Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering & Technology 2026: ₹14,000 Monthly Stipend, Eligibility & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

The Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering & Technology, administered by the University Grants Commission, aims to support research scholars who wish to undertake advanced study and research leading to a Ph.D. in engineering and technology fields. The scheme offers a fellowship amount, contingency grant, departmental assistance and other benefits for a maximum tenure of five years, subject to satisfactory progress. Selection is based on merit through interviews, and there is no requirement of a GATE score. The fellowship is open to candidates with a master's degree in engineering/technology/pharmacy with at least 55% marks, and age relaxation is provided for women and SC/ST applicants.

Benefits

• Fellowship @ Rs. 14,000 per month for the initial two years, @ Rs. 15,000 per month for the remaining period
• Contingency @ Rs. 12,000 per annum for the initial two years, @ Rs. 25,000 per annum for the remaining period
• Departmental Assistance @ Rs. 3,000 per annum per student to the host institute for providing infrastructure
• Escorts/Reader Assistance @ Rs. 2,000 per month in cases of physically handicapped and blind candidates
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per the rules of the concerned institution
• Medical facilities available in the institution/university (no separate/fixed medical assistance)
• Leave: maximum 30 days per year in addition to public holidays
• Maternity leave of 135 days at full rates of fellowship for women candidates (once during tenure)
• Leave without fellowship counted towards the total tenure of the fellowship (subject to conditions)

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Master's degree in engineering/technology/pharmacy with minimum 55 percent marks
• GATE is not a mandatory condition for getting a research fellowship to pursue Ph.D.
• Candidates must hold an M.E./M.Tech. degree
• Age limit is 40 years as on 1 July of the year of the award, extendable by five years for women and SC/ST candidates
• 22.5 percent of the fellowships are reserved for candidates belonging to SC/ST who fulfill the requisite qualifications; if SC/ST candidates are not available, these slots are made available to general candidates

Who cannot apply

• Misconduct
• Unsatisfactory progress of research work
• Failure in any of the examinations related to Ph.D.
• Candidate found ineligible later

Documents required

• Application form (Annexure II)
• Joining Report signed by the supervisor/head of department
• Other required documents (Annexure III)

How to apply

1. 1Look for the annual advertisement in leading newspapers and the AIU Newsletter inviting applications for the Junior Research Fellowship.
2. 2Download and fill the prescribed application format (Annexure II) as per the advertisement.
3. 3Submit the completed application before the deadline as specified in the advertisement.
4. 4If shortlisted, appear for the interview conducted by the expert committee appointed by the Commission (no TA/DA provided).
5. 5Upon selection, submit the Joining Report duly signed by the supervisor/head of department and the other required documents (Annexure III) to the UGC through the registrar/principal.
6. 6After verification, the admissible grant for the first year will be released or the university will be instructed to release the sanctioned funds.

Frequently asked questions