The Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women is an initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) aimed at unemployed women with a Ph.D. to help them pursue advanced studies and research in Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
The duration of the fellowship is five years, and 100 slots are available per year with no further extension.
Objective
- Support women researchers in Indian universities, colleges, and research institutions.
- Enable advanced studies and research in their respective subject areas.
Eligible institutions include:
- Universities/Institutions/Colleges under Section 2(f) & 12(b) of UGC Act, 1956.
- Deemed-to-be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act (receiving UGC grants).
- Government-funded Universities/Colleges (Central & State).
- Institutes of National Importance.
Benefits
Fellowship Amount
- Fresh Candidates: ₹38,800 per month
- After 2 Years: ₹46,500 per month
Annual Contingency Grant
- ₹50,000 per year
Escorts/Reader Assistance (for Persons with Disabilities – PwD)
- ₹2,000 per month (fixed)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Hostel Accommodation: Fellows staying in hostels can claim hostel fees (excluding mess, electricity, water charges, etc.).
- Single Accommodation (Institutional): If hostel accommodation is unavailable, rent paid on an actual basis may be reimbursed as per Govt. norms.
- Self-arranged Accommodation: HRA as per Govt. of India norms based on city classification.
Medical Benefits
- No separate/fixed medical allowance.
- Fellows can avail medical facilities of their institution.
Leave Benefits
- 30 days leave per year (excluding public holidays).
- No eligibility for summer, winter, or festival vacations.
- Maternity Leave: 180 days (full fellowship).
- Special Leave (Without Fellowship): Up to 3 months (subject to UGC approval).
Duration of Fellowship
- 5 years (No extension allowed).
Eligibility
- Must be unemployed.
- Must have a Ph.D. degree (Provisional Certificate acceptable if degree is not awarded).
- Maximum Age: 55 years (as of the last application date).
- Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.
- Minimum Marks Required:
- General Category: 55% in UG & 60% in PG.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD): 50% in UG & 55% in PG.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required from the proposed research center (signed by HOD & Registrar/Principal/Director).
- Transgender Candidates: Eligible.
- Reservation: As per Govt. of India norms.
Application Process
Online Application
- UGC releases notifications in leading newspapers & on its website.
- Candidates submit applications online through the UGC portal.
- Screening Committee shortlists candidates.
- Shortlisted candidates appear for an interview (selection committee’s decision is final).
- Selected candidates receive an admission letter and must join within one month.
Important Notes
- No TA/DA provided for interviews.
- UGC reserves the right to cancel the award at any time.
Fellowship Disbursal Process
- Funds disbursed through Canara Bank to the fellow’s bank account.
- Fellows must submit documents periodically to continue receiving payments.
Documents Required for Disbursal
- Joining Report (Annexure-II)
- Continuation Certificate (Annexure-III) (every 3 months)
- Annual Progress Report (Annexure-IV)
- Contingency Grant Utilization Report (Annexure-V)
- HRA Certificate (Annexure-VI)
- Escorts/Reader Assistance Claim (Annexure-VII)
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Proof of Age
- UG & PG Marksheets/Degree Certificates
- Ph.D. Certificate (or Provisional Certificate)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Account Details
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Research Center
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
To support unemployed women Ph.D. holders in advanced research.
Q: How much fellowship is provided?
- Fresh Candidates: ₹38,800 per month
- After 2 Years: ₹46,500 per month
Q: How much contingency grant is given?
₹50,000 per annum.
Q: Is any additional assistance provided for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)?
Yes, ₹2,000 per month for Escorts/Reader Assistance.
Q: How many fellowships are awarded each year?
100 slots per year.
Q: Is HRA provided?
Yes, based on the accommodation type.
Q: Is there any medical assistance?
No, but institutional medical facilities can be availed.
Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
5 years (No extension allowed).
Q: What are the eligibility criteria?
- Ph.D. Degree required
- Maximum Age: 55 years
- Minimum Marks: 55% (General), 50% (SC/ST/OBC/PwD)
Q: Can transgender candidates apply?
Yes.
Q: How do I apply for this fellowship?
Apply online via the UGC website when applications are open.