Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research 2023
Scholarship Amount
About This Scholarship
Prime Minister's Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research 2023 is a prestigious opportunity offered through a public-private partnership between the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This fellowship aims to support full-time Ph.D. scholars engaged in research across critical areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine.
The scheme provides significant financial support, enabling Ph.D. scholars to focus on their research for a maximum period of four years. It represents a key initiative to foster advanced research and development in India by bridging academic pursuits with industrial relevance.
A total of 100 fellowships are awarded, each amounting to ₹10,41,000 per annum. This substantial financial assistance is structured such that:
• 50% of the amount is contributed by SERB, equivalent to prevailing Government norms for JRF/SRF (inclusive of HRA), up to a maximum of ₹5,20,000 per annum (including a 10% management fee). This component is revised periodically based on JRF/SRF norms.
• The remaining 50% (matching the SERB component) is contributed by a partner industry co-applicant, emphasizing the scheme's industry-academia collaboration model.
Important Dates: The scheme maintains an open-ended application window. Applications can be submitted online anytime during the year, provided it is within 14 months from the date of Ph.D. registration. This flexible deadline allows scholars to apply as soon as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Selection Criteria: Applicants are evaluated based on several key factors to ensure the highest quality and impact of the research:
• Innovation and High Scientific Merit: Projects should demonstrate discrete R&D with significant scientific value, moving beyond purely exploratory investigations.
• High Commercialization Potential: The proposed project work should have a strong potential for commercial application and industrial impact.
• Track Record: The academic and research track record of both the applicant and their guide/mentor is carefully assessed.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must:
• be an Indian national.
• have taken admission in a full-time Ph.D. degree within the last 14 months from the date of application submission. This admission must be in any recognized Indian University, Institute, or Research Laboratory.
• Note: If there are different admission/enrollment dates and registration dates, the earliest Ph.D. admission date will be considered.
• have a research project with practical relevance and industrial application.
• have completed all required academic qualifications in the past.
• secure an industry partner willing to sponsor 50% of the fellowship amount.
To be eligible, industry partners must:
• not be NGO or society organizations.
• be registered under the Indian Company Act.
• be a body corporate or a consortium of companies.
• include research arms of companies and Research Institutes of companies.
• be Multi-National Companies (MNCs).
Note: For more comprehensive details, applicants are advised to refer to the 'Fellowship Detail Document'.
Required Documents
The applicants need to provide the following documents:
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• No objection certificate (This must be obtained by the research scholar from their host institute).
• Ph.D. enrollment and registration certificate.
• High school and Intermediate certificates.
• Graduation/Postgraduation certificates.
• Scan copy of any other diploma certificate.
• Profile of the host institute.
• Ph.D. supervisor's biodata (not more than three pages).
• Partner company's profile and its logo.
• Industry mentor's biodata (not more than three pages).
• Undertaking from the Research Supervisor and Head of the Organization of the institute.
• Undertaking from the industry partner regarding their participation in the research project.
• Letter from the industry partner on the company's letterhead, detailing the research problem and the future plan for implementation (if any).
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply for the fellowship by following the steps mentioned below:
1. Click on the 'Apply Now' button, usually found on the official website.
2. Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required details to create an account.
• Note: If you are already registered, log in using your Gmail, Mobile number, or Email ID.
3. Navigate to 'Student Registrations here' and click on it to proceed with student registration.
4. Download the Call for Proposal and the Document Checklist to understand the requirements thoroughly.
5. Establish a partnership with a suitable company and ensure all required undertakings are signed by a valid signatory from both the company and the host institute.
6. Collect all necessary documents and create digital copies of each. Proceed to fill the application form online.
• Note: The application form cannot be downloaded; it requires internet connectivity to be filled and submitted online.
7. Submit the completed application form through the online portal.