The India-Africa Fellowship Programme, launched under the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2010-11, offers 75 fellowships annually to African nationals. The fellowship program allows students to pursue M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies at renowned Indian agricultural universities affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This initiative promotes agricultural expertise and strengthens the collaboration between India and African countries.
Benefits:
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Fellowship Amount:
- Master’s Programme (M.Sc.): ₹12,000/- per month for 2 years.
- Doctoral Programme (Ph.D.): ₹15,000/- per month for 3 years.
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Travel Costs:
- Air fare, travel, and visa expenses for attending the program will be met by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Indian mission in the concerned African nation.
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Annual Bench Fee:
- An annual bench fee of US$ 4,000 per candidate will be covered under the India-Africa Fund.
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Expenditure Coverage:
- The fellowship covers tuition, hostel fees, mess expenses, medical costs, contingency, and internal travel within India, which will be borne by the student using the fellowship amount.
Eligibility:
General Eligibility:
- Language Requirement: Good knowledge of English.
Master’s Programme:
- Must have a four-year Bachelor’s degree in the respective or related subject.
- For M.V.Sc., must have a B.Sc. & AH. degree with an internship before the registration date.
- Minimum OGPA of 6.00/10 (General) or 5.50/10 (SC/ST/PH) in the Bachelor’s degree.
Doctoral Programme:
- Should have a Master’s degree in the concerned or related subject.
- Minimum GPA of 6.5/10 (General) or 6.00/10 (SC/ST/PH) at Master’s degree level.
Application Process:
1. Application to Government (African Countries): The African candidates have to apply for sponsorship from their respective governments.
2. Nomination by African Union Commission: Applications are submitted by the African governments to the African Union Commission for nomination.
3. Forwarding to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The African Union Commission forwards the nominated applications to the MEA, Government of India.
4. Submission to Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE): MEA submits the applications to the DARE, Government of India, for consideration of eligibility and recommendations.
5. Eligibility and Recommendation by ICAR: DARE submits the applications to ICAR for further recommendations for admission.
6. Final Selection by Universities: The short-listed candidates shall be notified by the concerned university along with the ICAR/DARE recommendation letter.
Timeline:
- Notification of fellowships by respective African governments: End of December
- Last date for receipt of applications: End of February
- Scrutiny and forwarding of nominations to DARE: Middle of March
- Communication of selection for admission: Middle of May
- Confirmation of admission by Agricultural Universities: End of June
- Commencement of academic session: End of July / First week of August
Documents Required:
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Valid passport.
- Sponsorship letter from the government.
- Medical fitness certificate (including AIDS test).
- Admission confirmation letter.
- Visa and travel documents.
- Any other documents (if required).
Note: Many Indian universities require original documents to be deposited, which will be returned after course completion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: When was the scheme initiated?
India-Africa Fellowship Programme was initiated during the India-Africa Forum Summit 2010-11.
Q2: How much fellowship will be paid?
M.Sc. scholars will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹12,000/- for 2 years.
Ph.D. scholars will receive ₹15,000/- per month for a maximum period of 3 years.
Q3: What are the Master’s requirements?
An applicant must hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree in allied field or related field with the minimum specified OGPA requirements.
Q4: What are the qualifications required for being eligible to apply for the Doctoral Programme?
The candidates must have at least a Master’s degree in the allied fields or related fields with the lowest GPA.
Q5: What is one required to submit for this programme?
Applicants must submit their educational qualifications and transcript, proof of English proficiency, medical fitness certificate, valid passport, and other documents if required.
Q6: What is the official website?
For information, the official website may be accessed: ICAR website.
Sources and References: