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.
This Blog Includes:
- List of PhD Scholarships in India & Application Timelines
- List of Top International PhD Scholarships & Application Timelines
- Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research
- Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
- Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships
- Physical Research Laboratory Junior Research Fellowship
- Google PhD Fellowship India Program
- ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)
- ICSSR Doctoral Research Fellowship
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship
- NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD
- CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship
- DBT-JRF Fellowship
- FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme
- SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships
- Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science
- ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship
- MHRD PhD Scholarships
- Application Process of PhD Scholarships in India
- Cancellation of PhD Scholarship
- FAQs
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 Scholarship | Organisation/Institution | Application Deadlines |
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) | MHRD, Government of India | Between March and April |
CSIR-UGC JRF Fellowship | Government of India | October |
DBT-JRF Fellowship | Government of India | March |
FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme | Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) and the Ministry of Ayush | Between November and December |
SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships | SAAR Agricultural Centre | Between March and April |
Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science | UGC | Between November and January |
ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship | ESSO- National Centre for Earth Science Studies | Open throughout the year |
Vision India Foundation (VIF) Fellowship | Vision India Foundation (VIF) | Between December and January |
Burning Questions Fellowship Awards | Tiny Beam Fund | Between May and June |
Google PhD Scholarships | Between March and April | |
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships | Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund | Ph.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 Scholarship | Organisation/Institution | Application Timeline (Approx) |
UNU IAS PhD Scholarship | Japan Foundation of UNU (JFUNU) | Between March and April |
Dr Eduard Gubelin Research Scholarship | Dr Eduard Gübelin Association for Research | The last date to apply is June 30th |
Sir Ratan Tata Trust & Navajbai Ratan TataTrust Education Grants | Tata Trusts | The last date to apply is May 31st |
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission | Between November and December |
Raman-Charpak Fellowship | GOI and the Government of France | Between May and July |
President’s PhD Scholarships | Imperial College London | Open throughout the year |
Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship | USIEF | Between January and July |
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship | MEXT Japan | Between April and May |
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships | Government of New Zealand | Between February and March |
Korean Government Scholarship Program | Government of Korea | Between February and March |
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD fellowship | Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds, Germany | Between May and June |
MAXQDA Research Grants | VERBI Software GmbH | Between April and June |
IGLP Residential Fellowship Program, Harvard Law School, USA | Institute of Global Law & Policy (IGLP), Harvard Law School | Between December and February |
CBS PhD Scholarships at the Department of Operations Management | Department of Operations Management, Copenhagen Business School (CBS) | Between May and June |
IITB-Monash Research Academy PhD Scholarships | IITB-Monash Research Academy | Between February and March |
HDR Scholarship | Deakin University | Between April and May |
Special Research Fun Doctoral Scholarships, Ghent University | Ghent University, Belgium | Between February and March |
Cimi Toulouse Doctoral Fellowships | International Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science (CIMI), Toulouse, France | Between January and February |
Fujian Normal University President Scholarship for Foreign Students | Fujian Normal University | Between May and June |
Imperial College PhD Scholarship in Chemical Engineering | Imperial College London | Between 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:
Dates | Process |
July 2024 | Application due date for 2024 awards |
Mid-August 2024 | Review of applications |
Late September 2024 | Selected applicants informed by the USIEF |
Early October 2024 | Interviews of short-listed candidates (To be conducted in Delhi) |
End October 2024 | The principal and alternate nominees are notified by USIEF. Nominees take TOEFL |
December 2024 | The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) receives the applications of shortlisted candidates from USIEF for final approval |
March/April 2024 | USIEF notifies the finalists |
May/June 2024 | Pre-Departure Orientation |
July/August 2024 | Pre-academic training in the U.S. (if required) |
August/September 2024 | Program 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:
- For Indian nationals under the age of 28 years
- The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Engineering as well as a Master of Science/Master of Engineering degree
- First-division, i.e. 60% or equivalent in undergraduate as well as postgraduate degree.
