Scholarship for PhD Students in India 2023 – How to Secure Financial Aid for Your Doctoral Studies

There are several types of scholarships available for PhD students in India, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process. Here are some of the most common types of scholarships available:

1. Government Scholarships: The Indian government offers a range of scholarships for PhD students, including the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), and the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF). These scholarships are available to students who have completed a master’s degree and are pursuing research in various fields.
2. University Scholarships: Many universities in India offer scholarships to PhD students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. These scholarships may be in the form of tuition waivers, stipends, or research grants.
3. Corporate Scholarships: Some corporations in India offer scholarships to PhD students who are conducting research in areas that align with their business interests. These scholarships may provide funding for tuition, research materials, and travel expenses.

This scholarship provides financial support to cover the candidate’s tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and other related expenses during the course of their study. The selected candidates also receive a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses.

The selection process for the fellowship is highly competitive, and candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements, research proposals, leadership potential, and language proficiency.

• DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF)
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
• University Grants Commission (UGC) – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
• INSPIRE Fellowship
• Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships
• Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Doctoral Fellowships
• Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child
• Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Scholarship
• Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Doctoral Fellowships
• Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students
• Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC/ST Candidates
• Tata Innovation Fellowship
• SERB National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)
• Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Early Career Fellowships
• Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship
• Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship
• K. C. Mahindra Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies Abroad
• Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
• Raman-Charpak Fellowship

Note that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other scholarships and funding opportunities available for PhD students in India. It is important to research all options and eligibility criteria carefully before applying for any scholarships.

DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (DBT-JRF) is a fellowship program offered by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The program is aimed at providing opportunities for postgraduate students in biotechnology, life sciences, and related fields to pursue research in leading institutions and universities across India. The fellowship provides financial support to the selected candidates to pursue research in various areas of biotechnology and life sciences.

See Official Website – DBT-JRF Programme (dbtjrf.gov.in)

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is a fellowship program offered by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India. The program is aimed at providing opportunities for postgraduate students in science and engineering to pursue research in leading institutions and universities across India.

In addition to the CSIR-JRF program, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research also offers several other fellowship programs such as the CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), CSIR-Nehru Science Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, and CSIR-Research Associateship. These fellowship programs provide opportunities for researchers at different stages of their careers to pursue research in various areas of science and engineering.

Official Website: https://csirhrdg.res.in/Home/Index/1/Default/2925/60

University Grants Commission (UGC) – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is a fellowship program offered by the University Grants Commission, which is a statutory body established by the Indian government to promote and coordinate higher education in the country. The JRF program is aimed at providing opportunities for postgraduate students and aspiring scholars to pursue research in various fields of study such as humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

In addition to the UGC-JRF program, the University Grants Commission also offers several other fellowship programs such as the UGC-Postdoctoral Fellowship (PDF), UGC-Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship, and UGC-BSR Fellowship. These fellowship programs provide opportunities for researchers at different stages of their careers to pursue research in various fields of study.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is a fellowship program offered by the Indian Council of Medical Research, which is a premier research organization under the Indian government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The program is aimed at providing opportunities for postgraduate students in medical and related fields to pursue research in various institutions and universities across India.

In addition to the ICMR-JRF program, the Indian Council of Medical Research also offers several other fellowship programs such as the ICMR-Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), ICMR-Postdoctoral Fellowship, and ICMR-Research Associateship. These fellowship programs provide opportunities for researchers at different stages of their careers to pursue research in various areas of medical and related fields.

INSPIRE Fellowship is a scholarship program initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The program aims to attract and retain talented young students to pursue research in science and technology fields. The fellowship is offered to students who have completed their postgraduate degrees in science, engineering, mathematics, or pharmacy and wish to pursue a doctoral degree in these fields.

The INSPIRE Fellowship provides financial support to the selected candidates for a period of five years to pursue their research work. The fellowship covers the candidate’s tuition fees, and accommodation expenses, and provides a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses. In addition, the program also offers a research grant to the fellows to support their research work.

In addition to the INSPIRE Fellowship, the Department of Science and Technology also offers several other scholarship programs such as the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) and the National Science Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) to encourage and support talented students in pursuing their academic and research aspirations.

Read More Details Here: The Inspire Scholarship: Fueling the Dreams of Young Minds

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships are awarded by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, which is a non-profit organization established to promote the study of the life and work of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and to encourage research and writing on the contemporary Indian scene.

