ICAR SRF PGS 2026: Up to ₹12,000 Monthly Fellowship, Eligibility & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

Administered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the ICAR-SRF (PGS) scheme supports meritorious postgraduate students seeking doctoral degrees in agriculture and allied fields. The fellowship addresses emerging research needs by funding time-bound studies across recognised Agricultural Universities, deemed institutes, and central agricultural faculties. To foster academic diversity, the fellowship is specifically awarded to scholars who undertake their PhD at an institution different from the one where they completed their Master's degree.

Benefits

• Veterinary Sciences: ₹12,000/- per month fellowship.
• All disciplines other than Veterinary Sciences: ₹8,640/- per month fellowship.
• Annual contingency grant of ₹6,000/- per year across all eligible disciplines.
• Access to research infrastructure across recognised Agricultural Universities and deemed institutes.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Master’s degree completed with at least 55% marks or an OGPA of 5.5/10.00, 2.75/5.00, 2.20/4.00, or equivalent from a recognised university in India or abroad.
• Minimum percentage relaxed by 5% (or equivalent OGPA) for SC, ST, and Physically Handicapped (PH) candidates.
• Students appearing in their final semester can apply if their degree is completed in all respects by the exam date.
• Candidate must qualify in the All India Competitive Entrance Examination for ICAR-SRF (PGS).
• Fellowship is awarded only upon gaining admission into a PhD programme at an Agricultural University other than the one where the candidate finished their Master's degree.
• Upper age limit is 30 years as of the examination date (relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST/PH, 3 years for OBC, and up to 45 years for in-service candidates of Agricultural Universities).

Who cannot apply

• Candidates pursuing a PhD in the same Agricultural University where they completed their Master's degree.
• Students admitted to universities other than approved State Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural Universities, deemed universities (IARI, IVRI, NDRI, CIFE, AAU), or specified central universities with agricultural faculties (BHU, AMU, Visva-Bharati, Nagaland University).
• Candidates who fail to produce their Master's degree completion certificate by the examination date.

Documents required

• Scanned passport-sized photograph
• Scanned signature
• Scanned thumb impression
• Master's degree certificate and mark sheets (required during university verification)
• Category or disability certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PH), if applicable
• Proof of application fee payment
• Printed copy of the submitted online application form

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official examination portal at icar.nta.ac.in and register using a unique email address and mobile number.
2. 2Log in and fill in personal information, contact address, and academic qualifications.
3. 3Upload the required scanned images of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
4. 4Pay the designated application fee online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or Paytm.
5. 5Submit the form and take a printout of the system-generated application confirmation page.
6. 6Send the printed hard copy of the online application along with fee payment proof by post to the COE (Agril. Edn.).

Frequently asked questions