- Must have qualified GATE or CSIR NET or Joint Entrance Screening Test
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:
- Full-time scholar in any UGC-recognized institution
- Educational backgrounds in any of AYUSH disciplines
- 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:
- Applicant should be a citizen of Bhutan/ India/ Maldives/ Pakistan/ Sri Lanka
- Employed at National Agricultural Research System/ Ministry/ Department.
- Below the age of 40 years.
- Pursuing a full-time PhD for three years
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:
- Single girl child pursuing PhD in social sciences
- Full-time PhD from UGC-approved institutions.
- The age should be below 40 years and the reserved category should be below 45 years.
- 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:
- M.Sc./M.Tech. Degree in Earth System Sciences or a related field
- CSIR-UGC NET qualification for JRF
- Age should not be more than 28 years
- 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 Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
---|---|---|
MHRD PhD Fellowships for ASEAN Students 2023 | PhD 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 PhD | INR 70,000 for the first 2 years INR 75,000 in the third year INR 80,000 in the Fourth Year |
ICSSR Doctoral Research Fellowship | Must have a master’s degree from a recognised university with first class or second class and registered for a doctoral degree in social science | INR 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:
- Visit the official Website. Most of the scholarships have their website or you can apply at the UGC scholarship website.
- Click on the scholarship scheme you want to apply for.
- Check the eligibility criteria before applying. Every scholarship scheme has different eligibility criteria, it is advisable to check the eligibility before applying.
- Submit the application form with the required documents.
- Submit the thesis or research proposal.
- Some scholarship schemes will call applicants for personal interview rounds as well by the selection committee.
- 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.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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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Aspiring PHD in economics, currently Doing MBA from IBS mumbai and M.com ( Distance )
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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!
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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-
Hi Noorussaba Ansari, please check out our blogs on https://leverageedu.com/blog/phd-funding/ and https://leverageedu.com/blog/phd-scholarships/ to know more about pursuing PhD in India. You can also sign up for a free session with one of our counsellors to find the best PhD program or call us at 1800572000 or click on the WhatsApp button!
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20 comments
Aspiring PHD in economics, currently Doing MBA from IBS mumbai and M.com ( Distance )
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!
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
Hi Noorussaba Ansari, please check out our blogs on https://leverageedu.com/blog/phd-funding/ and https://leverageedu.com/blog/phd-scholarships/ to know more about pursuing PhD in India. You can also sign up for a free session with one of our counsellors to find the best PhD program or call us at 1800572000 or click on the WhatsApp button!
do we apply for these after getting selected for PhD or before?
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!
to get phd
Any suitable scholarship for general category, non minority, UGC NET qualified, girl student in PhD
Hey Kirti!
Feel free to check out our category on ‘Scholarship’- https://leverageedu.com/blog/category/scholarships/. It contains a wide range of scholarships for general and reserved category.
I need PhD scholarship by chemistry sir! How can I helped
Hi Tibebu!
Please connect with our experts on 1800572000 and find out what scholarships you are eligible to apply for PhD. Hope this helps!
Pls share the PHd fellowship how to fill because I am hemchand yadav university Durg gold medalist i need this type fellowship to countining my phd
Hi, Yogita!
You can reach us at 1800 57 2000 to provide you with best service.
I am a working proffessional, wants to pursue PhD in Distance/Part time mode. My subject of concern is HR managment.
Hi, KC Sahu
You can surely do it.
Read: PhD In Human Resource Management
For more help ring us at 1800 57 2000 to help you with universities.
Do you offer full scholarship for PhD by Distance Learning for Kenyans?
How to contact Leverage Edu.
Hi Kanchan,
You can call us at 1800-572-000 and talk to our experts and also sign up on our Leverege Edu (https://leverageedu.com/) website. You can also connect to us through Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/leverageedu/?hl=en) and LinkedIn (https://in.linkedin.com/company/leverage-edu)! Looking forward to helping you.
has savitribai jyotirao phule phd fellowship for single girl child been stopped now?
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.