The scholarship program is open to Indian nationals who wish to pursue their postgraduate studies or research in India and abroad in various fields of study such as science, humanities, social sciences, and engineering. The scholarships are awarded based on the candidate’s academic excellence, financial need, and research potential.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships aim to encourage and support talented students and researchers to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the development of the nation. The scholarship program also provides a platform for scholars to gain exposure to international academic and research environments, enhance their research skills, and collaborate with leading scholars in their respective fields.

In addition to the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships, the organization also offers several other awards and fellowships such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowships, the Giri Memorial Awards, and the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, among others, to recognize and promote excellence in various fields of study and research.

Read More – Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (jnmf.in)

The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Doctoral Fellowships is a fellowship program offered by the Indian Council of Historical Research, which is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The fellowship is aimed at providing financial support to doctoral students in the field of historical research to pursue their research work.

The ICHR Doctoral Fellowships are open to Indian nationals who are registered for a doctoral degree in history or allied subjects such as archaeology, anthropology, cultural studies, and other related fields. The fellowship is awarded for a period of two years and can be extended for a third year based on the performance of the candidate.

The ICHR Doctoral Fellowships aim to encourage young and talented researchers to pursue research in historical studies and allied subjects and contribute to the development of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage. The fellowship program also provides a platform for the candidates to enhance their research skills, gain hands-on experience in various research areas, and collaborate with leading historians and researchers in their respective fields.

In addition to the ICHR Doctoral Fellowships, the Indian Council of Historical Research also offers several other fellowship programs such as the ICHR Post-Doctoral Fellowships, the ICHR Senior Academic Fellowships, and the ICHR National Fellowships, among others, to support and promote research in historical studies and related fields.

Read More – National Fellowship: Indian Council of Historical Research,Govt of India (ichr.ac.in)

The Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is a scholarship program initiated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to support single girl children who are pursuing higher education in universities and colleges in India. The scholarship aims to empower and promote education among girls, especially those who are the only child in their families.

The Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child is open to Indian nationals who are pursuing their first year of a postgraduate degree in any recognized university or college in India. The scholarship is awarded to single girl children who are the only child in their family and have secured admission to a full-time postgraduate course.

The Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child aims to encourage and support single girl children in pursuing higher education and building their careers. The scholarship program provides a platform for the candidates to enhance their knowledge and skills, gain exposure to various academic and research environments, and contribute to the development of the nation.

In addition to the Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, the University Grants Commission also offers several other scholarship programs such as the National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students, the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC/ST Candidates, and the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students, among others, to support and promote education among various sections of society.

Read More – PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child (SGC) | India Science, Technology & Innovation – ISTI Portal (indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in)

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Scholarship is a scholarship program initiated by the Government of India to support students pursuing higher education in various fields such as science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students who are economically weak and unable to finance their education.

The MHRD Scholarship aims to encourage and support meritorious students in pursuing higher education and building their careers. The scholarship program provides a platform for the candidates to enhance their knowledge and skills, gain exposure to various academic and research environments, and contribute to the development of the nation.

In addition to the MHRD Scholarship, the Government of India also offers several other scholarship programs such as the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for College and University Students, and the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme, among others, to support and promote education among various sections of society.

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Doctoral Fellowships is a scholarship program initiated by the ICSSR to support research in social sciences and promote excellence in the field. The fellowship is open to Indian nationals who are pursuing their doctoral research in social sciences at any recognized university or institution in India.

The ICSSR Doctoral Fellowships are awarded to candidates who have demonstrated outstanding research potential in the field of social sciences. The fellowship provides financial support to cover the candidate’s tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and other related expenses during the course of their research.

The ICSSR Doctoral Fellowships aim to promote excellence in social sciences research and provide a platform for the candidates to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field. The fellowship program also encourages candidates to pursue socially relevant research topics and contribute to the development of the nation.

In addition to the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowships, the Indian Council of Social Science Research also offers several other fellowship programs such as Postdoctoral Fellowships, Senior Fellowships, and Institutional Doctoral Fellowships, among others, to support and promote research in social sciences in India.

Read More – Doctoral Fellowship | Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

The Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students is a scholarship program initiated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, to support students from minority communities who are pursuing higher education in various fields such as science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students who belong to minority communities and are economically weak.

The Maulana Azad National Fellowship is open to students belonging to minority communities such as Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and Parsis, who are pursuing their postgraduate or doctoral degrees in any recognized university or institution in India. The scholarship is awarded based on the candidate’s academic performance and financial needs.

