The Post Graduate Merit Scholarship Scheme is introduced by UGC to support university rank holders in General and Honours Courses at the undergraduate level. The scheme provides financial assistance for two years to encourage talented students to pursue postgraduate studies in basic subjects.
Objectives
- To promote and nurture talent at the postgraduate level.
- To reward meritorious students who perform exceptionally well in their undergraduate courses.
- To encourage studies in core subjects such as science, commerce, humanities, and social sciences.
- To strengthen academic excellence at the postgraduate level in universities across India.
Benefits
- Scholarship Amount: ₹2,000 per month.
- Duration: Two years (ten months per year).
- No additional grants for hostel, medical, or other expenses.
- Number of Scholarships:
- General Courses: 1,800 scholarships per year.
- Honours Courses: 575 scholarships per year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Rank Holders:
- General Courses: First and Second Rank holders.
- Honours Courses: Only First Rank holders.
- Minimum Marks: At least 60% marks in undergraduate studies.
- Eligible Courses:
- B.A., B.Sc., B.Com. (General and Honours)
- Other Honours subjects like Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, etc.
- Age Limit: 30 years at the time of admission to the PG course.
- Mode of Study: Must be enrolled in a regular full-time postgraduate program in a recognized university.
- First PG Degree: The scholarship is available only for the first PG degree.
- Distance Education: Not covered under this scheme.
List of Eligible Honours Subjects
- B.Sc. (Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology)
- B.A. (Economics, English, Geography, Hindi, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sanskrit, Sociology, Urdu)
- B.Com (General & Honours)
Note: Professional courses and degrees from autonomous colleges are not covered.
Exclusions
The scholarship may be terminated in the following cases:
- Misconduct by the awardee, as reported by the institution.
- Failure to secure 60% marks in the first year of the PG course.
- Incorrect information provided in the application.
- Applying for a second PG degree.
Application Process
Online Mode:
- Visit the Official UGC Website: UGC Website
- Click on “e-SARTS Scholarships-Fellowships”
- Select the relevant scholarship scheme.
- Click “Apply Now” to start the application.
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Documents Required
- Attested copy of UG degree certificate.
- Matriculation (Class 10) certificate.
- Rank certificate issued by the university.
- Verification certificate from the PG institution.
- Provisional certificate from the university (not required for autonomous colleges).
University’s Role
- Submit a list of selected students along with scholarship receipts.
- Submit progress reports after the first year.
- Provide utilization certificates for disbursed funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the tenure of the scholarship?
The scholarship is valid for two years. - What is the amount provided under this scheme?
Each awardee receives ₹2,000 per month. - Is this scholarship applicable to part-time PG courses?
No, only full-time PG courses are eligible. - Can I apply if I am pursuing my second PG degree?
No, the scholarship is only for the first PG degree. - Can distance education students apply?
No, distance education courses are not covered under this scheme.