Emeritus Fellowship 2026: UGC Research Slots, Eligibility & Guidelines

At a glance

About the scheme

The Emeritus Fellowship is administered by the University Grants Commission under the Ministry of Education to support experienced, retired faculty members in pursuing advanced research. Available across recognised Indian universities, colleges, and Institutes of National Importance, the scheme provides 100 slots for Science disciplines and 100 slots for Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages. Fellows execute a time-bound research programme and deposit their published work and final report with the INFLIBNET Centre repository upon completion.

Benefits

• Opportunity to pursue active research across 200 total slots (100 for Science, 100 for Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages).
• Fellowship tenure granted for up to two years or until reaching 70 years of age, whichever is earlier.
• Emeritus Fellowship Completion Certificate awarded after submitting comprehensive research findings and published papers to the INFLIBNET repository.
• Facility to transfer the research centre once during the entire tenure with due intimation.
• Release of fellowship grant up to the date of resignation if tendered through the institution.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Must be a highly qualified, experienced, and superannuated (retired) teacher from a recognised university, college, or institution.
• Parent institution must be covered under Section 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act 1956, be a UGC-aided deemed university under Section 3, be government funded, or be an Institute of National Importance.
• Selection is evaluated strictly on the quality of research and published work contributed throughout the applicant's service career.
• Must be below 70 years of age, as work under the award is permitted only up to the age of 70 years or two years, whichever is earlier.
• Must submit a well-defined research proposal with a time-bound action plan.

Who cannot apply

• School teachers are not eligible to apply.
• Teachers who do not join the fellowship within 3 months from the date of the award letter will have their award cancelled.
• No extension beyond the two-year duration or the age limit of 70 years is admissible.

Documents required

• Detailed research proposal containing a time-bound action plan.
• Record of research publications and academic contributions during service career.
• Proof of superannuation/retirement from the recognised university or college.
• Endorsement or acceptance from the host institution.

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official UGC or designated agency web portal when the application cycle opens.
2. 2Prepare your time-bound research action plan and compile your career publications.
3. 3Fill out the application form online with institutional and professional details.
4. 4Submit the online application along with all required academic and retirement credentials.
5. 5Upon selection, join the host university or institution within three months of the award letter date.

Frequently asked questions