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Many students plan to pursue their PhD in India due to its rising investment in invention, higher education, and research. However, pursuing a PhD is a long-term commitment that requires financial stability. PhD scholarships in India help students focus fully on research by covering essential expenses and reducing the need for additional employment. In this blog, we will cover the PhD scholarships in India for national or international students.
Contents
- 1 What Are PhD Scholarships in India?
- 2 Types of PhD Scholarships in India
- 3 Top PhD Scholarships in India
- 4 PhD Scholarship Amount and Benefits
- 5 Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships in India
- 6 How to Apply for PhD Scholarships in India
- 7 Selection Process for PhD Scholarships
- 8 PhD Scholarships in India Without NET or GATE
- 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for PhD Scholarships
- 10 FAQs
What Are PhD Scholarships in India?
PhD scholarships in India are financial support programs that are designed to help students pursue full-time doctoral research. The research is mainly done across disciplines such as science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and management. These scholarships are mainly intended for meritorious students, researchers, and candidates who qualify through national-level exams or institutional selection processes.
Typically, PhD scholarships cover a monthly stipend to support living expenses, tuition or registration fees, and additional research-related grants. Many schemes also include a contingency allowance for books, software, fieldwork, travel, and conference participation.
Types of PhD Scholarships in India
PhD scholarships in India are offered through multiple ways to support research across various disciplines. Some of the main types of PhD scholarships in India are mentioned below:
Government PhD Scholarships
Government PhD scholarships are funded by central and state authorities to promote high-quality research and innovation. Central government schemes support research in science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities, while state governments offer fellowships to encourage regional talent.
University and Institutional PhD Scholarships
Many top institutions in India offer their own PhD scholarships to attract strong research candidates. Institutes such as IITs, IISc, central universities, and reputed private universities provide fellowships funded internally or through sponsored projects. These scholarships often cover competitive stipends, access to advanced laboratories, and research infrastructure.
Fellowships for Reserved Categories
Special PhD scholarships are available for students from reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD). These fellowships aim to improve representation in higher education and research. Along with financial support, they ensure equal opportunities for doctoral candidates.
Industry-Sponsored and Research-Based Scholarships
Industry-sponsored PhD scholarships are increasingly common, especially in technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and data-driven sectors. These scholarships are often funded through CSR initiatives, corporate research collaborations, or laboratory-based projects.
Also Read: Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students
Top PhD Scholarships in India
India offers many well-funded PhD scholarships to support full-time doctoral research across various disciplines. Some of the most popular and competitive PhD scholarships in India include UGC JRF, CSIR NET JRF, and many more. Here we have named some of the top PhD scholarships in India.
| Scholarship Name | Funding Body | Eligible Disciplines | Monthly Stipend | Tenure |
| UGC JRF | University Grants Commission | Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Sciences | INR 31,000–INR 35,000 | Up to 5 years |
| CSIR NET JRF | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research | Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics | INR 31,000–INR 35,000 | Up to 5 years |
| ICMR JRF | Indian Council of Medical Research | Medical, Biomedical, Health Sciences | INR 31,000–INR 35,000 | Up to 5 years |
| DBT JRF | Department of Biotechnology | Biotechnology, Life Sciences | INR 31,000–INR 35,000 | Up to 5 years |
| INSPIRE Fellowship | Department of Science & Technology | Basic & Natural Sciences | INR 31,000–INR 35,000 | 5 years |
| PMRF | Government of India | Engineering, Technology, Sciences | INR 70,000–INR 80,000 | Up to 5 years |
| State-Level Fellowships | State Governments | Multiple disciplines | INR 20,000–INR 35,000 | 3–5 years |
PhD Scholarship Amount and Benefits
PhD scholarships in India provide structured financial support to help students focus entirely on research. The monthly stipend generally ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 37,000 in the initial years, with an increase in later stages of the PhD. Let’s look at these PhD scholarships, the amounts that they offer and their benefits.
| Scholarship Type | Monthly Stipend | HRA / Accommodation | Contingency Grant | Tenure Duration |
| UGC / CSIR JRF | INR 31,000 (JRF) → INR 35,000 (SRF) | HRA provided if the hostel is not available | INR 10,000–INR 20,000 per year | Up to 5 years |
| ICMR JRF | INR 31,000 → INR 35,000 | HRA as per institute norms | INR 20,000 per year | Up to 5 years |
| DBT JRF | INR 31,000 → INR 35,000 | HRA or hostel facility | INR 20,000 per year | Up to 5 years |
| INSPIRE Fellowship | INR 31,000 → INR 35,000 | HRA applicable | INR 20,000 per year | 5 years |
| PMRF | INR 70,000 → INR 80,000 | HRA or institute accommodation | INR 2 lakh per year | Up to 5 years |
| State PhD Fellowships | INR 20,000–INR 35,000 | Depends on state policy | INR 10,000–INR 15,000 per year | 3–5 years |
| University / Institutional Fellowships | INR 25,000–INR 40,000 | As per university norms | Research-linked | 3–5 years |
Also Read: Indian Government Scholarships For Studying Abroad
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships in India
The eligibility criteria for PhD scholarships in India vary depending on the funding body. Here, we have listed some of the common requirements that are applicable across most of the schemes.
- Many scholarships require applicants to submit a clear and well-defined research proposal.
