The “Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering & Technology” is a scheme launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education, to support candidates pursuing research leading to a Ph.D. in engineering and technology. In the absence of National Eligibility Test (NET) examinations by UGC/CSIR in these fields, the fellowship is awarded based on direct interviews for candidates holding M.E./M.Tech. or M.Pharma degrees. Annually, 50 slots are available under this scheme.
Objectives
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Research Advancement:
Provide an opportunity for research scholars to undertake advanced study and research in engineering and technology (and agricultural engineering), leading to a Ph.D. -
Capacity Building:
Enhance the research capabilities in engineering and technology by identifying and supporting promising candidates.
Benefits
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Fellowship Tenure:
- Initial Phase: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for 2 years.
- Extension: Based on performance evaluation, the tenure may be extended for up to 3 additional years as a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF).
- In special cases, if research progress is unsatisfactory in the initial two years, one additional year may be granted as JRF for improvement; further extension to SRF is possible if progress improves.
- Total Tenure: Up to 5 years (non-extendable beyond this), or until the Ph.D. degree is awarded, whichever comes first.
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Financial Assistance:
- Fellowship:
- ₹14,000 per month during the initial JRF phase.
- ₹15,000 per month during the extended SRF phase.
- Contingency:
- ₹12,000 per annum for the first two years.
- ₹25,000 per annum for the remaining period.
- Departmental Assistance:
- ₹3,000 per annum per student to the host institute for providing infrastructure.
- Escorts/Reader Assistance:
- ₹2,000 per month for physically handicapped and blind candidates.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA):
- Fellows may be provided with hostel accommodation. If not provided, HRA is payable as per the rules of the respective university/institution. Reimbursements for hostel fees (excluding mess, electricity, and water charges) are possible upon submission of a certificate from the registrar/principal.
- Medical Facilities:
- No separate medical assistance is provided, but fellows can access institutional medical facilities.
- Leave:
- Up to 30 days of leave per year (excluding public holidays) are permitted.
- Women candidates are eligible for 135 days of maternity leave at full fellowship rates during the award tenure.
- Special Leave:
- In exceptional cases, fellows may be allowed leave without fellowship for up to one academic year to accept temporary teaching assignments within the same city/town. Otherwise, leave without fellowship is capped at 3 months per year.
- Fellowship:
Eligibility
- Educational Qualification:
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree (M.E./M.Tech. in Engineering/Technology or M.Pharma) with at least 55% marks.
- GATE is not mandatory.
- Age Limit:
- The age must not exceed 40 years as of 1st July of the award year, with an extension of up to 5 years for women and SC/ST candidates.
- Reservation:
- 22.5% of the fellowships are reserved for SC/ST candidates who meet the qualification requirements.
Exclusions & Cancellation
- The award may be cancelled if:
- Misconduct is proven.
- There is unsatisfactory research progress.
- The candidate fails any required Ph.D.-related examination.
- Subsequent eligibility issues are identified.
Application Process
Mode: Online
- Announcement:
Applications are invited once a year through advertisements in leading newspapers and the AIU Newsletter. - Submission:
- Applicants must fill in the prescribed application form (Annexure II) available online.
- Selection is based on merit and performance in interviews conducted by an expert committee appointed by the UGC.
- Interview & Approval:
- Short-listed candidates are called for interviews.
- After final selection, candidates must submit a Joining Report signed by their supervisor or head of the department.
- Required documents (as per Annexure III) must be submitted for the release of the first-year grant.
- Finalization:
- The decision of the Commission is final and binding.
Documents Required
- Duly filled application form.
- Aadhaar number.
- Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate or Class 10th Marksheet).
- Proof of Address.
- Educational certificates (mark sheets, diplomas, certificates).
- Certificate from the head of the department/institution.
- A brief abstract (maximum 500 words) on the proposed research work, including methods of approach.
- Proof of current employment status (if applicable).
- Declaration and Basic Data Sheet.
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Minority certificate (if applicable).
- Physical disability certificate (if applicable).
- Bank details.
- Government-issued ID proof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What are the objectives of the scheme?
To provide research scholars in engineering and technology an opportunity to undertake advanced research leading to a Ph.D. -
Is there a fixed tenure for the fellowship?
Yes, the fellowship is initially for 2 years (JRF) with possible extension up to 3 additional years (SRF), totaling 5 years maximum. -
What are the financial benefits?
The fellowship is ₹14,000 per month initially, rising to ₹15,000 in the extended phase, with additional contingency, departmental, and reader assistance. -
What are the leave provisions?
Fellows are entitled to a maximum of 30 days leave per year, with maternity leave of 135 days for women candidates. -
Is a GATE score required?
No, a GATE score is not mandatory. -
What is the age limit for applying?
The age limit is 40 years as of 1st July of the award year, with a 5-year extension for women and SC/ST candidates. -
How is the selection process conducted?
Through an application screening, followed by interviews by an expert committee. The final decision by the Commission is binding. -
What documents are required?
Refer to the Documents Required section above for details.