Tamil Nadu Opens Research Fellowships: Rs 50,000 Monthly Stipend

CHENNAI – The Tamil Nadu Council of Historical Research (TNCHR) has opened applications for its one-year fellowship program. The program offers a monthly stipend of Rs 50,000 to researchers studying rare archival documents. Interested candidates must apply through the official website,research.tngasa.org, by November 28 .

Fellowship Details and Eligibility

The TNCHR will award a maximum of 20 fellowships annually. Each selected fellow will receive a grant of Rs 50,000 per month for a period of one year. The primary focus of the research is on rare archival documents.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree to be eligible. The council may also consider additional qualifications, such as published research papers, books, or articles, if a specific subject requires them. There is no strict age limit for applicants; however, the council will prioritize researchers under 50 years of age.

Application and Selection Process

Candidates can submit their fellowship applications directly to the Council or through their affiliated institutions. The application requires a prescribed form and a detailed research proposal. This proposal must be submitted as a PDF document and contain at least 2,000 words.

For applicants who are currently employed, a minimum of one month’s leave is mandatory during the fellowship period.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the Tamil Nadu Research Fellowship 2025 focuses on the evaluation of applicants’ project proposals. The council assesses several key areas:

  • Understanding of Issue: The proposal must demonstrate the researcher’s clear grasp of the topic.
  • New Questions: The council looks for novel questions raised by the applicant.
  • Qualifications: Educational background, prior research, and work experience are reviewed.

Tamil Nadu Archives and Research Support

Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan confirmed the state’s commitment to supporting historical research. The Tamil Nadu Archives, previously known as the “Madras Record Office,” preserves government records spanning three centuries. It has operated from its current building since 1909.

Following a directive from the Chief Minister in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the state plans to support 10 to 15 research projects each year. In line with this initiative, the Tamil Nadu Historical Research council has been revived. The Minister noted that grants have already been awarded to 20 scholars to support their historical research projects.

Key Information Summary

Detail Information
Application Deadline November 28
Stipend Amount Rs 50,000 per month
Fellowship Duration One year
Maximum Fellowships 20 per year
Eligibility Master’s degree required; preference for researchers under 50 years.
Application Website research.tngasa.org

Prospective researchers are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to meet the November 28 deadline. All required forms and detailed instructions are available on the official application portal.