The Free Caste Hostel Scheme is an initiative by the Department of De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh. This scheme provides free hostel accommodation and a monthly scholarship to students from De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic tribes who are pursuing education in local institutions. The objective of this scheme is to support students by covering their accommodation and living expenses while they complete their education.
The Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme was introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to promote postdoctoral research culture in Indian universities. Named after the eminent physicist and educationist Dr. Daulat Singh Kothari, the scheme aims to provide young researchers with opportunities to acquire new skills and broaden their research horizons.
Benefits
-
Fellowship Amount:
- First Year: ₹43,800 per month
- Second Year: ₹45,000 per month
- Third Year: ₹46,500 per month
-
Contingency Grant: ₹1,00,000 per annum
-
House Rent Allowance (HRA):
- If hostel accommodation is unavailable, fellows may receive HRA as per Government of India norms, based on city categorization.
-
Medical Benefits: Fellows can avail medical facilities available at the host institution; no separate medical assistance is provided.
-
Leave Entitlement:
- Up to 30 days of leave per year, excluding public holidays.
- Maternity/paternity leave as per Government of India rules.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must hold a Ph.D. degree in the relevant subject under the science faculty.
- Unemployed candidates who have been awarded a Ph.D. are eligible.
- Upper age limit: 35 years (Relaxations: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for physically handicapped and women candidates).
- Must identify a mentor affiliated with a university or institute where the fellowship is tenable and obtain their consent for mentorship.
Application Process
-
Online Application:
- Visit the official DSKPDF website.
- Request a login ID and password by filling out the basic information.
- Upon receiving the credentials, log in to complete the application form.
- Upload necessary documents in PDF or DOC format (each not exceeding 100 KB).
- Submit the application.
-
Selection Process:
- Applications are accepted throughout the year.
- A standing peer group reviews applications electronically.
- Decisions are typically made within six weeks of application receipt.
- Approximately 500 fellowships are awarded annually.
Documents Required
- Ph.D. Degree Certificate or a certificate from the Ph.D. guide/Registrar of the university/institute.
- Summary of Ph.D. work in the prescribed format.
- Concept proposal for postdoctoral research.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the mentor.
- Certificates of graduation and postgraduation.
- Proof of age, such as a class 10 certificate.
- NET/SET certificate, if applicable.
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PH), if applicable.
- Consent letter from the mentor on official letterhead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there a deadline for application submission? A: No, applications are accepted throughout the year.
Q: What is the duration of the fellowship? A: The fellowship is tenable for up to three years, with no provision for extension.
Q: Can employed individuals apply for the fellowship? A: Only unemployed Ph.D. awarded candidates are eligible. However, teachers below the age of 35, working on confirmed posts in academic institutes, may apply if they obtain a certificate from their institution stating they will be granted leave for the fellowship duration.
Q: Are there provisions for leave during the fellowship? A: Yes, fellows are entitled to up to 30 days of leave per year, excluding public holidays. Maternity/paternity leave is also available as per Government of India rules.
Q: How is the fellowship amount disbursed? A: The fellowship amount is disbursed directly into the fellow’s bank account through the UGC-designated bank.