The Maulana Azad National Fellowship aims to encourage and support meritorious students from minority communities in pursuing higher education and building their careers. The scholarship program provides a platform for the candidates to enhance their knowledge and skills, gain exposure to various academic and research environments, and contribute to the development of the nation.

In addition to the Maulana Azad National Fellowship, the Ministry of Minority Affairs also offers several other scholarship programs such as the Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme, Post-matric Scholarship Scheme, and Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme, among others, to support and promote education among minority communities in India.

Read More – Maulana Azad National Fellowship (minorityaffairs.gov.in)

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC/ST Candidates is a scholarship program initiated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to support students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) who are pursuing higher education in various fields such as science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from these communities who are economically weak.

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship is open to SC/ST candidates who are pursuing their postgraduate or doctoral degrees in any recognized university or institution in India. The scholarship is awarded based on the candidate’s academic performance and financial needs.

The Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship aims to encourage and support meritorious SC/ST candidates in pursuing higher education and building their careers. The scholarship program provides a platform for the candidates to enhance their knowledge and skills, gain exposure to various academic and research environments, and contribute to the development of the nation.

In addition to the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship, the University Grants Commission also offers several other scholarship programs such as the National Fellowship for OBC Candidates, Ishan Uday Scholarship Scheme, and Postgraduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, among others, to support and promote education among various sections of the society in India.

Read More – Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship For Scheduled Caste Candidates (myscheme.gov.in)

The Tata Innovation Fellowship is a prestigious research fellowship program initiated by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, in partnership with the Tata Group. The fellowship aims to support innovative and cutting-edge research in various fields of life sciences, such as biotechnology, genomics, and drug discovery, among others.

The fellowship is open to Indian nationals who have a PhD in any branch of life sciences and have a track record of outstanding research contributions in their respective fields. The fellowship provides financial support for five years and includes a monthly stipend and a research grant to cover the expenses related to the research work.

The Tata Innovation Fellowship provides a platform for researchers to pursue independent and innovative research and develop new technologies, products, and processes that have a significant impact on society. The fellowship also provides opportunities for researchers to collaborate with other researchers and institutions both nationally and internationally, thereby enhancing their research capabilities and exposure to the latest advancements in their field.

Read More – TATA Innovation Fellowships | Department of Biotechnology (dbtindia.gov.in)

The SERB National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) is a research fellowship program initiated by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The fellowship aims to provide opportunities for young and talented researchers to carry out postdoctoral research in various fields of science and engineering.

The N-PDF fellowship is open to Indian nationals who have completed their PhD within the last five years in any field of science or engineering.

The fellowship aims to promote and support research excellence in India by providing opportunities for postdoctoral researchers to undertake high-quality research projects in their respective fields. The N-PDF fellowship program encourages young researchers to develop their research skills, enhance their knowledge, and gain exposure to the latest advancements in their field of research.

The selection process for the N-PDF fellowship is rigorous, and candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements, research experience, publications, and proposed research plan. The fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for young researchers to establish themselves as indep

Read More – National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) | India Science, Technology & Innovation – ISTI Portal (indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in)

The Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Early Career Fellowships is a research fellowship program that provides support to early-career researchers in India who are looking to establish independent research careers in the fields of biomedical and health research. The program is jointly funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

The Early Career Fellowship is open to Indian nationals or individuals of Indian origin who hold a PhD degree in any branch of biomedical or health research and have less than four years of postdoctoral research experience. The fellowship provides financial support for a period of five years, which includes a personal salary, research expenses, and funding for training and development opportunities.

The Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Early Career Fellowship aims to provide a platform for early-career researchers to establish themselves as independent investigators and develop innovative research projects that address important questions in the field of biomedical and health research. The program provides an opportunity for fellows to work in leading research institutions in India and develop collaborations with other researchers both nationally and internationally.

The selection process for the Early Career Fellowship is highly competitive, and candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements, research experience, and proposed research plan. The program aims to identify and support talented researchers who have the potential to become future leaders in the field of biomedical and health research in India.

Read More – Early Career Fellowships in Biomedical Research – IndiaBioscience

The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship is a research fellowship program initiated by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, to attract highly skilled Indian scientists who are working abroad and wish to return to India to continue their research careers. The program is named after Dr Balarama Ramalingaswami, a renowned Indian medical scientist who made significant contributions to the field of public health in India.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for Indian scientists who have been working abroad for at least three years to return to India and establish their research careers in any field of biotechnology or life sciences. The fellowship provides financial support for a period of five years, which includes a monthly stipend, research expenses, and funding for attending scientific meetings and workshops.

