The National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme is part of the Human Resource Development Programme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The scheme aims to institutionalize renewable energy education and training to develop qualified manpower for the renewable energy sector. It supports higher studies and advanced research in renewable energy technologies, ensuring a skilled workforce for the industry.
This scheme is implemented under the HRD Programme with a total financial outlay of ₹200 Crore for the period FY 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Number of Fellowships
The program offers 150 new fellowships per year across various academic levels, including M.Tech, M.Sc, Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Research Associate (RA), and Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF).
| Course | Duration | Intake per Year | Total for 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Tech | 2 Years | 35 | 175 |
| M.Sc. (Renewable Energy) | 2 Years | 10 | 50 |
| JRF (Junior Research Fellow) | 2+3 Years (Leads to PhD) | 20 | 100 |
| SRF (Senior Research Fellow) | 3 Years | 5 | 25 |
| RA/PDF (Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow) | 3 Years | 5 | 25 |
| Total Fellowships | – | 75 per year | 375 over 5 years |
Note: The number of fellowships is interchangeable based on application volume, industry demand, and research quality.
Benefits
Funding Pattern
| Category | Fellowship (₹ per month) | HRA | Contingency Grant | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Tech | ₹12,400 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 20-24 months |
| M.Sc. (Renewable Energy) | ₹4,000 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 24 months |
| JRF (Junior Research Fellow) | ₹31,000 | As per Govt. norms | ₹20,000 per annum | 2 years |
| SRF (Senior Research Fellow) | ₹35,000 | As per Govt. norms | As per Govt. norms | 3 years |
| RA/PDF (Research Associate/Post-Doctoral Fellow) | ₹47,000 – ₹54,000 | As per Govt. norms | As per Govt. norms | 3 years |
Note: Fellowship rates are subject to revision based on CSIR, AICTE, and DST guidelines.
Payment Schedule
- Fellowships begin from the date of joining.
- Monthly payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the candidate’s bank account.
- Disbursement is based on attendance and performance reports from host institutions.
Eligibility
For Candidates
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must be pursuing M.Tech, M.Sc, Ph.D., or Post-Doctoral research in Renewable Energy.
- Admission should be through GATE/CSIR/AICTE/NET-JRF.
- M.Sc. candidates must have qualified NET.
- Maximum duration for funding:
- M.Tech/M.Sc. – 2 years
- JRF (Leading to Ph.D.) – 5 years
- SRF (Direct Ph.D.) – 3 years
- Post-Doctoral Research (RA/PDF) – 3 years
For Institutes
- Must be in the Top 100 NIRF Ranking.
- Must have faculty expertise and infrastructure for renewable energy research.
- Must offer M.Tech/M.Sc. in Renewable Energy or Ph.D. research programs.
Application Process
For Institutes
- MNRE publishes an annual advertisement inviting applications from universities/institutes.
- Eligible institutions submit their application to MNRE for fellowship slots allocation.
- A selection committee evaluates the applications based on research facilities and expertise.
For Students
- Selected institutes forward student details to MNRE for fellowship approval.
- MNRE grants fellowships based on eligibility and merit.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Aadhaar Card (Proof of Indian Citizenship)
- Academic Transcripts (Undergraduate & Postgraduate degrees)
- Research Proposal
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- SC/ST/OBC Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who manages the National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under its Human Resource Development Programme.
Q: What types of fellowships are available?
- M.Tech
- M.Sc (Renewable Energy)
- JRF (Leading to Ph.D.)
- SRF (Direct Ph.D.)
- RA/PDF (Post-Doctoral Research)
Q: How are fellowships disbursed?
Fellowships are directly transferred to students’ bank accounts through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) on a monthly basis.
Q: How is attendance monitored?
Institutes must submit attendance and continuation reports to MNRE for students to receive payments.
Q: Can fellowships be interchanged among categories?
Yes, based on application volume, industry demand, and research quality, MNRE can adjust fellowship distribution.
Q: What are the eligible institutions?
Institutes must be in the Top 100 NIRF ranking and have relevant research facilities in renewable energy.
Q: What is the tenure of each fellowship?
- M.Tech/M.Sc: 2 years
- JRF (Leading to Ph.D.): 5 years
- SRF (Direct Ph.D.): 3 years
- RA/PDF (Post-Doctoral Research): 3 years
Q: How does MNRE ensure transparency in selection?
A high-level committee of scientists and professors evaluates applications and monitors research progress.
Sources & References
- Official MNRE Guidelines
- Application & Selection Process Details
- National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) List
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Portal for Payments