- Candidates are generally expected to hold a master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a strong academic record.
- A minimum percentage or CGPA is often required, especially for competitive national-level fellowships.
- Most PhD scholarships require candidates to qualify through entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or discipline-specific tests.
- Age limits may apply for certain fellowships, though relaxations are usually provided for reserved categories.
- Candidates have separate provisions for SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and PwD candidates under government-funded schemes.
How to Apply for PhD Scholarships in India
The application process for PhD scholarships in India follows a structured and simple process, which requires a little early planning. Following the deadlines, ensuring correct documentation, and tracking official notifications are crucial, as most scholarships follow fixed annual or biannual cycles. Let’s look at the process that you should follow to apply for PhD scholarships in India:
- Students typically begin by preparing for and qualifying for national-level entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, or discipline-specific tests.
- After qualifying for the required exams, candidates apply to universities or research institutions that offer PhD programs.
- Fill out your application and submit all your required academic documents, a research proposal, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.
- Shortlisted candidates are then invited for interviews or research presentations, where their subject knowledge and research aptitude are evaluated.
- Once selected for a PhD program, students must complete scholarship-specific applications within prescribed timelines.
Selection Process for PhD Scholarships
The selection process for PhD scholarships in India is designed to evaluate a candidate’s academic strength, research aptitude, and subject knowledge. There is a structured way that universities follow for selecting the candidates for PhD scholarships. Here, we have mentioned the selection process for PhD scholarships.
- Final selection is based on merit, category reservation norms, and availability of fellowships
- Shortlisting starts based on the academic qualifications and eligibility criteria of the candidate.
- The candidates should qualify in national-level entrance exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, ICMR, or DBT (where required)
- Then, it is followed by a written test conducted by universities or research institutes (if applicable). Evaluation of a research proposal is done to check the originality, feasibility, and relevance
- Then, the personal interview is conducted with a selection panel or research committee
- Selection weightage given to academic performance, entrance exam scores, and interview performance
PhD Scholarships in India Without NET or GATE
Students who have not qualified for NET or GATE can still pursue PhD scholarships in India. They can choose the alternative funding routes instead of NET or GATE. In some cases, strong academic records, relevant work experience, or prior research publications can compensate for the absence of national-level exam scores. Here are some of the alternate funding options without NET or GATE.
| Scholarship Type | Who Offers It | Funding/Benefits | Best For |
| University-Specific Fellowships | Central, State & Deemed Universities (DU, JNU, Jadavpur University, Pune University, etc.) | Monthly stipend (INR 25,000–INR 35,000 approx.) + contingency grant | Students with strong academics but no NET/GATE |
| Institute-Level PhD Fellowships | IITs, NITs, IIITs (select departments) | Institute fellowship or assistantship with a stipend | Tech/research students entering via internal selection |
| Project-Based Research Fellowships | DST, DBT, CSIR labs, DRDO, ISRO-funded projects | Fixed monthly fellowship from project funds + research support | Students interested in applied or ongoing research projects |
| Sponsored PhD (Industry-Funded) | Private companies, R&D firms, and industry-academia collaborations | Stipend or salary support + industry exposure | Engineering, biotech, pharma, and data science researchers |
| Departmental Merit Fellowships | University departments & research centres | Monthly stipend + possible tuition waiver | High-performing students with strong research potential |
| Teaching/Research Assistantships | Universities & institutes | Stipend in exchange for teaching/research duties | Students open to academic work alongside PhD |
| Private Trust & NGO Scholarships | Tata Trusts, Inlaks (field-specific), other education trusts | Research grants or monthly funding | Students open to academic work alongside a PhD |
| Alumni/Endowment Fellowships | University alumni funds & foundations | Partial/Full stipend support | Students from financially weaker backgrounds |
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for PhD Scholarships
Many PhD scholarship applications are rejected due to avoidable errors. Even a small mistake can lead to rejection for scholarships. Let’s understand some common mistakes to avoid while applying for the PhD scholarships:
- Missing application deadlines due to late exam registration or incomplete documentation
- Applying without checking the eligibility criteria and subject requirements
- Submitting a weak or generic Statement of Purpose (SOP) that lacks research clarity
- Writing a poorly structured research proposal with unclear objectives or methodology
- Failing to align research interests with a suitable supervisor or department.
- Ignoring entrance exam preparation and underestimating its importance
- Providing incorrect or inconsistent academic information in applications
- Applying to a few scholarships instead of exploring multiple funding options
- Not following official application guidelines or format instructions
- Neglecting to track application status and important email communications
FAQs
Yes, most PhD scholars in India receive a stipend or fellowship from government bodies (like UGC, CSIR, ICMR) or their universities to support living and research expenses.
Yes, PhD stipends in India are typically paid monthly. The amount depends on the funding body, university, and discipline, ranging roughly from INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 per month.
Yes, fully funded PhD programs exist in India, covering tuition, research costs, and living stipends. Funding is offered by institutions, government fellowships, or research grants.
Eligibility includes candidates with exceptional academic records (B.Tech/M.Tech/PhD admission) in select IITs/NITs. Preference is given to students in science, technology, and innovation sectors.
Generally, a minimum CGPA of 7.0–7.5 (on a 10-point scale) is required. Some scholarships or institutes may require higher scores or exceptional academic/research achievements.
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So, this was all about PhD Scholarships in India. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
