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Education & Learning

BSR Fellowship Scheme for Science Students - UGC

The objective of the scheme is to provide opportunities to meritorious candidates to undertake advanced studies and research leading to Ph.D. degrees in sciences.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Financial Assistance: | Fellowship: | For GATE/NET Qualified candidates: | - JRF @ ₹24,800/- per month for 2years | - SRF@ ₹27,900/- per month for remaining period | For others: | - JRF @ ₹21,700/- per month for 2 years | - SRF @ ₹24,800/- per month for remaining period | Contingency | - JRF @ ₹12,000/- per annum | - SRF @ ₹25,000/- per annum | Notes: | - The tenure of fellowship is initially for two years under the BSR scheme. | - Upon expiry of this period, If the research work is found satisfactory, his/her tenure will be extended further for a period of five year under the enhanced emoluments as SRF. | - The recommendation of the Committee shall be submitted to the UGC designated agency for Upgradation to the level of RGNF-SRF in the prescribed proforma (Annexure- VI). - In case the work for the first two years is not found satisfactory, an additional year will be given to him/her for improvement. In such cases work will be evaluated again after three years, and if improvement is found, the Fellow will get two more years under the BSR. Thus, the total period of fellowship is five years, with no further provision of extension. | - It may be noted that the fellowship amount shall be disbursed through UGC designated agency into the bank account of the Fellow directly. | HRA: | - Suitable hostel accommodation may be provided to the candidates in the institutions. In such cases, the fellow is eligible to draw only hostel fees excluding mess, electricity, water charges, etc. A certificate to this effect is to be furnished through the Registrar/Director/Principal. HRA is not permissible for those candidates who are staying in Hostel accommodation. | - In case of non-availability of hostel accommodation, the fellow may be provided with single accommodation by the host institution. In such cases, the rent paid by the fellow on actual basis may be reimbursed subject to the ceiling of HRA as per Govt. of India norms. | - If the fellow makes her own arrangements of accommodation, he/she may be entitled to draw HRA as per categorization of cities by the Govt. of India. | Medical: | - No separate/fixed medical assistance is provided. However, the Fellow may avail the medical facilities available in the University/Institution/College. | Leave: | - Leave for maximum period of 30 days in a year in addition to public holidays maybe taken by the BSR Fellow with the approval of the Head of Department. However, they are not entitled to any other vacations, such as summer, winter and pooja vacations. | - Candidates are eligible for maternity/ paternity leave at full rates of the fellowship as per Government of India rules once during the tenure of the award. | - The fellow, in special cases may be allowed by the Commission, academic leave without fellowship and contingency for a period not exceeding one year during the tenure of award on the recommendation of the Head of the department of the institution concerned to undertake academic/ teaching assignment or foreign travel in connection with academic work. The expenditure on travel cannot be claimed from UGC. The period of leave without fellowship will be counted towards the tenure.

Who can apply

Misconduct.; Unsatisfactory progress of research work.; Candidate is later found ineligible.; Candidate is already availing scholarship/fellowship from any other sources.; Candidate if found employed during the M.Phil/Ph.D research.; Any false information furnished by the applicant or any fraudulent activity by the Scholar/Fellow/Research Awardees.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Is this fellowship open for part-time or distance Ph.D. candidates?

No, only full-time Ph.D. research candidates in eligible institutions are considered.

Who is eligible to apply for the Scheme?

Candidates selected for registration in a Ph.D. programme at eligible universities (including those with Centres of Potential for Excellence/Special Assistance) can apply.

What is the main objective of the Scheme?

Its primary objective is to provide financial support for advanced studies and research leading to Ph.D. degrees in sciences.

Does the fellowship cover all disciplines?

It covers sciences and science-related areas, including all Departments of Sciences, Bio-Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering | Sciences of the eligible Universities, as specified by UGC.

Can international students apply?

The scheme is intended for Indian nationals enrolled in eligible Indian universities.

Is House Rent Allowance (HRA) payable?

Yes; HRA is allowed based on accommodation status and government norms, except for hostel accommodations (only hostel fees reimbursed).

Are medical expenses covered?

No fixed medical allowance is provided, but fellows can use the host institution’s medical facilities.

What is the tenure of the fellowship?

The fellowship is for up to 5 years: initially 2 years as JRF, then up to 3 years as SRF upon satisfactory assessment.

How is the selection made?

The host university selects candidates through an interview by a committee as per UGC guidelines.

Where do candidates apply?

Applications are submitted to identified universities/institutions; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the selection committee.

Can fellows accept other paid work?

No, fellows cannot accept other paid employment or scholarship during the tenure.

Under what conditions can the fellowship be cancelled?

It can be canceled due to misconduct, unsatisfactory progress, ineligibility, holding other emoluments, or fraud.