Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women 2026: ₹38,800 per month Stipend, Eligibility & How to Apply
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Quick answer
Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women is a UGC scheme supporting unemployed women who hold a Ph.D. degree to pursue advanced research in Indian universities and institutions. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹38,800 (increasing to ₹46,500 after two years), an annual contingency grant of ₹50,000, and eligible HRA and leave benefits for up to five years. Applications are submitted online through the UGC portal when the annual advertisement is released.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹38,800 per month stipend |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| For | Women / girls |
| Age | Up to 55 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women, administered by the University Grants Commission, aims to encourage unemployed women Ph.D. holders to undertake advanced research and studies in science, engineering, technology, humanities, and social sciences at recognized Indian universities and institutions. The fellowship provides financial support including a monthly stipend that increases after two years, an annual contingency grant, house rent allowance as per government norms, and leave benefits such as maternity leave. The scheme is open for application once a year through an online process on the UGC website.
Benefits
- Fellowship of ₹38,800 per month for fresh candidates
- Fellowship of ₹46,500 per month after two years
- Annual contingency grant of ₹50,000 for five years
- Escorts/Reader assistance of ₹2000 per month for persons with disability (PWD)
- House Rent Allowance: hostel accommodation provided or HRA reimbursable as per Government of India norms
- Medical facilities available at the host university/institution (no separate fixed medical assistance)
- Leave: up to 30 days per year plus public holidays; maternity leave of 180 days at full fellowship; special leave without fellowship up to three months (counted towards tenure)
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Candidate must be unemployed
- Must hold a Ph.D. degree (provisional certificate accepted if degree not awarded)
- Age limit: 55 years as of the last date of application; age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates
- General category: minimum 55% marks at UG level and 60% at PG level
- Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD): minimum 50% marks at UG level and 55% at PG level
- Submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the proposed research centre signed by HOD and Registrar/Principal/Director
- Transgender candidates are eligible; reservation as per Government of India norms
Documents required
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of age
- Mark sheets/grade cards and degrees
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- Bank account details
- NOC/undertaking
- Any other document if required
How to apply
- 1Visit the official UGC website for the annual advertisement and notification of the Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women.
- 2Verify that you meet the eligibility criteria (unemployed, Ph.D. holder, age, marks, etc.) before applying.
- 3Gather all required documents including Aadhaar, photograph, age proof, mark sheets, caste/disability/income certificates (if applicable), bank details, and NOC.
- 4Fill out the online application form on the UGC portal (https://pdfw.ugc.ac.in/eligiblity.aspx) and upload the scanned documents.
- 5Submit the application before the last date specified in the advertisement.
- 6Await scrutiny by the screening committee; if shortlisted, appear for the selection committee interview.
- 7Upon selection, join the allotted institution within one month of the award letter to activate the fellowship.
Frequently asked questions
What is the objective of the scheme?+
The objective of this award is to provide an opportunity to carry out advanced studies and research in Science, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Colleges/Institutions as indicated below: (a) Universities/Institutions/Colleges included under section 2(f) and 12 (b) of UGC Act, 1956.Deemed to be Universities under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 which are eligible to receive grant in aid from UGC. (c) Universities/Institutions/Colleges funded by Central/ State Govt. (d) Institutes of National Importance.
Who is eligible to apply?+
The unemployed women candidates who have been awarded the Ph.D. degree to be eligible to apply (Provisional Certificate may be accepted in case the degree is not awarded).
What is the age limit and any relaxation?+
The candidate should be 55 years of age as of the last date of submission of the online application. There shall be age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PWD (Persons with Disabilities) for 5 years.
How much fellowship amount is paid?+
The fellowship under the scheme is @ ₹38,800/- per month for fresh candidates and @ ₹46,500/- per month after two years.
How to apply under the scheme?+
Applications are invited through online mode once in a year through advertisement in leading newspapers & employment news. Short notification is also uploaded in the UGC website. https://pdfw.ugc.ac.in/eligiblity.aspx
What is the duration of the fellowship?+
The tenure of the fellowship is five years with no provision for further extension.
Are transgender candidates eligible?+
Yes, Transgender candidate is eligible to apply under the scheme. However, the reservation shall be followed as per the Govt. of India norms.
What documents are required?+
Copy of Aadhaar Card, Passport-size Photograph, Proof of age, Mark Sheets/Grade Cards & Degrees, Caste certificate, if applicable, Disability certificate, if applicable, Income Certificate, if applicable, Bank account details, NOC/Undertaking, Any other document, if required.
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