The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship aims to encourage talented Indian scientists to return to India and contribute to the development of the country’s biotechnology and life sciences research. The program provides an opportunity for returning scientists to work in leading research institutions in India, collaborate with other researchers, and establish their independent research groups.

Read More – DBT RRF Portal (rrfdbtindia.in)

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that provides financial assistance to Indian women who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in various fields including social work, social sciences, education, gender studies, and development studies. The program is administered by the Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust, which was established in 1932 in memory of Lady Meherbai D Tata, the wife of Sir Dorabji Tata.

The scholarship is open to Indian women who have completed their bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 75% marks and have secured admission to a recognized postgraduate program in India or abroad. The scholarship provides financial support to cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses for the duration of the course.

The Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship aims to promote the education of Indian women and empower them to become leaders in their chosen fields. The program provides an opportunity for talented women to pursue higher education and develop their skills and knowledge in areas that are critical for India’s development.

Read More – https://www.tatatrusts.org/Upload/pdf/scholarship-announcement-2023-2024.pdf

The K.C. Mahindra Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies Abroad is a merit-based scholarship program that provides financial assistance to Indian students who wish to pursue their postgraduate studies abroad in various fields including engineering, management, pure sciences, applied sciences, humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. The program is administered by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, which was established in 1953 to promote education and entrepreneurship in India.

The scholarship is open to Indian students who have completed their bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks and have secured admission to a recognized postgraduate program in a foreign university or institution. The scholarship provides financial support to cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses for the duration of the course.

The K.C. Mahindra Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies Abroad aims to provide talented Indian students with an opportunity to pursue their postgraduate studies in world-class universities and institutions and develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen fields. The program provides an opportunity for students to gain exposure to international education systems, cultures, and perspectives and prepares them to become global leaders in their respective fields.

Read More – Scholarships and Grants for College Students, Overseas Education and Studies, Post Graduates – KCMET

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship is a prestigious scholarship program that provides financial support to Indian scholars who wish to pursue their doctoral research in the United States. The program is jointly administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and the Fulbright Program, which is sponsored by the US Department of State.

The scholarship is open to Indian scholars who have completed their master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks and have secured admission to a recognized doctoral program in a US university or institution. The scholarship provides financial support to cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses for the duration of the research program.

The Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship aims to promote mutual understanding between India and the United States and encourage collaborative research and academic exchange between the two countries. The program provides an opportunity for Indian scholars to gain exposure to international research environments, collaborate with leading researchers in their fields, and develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen fields.

Read More – 2024-2025 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships (usief.org.in)

The Raman-Charpak Fellowship is a prestigious exchange program between India and France that provides opportunities for Indian and French students and researchers to pursue scientific research projects in each other’s countries. The program is named after the two Nobel Laureates, C.V. Raman from India and Georges Charpak from France, in recognition of their contributions to science and their commitment to promoting scientific cooperation between the two countries.

The fellowship is open to Indian and French nationals who are registered for a PhD program in a recognized Indian or French institution and have a research project in the field of science and technology that requires international collaboration. The fellowship provides financial support to cover travel expenses, living expenses, and research expenses for a period of up to six months.

The Raman-Charpak Fellowship aims to promote scientific cooperation between India and France and encourage cross-cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries. The program provides an opportunity for students and researchers to gain exposure to international research environments, collaborate with leading researchers in their fields, and develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen fields.

Read More – Raman-Charpak Fellowship (cefipra.org)

• https://www.nsfgrfp.org/
• https://www.aicpa.org/career/diversityinitiatives/fmds.html
• http://iessf.org/scholarship/alan-lucas-educational-scholarships
• http://www.fefonline.org/mdf.html
• http://smart.asee.org/

If you are a PhD applicant in India, it is important to explore the various scholarship opportunities available to help fund your doctoral studies. Whether you are a domestic or international student, there are scholarships available to help ease the financial burden and support your academic pursuits. By researching the available scholarships, meeting the eligibility criteria, and submitting a strong application, you can increase your chances of securing financial aid for your PhD studies in India.

I hope this article is helpful in providing a comprehensive overview of Top 20 Scholarships for PhD Students that can help students finance their academic pursuits. By providing detailed information about each scholarship, including what it covers and the opportunities it provides, this article can help students find the right scholarship for them.

Good luck!