to top universities abroad, reach out to our career experts at Leverage Edu in a 30-minute free career counselling session and take a step forward towards a rewarding career! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

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20 comments
    1. Hi Akshat,
      To know about the universities offering PhD in Economics in India and abroad along with funding options, get in touch with our through a free e-emeting!

  1. Good afternoon sir,
    Am impressed with the article as I was too confused about how to start and whom to ask about phd.I cleared my UGC NET in dec2012 at first attempt only.
    Thanking you,
    NOORUSSABA ANSARI .
    New Delhi

    1. Hey Anam!

      You don’t need to wait for your acceptance letter to apply for scholarships. Every scholarship has a different deadline so adhere to that so you don’t miss out on any scholarships. If you have any doubts about the application process then call us on this number-1800572000!
      Best of Luck!

  2. Any suitable scholarship for general category, non minority, UGC NET qualified, girl student in PhD

    1. Hi Tibebu!

      Please connect with our experts on 1800572000 and find out what scholarships you are eligible to apply for PhD. Hope this helps!

  3. I am a working proffessional, wants to pursue PhD in Distance/Part time mode. My subject of concern is HR managment.

    1. Hi Ranjan,
      The Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child is currently active. However, there have been delays in opening the application portal since 2022. As of now, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has not provided a specific date for the release of the 2025 application form.

    1. Hi Akshat,
      To know about the universities offering PhD in Economics in India and abroad along with funding options, get in touch with our through a free e-emeting!

  1. Good afternoon sir,
    Am impressed with the article as I was too confused about how to start and whom to ask about phd.I cleared my UGC NET in dec2012 at first attempt only.
    Thanking you,
    NOORUSSABA ANSARI .
    New Delhi