Embarking on a journey towards a PhD in India is a commendable pursuit, but it often comes with financial challenges. To tackle these, there are numerous exams that not only pave the way for your doctoral studies but also offer scholarships to support your academic endeavors.
Here’s a list of some of the most sought-after PhD scholarships available to Indian students in 2024, encompassing diverse fields ranging from science and technology to humanities and social sciences.
Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research
The Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research, supervised by the Ministry of Education, offers substantial financial support to exceptional students pursuing PhD courses. With a monthly stipend starting at INR 70,000, this fellowship serves as a prestigious avenue for academic advancement.
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
For students aspiring to pursue PhD studies in fields such as Machine Learning, History, Sociology, and Public Health, the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships provides unparalleled support. These merit-based scholarships, awarded by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), cover various expenses including tuition fees and travel allowances.
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships
Specifically designed to support students pursuing doctoral programs in Science, Sociology, and Philosophy, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships offer monthly stipends ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 18,000. These scholarships, awarded based on academic excellence and research potential, serve as catalysts for scholarly endeavors.
Google PhD Fellowship India Program
Catering to students in the field of computer science and related disciplines, the Google PhD Fellowship India Program offers not only financial assistance but also an opportunity to intern at Google. With an average fellowship amount of approximately INR 26,89,160, this merit-based program opens doors to innovative research and collaboration.
ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)
The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) offers Junior Research Fellowships for candidates pursuing a PhD in Historical Studies. With monthly stipends ranging from INR 16,500 to INR 17,600, these fellowships pave the way for scholarly exploration in the realms of history and culture.
Maulana Azad National Fellowship
Initiated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Maulana Azad National Fellowship provides financial support to economically disadvantaged students pursuing research or doctorate courses. With a monthly stipend of INR 28,000 for 5 years, this fellowship ensures sustained support throughout the academic journey.
NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD
Offered by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the NCERT Doctoral Fellowship provides financial assistance ranging from INR 23,000 to INR 25,000 per month. Designed to support meritorious students in their PhD pursuits, this fellowship serves as a testament to academic excellence.
CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship
The CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship, offered by the HRD Group of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), provides financial support of ₹37,000/month for first 2 years as JRF and ₹42,000/ month for the next 3 years as SRF along with an annual contingent grant of ₹20,000. This fully-funded program caters to candidates interested in various fields including Life Sciences, Chemical Science, and Engineering.
Unlocking the doors to academic excellence and research innovation, these PhD scholarships pave the way for aspiring scholars to embark on transformative journeys. As the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds, these scholarships serve as enablers of dreams and aspirations, fostering a culture of learning and discovery in the academic landscape of India.
GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering):
GATE is an examination conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on behalf of the National Coordination Board (NCB)-GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. While primarily aimed at postgraduate admissions in engineering and technology, GATE scores are also accepted by various institutes for PhD admissions and fellowships.
INSPIRE Fellowship:
The INSPIRE Fellowship, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, aims to attract talented students into pursuing research careers in basic and applied sciences. It offers financial support for pursuing PhD programs in recognized institutions across India. The selection process involves a national-level examination followed by an interview.
| Exam | Purpose | Scholarship Availability | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGC NET | Eligibility for Assistant Professorship and JRF | Available in various universities and research institutions | Postgraduate degree with minimum specified percentage |
| CSIR NET | Eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Scholarships offered by CSIR-funded institutions | Postgraduate degree in science with minimum specified percentage |
| GATE | Admission to postgraduate programs in engineering and technology | Scholarships offered by participating institutes | Bachelor's degree in engineering/technology/science or equivalent |
| ICAR AIEEA | Admission to agricultural universities and research institutions | Scholarships offered by agricultural universities | Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field |
| DBT JRF | Promotion of research in biotechnology | Scholarships offered by DBT-funded institutions | Postgraduate degree in biotechnology or related field |
| INSPIRE Fellowship | Promotion of higher education in science and technology | Scholarships offered by DST | Bachelor's/Master's degree in science/technology with specified percentage |
| RGNF | Scholarships for SC/ST students pursuing M.Phil. and PhD | Scholarships offered by UGC | Must belong to SC/ST category and meet specified criteria |
For more information and application details, please refer to the respective scholarship providers' official websites or relevant sources. Embark on your academic journey today and unlock the path to excellence with PhD scholarships for Indian students.
