Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant: ₹10 Lakh for New Faculty MembersScheme StatusScheme Status

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The scheme “Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant for Newly Recruited Faculty Members” is a research grant scheme by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education (DoHE). The purpose of the research grant is to provide opportunities to regularly appointed faculty members of Universities/ Institutes/ Colleges to pursue research in their area(s). All teachers who are newly appointed at the level of Assistant Professor against permanent posts in the university shall be eligible to receive financial support under the scheme. The Assistant professor should possess a Ph.D. degree with a minimum of five (5) research papers to his / her credit, published in journals of international repute. There are 132 slots, and the tenure is 2 years. The quantum of support under the scheme is ₹ 10,00,000.

Benefits

Tenure & Slots

  • Tenure: 2 years
  • Slots: 132 per year

Financial Assistance

  • ₹10,00,000/- per faculty member for research-related expenses.
  • The grant covers expenses such as minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, fieldwork, travel, etc.
  • The grant cannot be used for:
    • International travel
    • Furniture purchases
    • Salaries for project assistants/research fellows

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Faculty Members from Eligible Institutions:

    • Universities and colleges included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 with valid NAAC accreditation.
    • Deemed-to-be universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 with valid NAAC accreditation.
    • Fully funded institutions by the Central or State Governments with degree-awarding authority.
    • Institutions of National Importance.

  2. Newly Recruited Assistant Professors:

    • Must be permanently appointed against a regular faculty position in a recognized university/college.
    • Must hold a Ph.D. degree.
    • Must have at least five (5) research papers published in peer-reviewed international journals.
    • Must apply for the grant within two (2) years of joining the institution.

Application Process

Online Application

Applications are invited once a year through an advertisement in leading newspapers and employment news. Applicants must apply via the UGC online portal.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Visit the Official Website:

  2. Registration:

    • Click on “New User” under the Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant section.
    • Fill in your details and provide a valid email ID.
    • Upload a scanned passport-size photograph & signature (size up to 1MB, format: JPG).
    • Submit the registration form.

  3. Login:

    • After registration, you will receive login credentials via email.
    • Log in using the provided credentials.

  4. Complete Profile & Eligibility Check:

    • Fill in your academic details, institution details, and research experience.
    • Click “Eligibility Criteria” and confirm that you meet all requirements.

  5. Submit Research Proposal:

    • Upload your research proposal (maximum 5MB).
    • Provide an abstract of the research (maximum 1MB).

  6. Final Submission:

    • Download the auto-generated application form.
    • Get it signed by the Head of Department (HoD) or Registrar.
    • Upload the signed form to complete the application.

Note: No hard copies of the application will be accepted.

Selection Process

  1. Evaluation by Experts:

    • Each application is reviewed by three referees appointed by the UGC.
    • The assessment includes merit of the project, professional standing of the applicant, and institutional capabilities.

  2. Final Merit List:

    • Applications are ranked based on review scores.
    • The final list is published on the UGC website (www.ugc.ac.in).

  3. Award Letters:

    • Selected candidates can download their award letters from the UGC website.

Note: The entire process is paperless, and no interim queries will be entertained.

Documents Required

  • Scanned passport-size photograph & signature (size up to 1MB, format: JPG).
  • Research Proposal (max. 5MB).
  • Abstract of Research (max. 1MB).
  • Signed application form (downloaded after filling out the form).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Q: What is the tenure of the grant?
    A: The grant is awarded for 2 years.
  2. Q: What is the financial assistance amount?
    A: Each faculty member receives ₹10,00,000/-.
  3. Q: Can the grant be used for international travel?
    A: No, the grant does not cover international travel.
  4. Q: Who is eligible for the grant?
    A: Newly recruited Assistant Professors with a Ph.D. and at least 5 research papers published in international journals.
  5. Q: Can faculty members from private universities apply?
    A: No, only faculty members from NAAC-accredited public institutions can apply.
  6. Q: How is the application submitted?
    A: Applications must be submitted online at https://frg.ugc.ac.in/.
  7. Q: Can applicants modify their submission after submitting the form?
    A: No, once submitted, applications cannot be modified.
  8. Q: Is an application fee required?
    A: No, there is no application fee for this scheme.
  9. Q: When should an Assistant Professor apply?
    A: Within two (2) years of their appointment in a permanent faculty position.
  10. Q: Can applicants submit a hard copy of the application?
    A: No, hard copies are not accepted.

Sources & References

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