BSR Fellowship Scheme for Science Students 2026: Up to ₹27,900 Monthly Fellowship for PhD Research
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Quick answer
The BSR Fellowship Scheme by UGC provides financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing PhD in sciences at eligible universities. Selected candidates receive a monthly fellowship of ₹21,700–₹24,800 as JRF for two years, upgradable to ₹24,800–₹27,900 as SRF for up to three more years, plus annual contingency grants. Applications are submitted offline through identified universities, which conduct selection interviews.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Financial Assistance |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The BSR Fellowship Scheme for Science Students is implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, Government of India. It aims to provide opportunities to meritorious candidates to undertake advanced studies and research leading to Ph.D. degrees in sciences. The scheme covers all Departments of Sciences, Bio-Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Engineering Sciences of eligible universities identified by UGC.
Benefits
- Fellowship for GATE/NET qualified candidates: JRF ₹24,800 per month for 2 years; SRF ₹27,900 per month for the remaining period (up to 3 years).
- Fellowship for other candidates: JRF ₹21,700 per month for 2 years; SRF ₹24,800 per month for the remaining period (up to 3 years).
- Contingency grant: JRF ₹12,000 per annum; SRF ₹25,000 per annum.
- Total tenure up to 5 years: initially 2 years as JRF, extendable to 3 years as SRF upon satisfactory progress assessment.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Government of India norms based on accommodation status (hostel, institutional accommodation, or self-arranged).
- No separate medical allowance; fellows may use medical facilities available at the host institution.
- Leave: up to 30 days per year plus public holidays; maternity/paternity leave as per GOI rules; academic leave without fellowship up to one year with approval.
- Fellowship amount disbursed directly to the fellow's bank account through UGC designated agency.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Candidates selected for registration in a Ph.D. programme at eligible universities (Universities with Potential for Excellence, Centres of Advance Studies, Departments of Special Assistance identified by UGC) through regular admission procedure as per UGC notification.
- Full-time research only; part-time or distance Ph.D. candidates are not eligible.
- Must not hold any other fellowship, scholarship, or paid employment during the tenure.
- University admits fellows irrespective of the stipulated number of research students assigned to the supervisor or department.
- If a fellow wishes to resign, intimation must be given to the identified agency and UGC; grant released up to date of relinquishment.
- Fellowship liable to cancellation for misconduct, unsatisfactory progress, ineligibility, holding other emoluments, or fraudulent information.
Documents required
- Aadhaar Card
- Photograph
- Proof of Address
- Contact Number
- Bank Account Details
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Other supporting documents as required
How to apply
- 1Identify an eligible university/institution (with Potential for Excellence, Centres of Advance Studies, or Department of Special Assistance recognised by UGC).
- 2Submit the application for Research Fellowship directly to the identified university/institution as per their notified procedure.
- 3The university conducts selection through an interview by a Selection Committee constituted as per UGC guidelines (eminent scientist, Head of Department, professors, external experts).
- 4If selected, the candidate is awarded the fellowship and the university forwards the recommendation to the UGC designated agency for disbursement.
- 5Refer to the UGC website (https://www.ugc.gov.in) for detailed guidelines, annexures, and updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main objective of the Scheme?+
Its primary objective is to provide financial support for advanced studies and research leading to Ph.D. degrees in sciences.
Who is eligible to apply for the Scheme?+
Candidates selected for registration in a Ph.D. programme at eligible universities (including those with Centres of Potential for Excellence/Special Assistance) can apply.
Is this fellowship open for part-time or distance Ph.D. candidates?+
No, only full-time Ph.D. research candidates in eligible institutions are considered.
Does the fellowship cover all disciplines?+
It covers sciences and science-related areas, including all Departments of Sciences, Bio-Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering Sciences of the eligible Universities, as specified by UGC.
Can international students apply?+
The scheme is intended for Indian nationals enrolled in eligible Indian universities.
Is House Rent Allowance (HRA) payable?+
Yes; HRA is allowed based on accommodation status and government norms, except for hostel accommodations (only hostel fees reimbursed).
Are medical expenses covered?+
No fixed medical allowance is provided, but fellows can use the host institution's medical facilities.
What is the tenure of the fellowship?+
The fellowship is for up to 5 years: initially 2 years as JRF, then up to 3 years as SRF upon satisfactory assessment.
How is the selection made?+
The host university selects candidates through an interview by a committee as per UGC guidelines.
Where do candidates apply?+
Applications are submitted to identified universities/institutions; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the selection committee.
Can fellows accept other paid work?+
No, fellows cannot accept other paid employment or scholarship during the tenure.
Under what conditions can the fellowship be cancelled?+
It can be canceled due to misconduct, unsatisfactory progress, ineligibility, holding other emoluments, or fraud.
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