PhD Scholarship India 2026 [Scholarships from Government]

After completing a master’s degree, you can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This is a big decision because it requires significant time and resources. One major challenge, especially for self-funded students, is the cost. A PhD can take 3-5 years and can be expensive without a scholarship.

To help, there are some popular PhD scholarships in India that offer substantial financial support. These scholarships can cover your expenses for studying in India or abroad, making it easier to establish your career in research.

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What are PhD Scholarships?

A PhD scholarship provides funding to support a student pursuing a PhD or other doctorate.

Eligibility and selection criteria:

• Merit-based scholarships: These are for academically excellent students who have strong qualifications and CVs.
• Need-based scholarships: These support students facing challenges due to their background or personal circumstances, especially if they are from under-represented social or demographic groups at the PhD level.

Scholarships vs PhD Studentships

Some PhD funding awards are called studentships instead of scholarships.

Scholarships vs. Studentships:

• Scholarships: Provide funding for a student to pursue a PhD.
• Studentships: Fund a specific research project throughout the PhD duration.

For example, the UK's Research Councils offer studentships tied to advertised PhD opportunities or awarded based on proposed projects. The funding is directly linked to the project.

While the distinction between scholarships and studentships can be blurry, both aim to fund PhD studies.

University Scholarships

When looking for PhD funding, start with your university. Many research-intensive universities offer various funding options for postgraduate students.

• Alumni discounts: These reduce tuition fees for graduates returning for postgraduate studies.
• General scholarships: They can be merit-based or need-based, supporting eligible PhD students annually.
• Travel and research grants: Available to cover costs like conference attendance or fieldwork, enhancing affordability during your PhD.

International Scholarships

Some PhD scholarships are personalized for international students who may not qualify for local public funding options like student loans or national studentships.

• Government funding schemes: Countries offer specific competitions to attract talented international researchers. Examples include the UK's Commonwealth Scholarships, New Zealand's International Doctoral Research Scholarships, and Denmark's Danish Government Scholarships.
• Exchange schemes: Collaborative programs between countries fund each other's citizens for PhD studies abroad. The US-UK Fulbright Scholarships are a notable example.
• University awards: Many universities provide international scholarships as part of their funding options for PhD studies.

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List of PhD Scholarships in India & Application Timelines

There are numerous PhD scholarships and research fellowships available in India from academic institutions, government ministries, and various organizations.

Here is a list of some Indian scholarships and fellowships for PhD programs in India:

PhD Scholarship	Application Deadlines	Organization
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)	Between March and April	MHRD, Government of India
CSIR-UGC JRF Fellowship	October	Government of India
DBT-JRF Fellowship	March	Government of India
ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship	Open throughout the year	ESSO- National Centre for Earth Science Studies
Vision India Foundation (VIF) Fellowship	Between December and January	Vision India Foundation (VIF)
Burning Questions Fellowship Awards	Between May and June	Tiny Beam Fund
Google PhD Scholarships	Between March and April	Google
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships	Ph.D. Scholarship	Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)	Between November and December	Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)
FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme	Between November and December	Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) and the Ministry of Ayush
SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships	Between March and April	SAAR Agricultural Centre
Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science	Between November and January	UGC

List of Top International PhD Scholarships & Application Timelines

Here is a list of top PhD scholarships in India that students can apply for to pursue higher education abroad, with some fully funded covering all expenses, and others partially funded.

PhD Scholarship	Application Timeline (Approx)	Organization
UNU IAS PhD Scholarship	Between March and April	Japan Foundation of UNU (JFUNU)
Dr Eduard Gubelin Research Scholarship	The last date to apply is June 30th	Dr Eduard Gübelin Association for Research
Sir Ratan Tata Trust & Navajbai Ratan TataTrust Education Grants	The last date to apply is May 31st	Tata Trusts
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships	Between November and December	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship	Between April and May	MEXT Japan
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships	Between February and March	Government of New Zealand
Korean Government Scholarship Program	Between February and March	Government of Korea
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD fellowship	Between May and June	Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds, Germany
MAXQDA Research Grants	Between April and June	VERBI Software GmbH
IGLP Residential Fellowship Program, Harvard Law School, USA	Between December and February	Institute of Global Law & Policy (IGLP), Harvard Law School
CBS PhD Scholarships at the Department of Operations Management	Between May and June	Department of Operations Management, Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
IITB-Monash Research Academy PhD Scholarships	Between February and March	IITB-Monash Research Academy
HDR Scholarship	Between April and May	Deakin University
Special Research Fun Doctoral Scholarships, Ghent University	Between February and March	Ghent University, Belgium
Cimi Toulouse Doctoral Fellowships	Between January and February	International Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science (CIMI), Toulouse, France
Fujian Normal University President Scholarship for Foreign Students	Between May and June	Fujian Normal University
Imperial College PhD Scholarship in Chemical Engineering	Between March	Imperial College London
Raman-Charpak Fellowship	Between May and July	GOI and the Government of France
President’s PhD Scholarships	Open throughout the year	Imperial College London
Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowship	Between January and July	USIEF

Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research

To assist deserving PhD candidates, the Central Government of India's Ministry of Human Resource Development established a fellowship program.

One of the most prominent PhD scholarships offered in India, it is administered by IISc and IITs. In the first year, recipients get a monthly stipend of Rs.70,000; in the fourth and fifth years, this amount increases to Rs.80,000. Applications for the yearly scholarship are taken through the official website and are available to students from all Indian colleges.

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

PhD students enrolling in Indian institutions are supported by the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship. It provides 6–9 months of funding for research in disciplines like machine learning, public health, history, and sociology.

Costs for a J-1 visa, health insurance, a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, additional allowances, and affiliation fees are all covered by the fellowship. The official website of the fellowship provides the eligibility requirements. 

Dates	Process
July 2024	Application due date for 2024 awards
Mid-August 2024	Review of applications
July- August 2024	Pre-academic training in the U.S. (if required)
August- September 2024	Program commences
Late September 2024	Selected applicants informed by the USIEF
Early October 2024	Interviews of short-listed candidates (To be conducted in Delhi)
End October 2024	The principal and alternate nominees are notified by USIEF. Nominees take TOEFL
December 2024	The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) receives the applications of shortlisted candidates from USIEF for final approval
March-April 2024	USIEF notifies the finalists
May-June 2024	Pre-Departure Orientation

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships

The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund awards scholarships to Asian and Indian students who are enrolled full-time in PhD programs. It provides a maintenance income of 18,000 INR a month for living expenses and tuition, in addition to 15,000 INR for books and stationery.

A first-division postgraduate degree, a minimum GPA of 60% in both undergraduate and graduate studies, and the submission of a PhD application to an approved Indian university are the requirements.

The minimum age requirement is 35 years old:

• Age limit: Not less than 35 years
• First-division postgraduate degree holder
• A minimum of 60% in undergraduate and postgraduate level
• Must have applied for a PhD program at a recognized university in India
• For full-time PhD programs

Physical Research Laboratory Junior Research Fellowship

The Physical Research Laboratory offers Junior Research Fellowships for postgraduates in Physics and Astronomy, covering various specializations.

• Astronomy
• Astronomical Sciences
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Space and Atmospheric Sciences
• Astrochemistry
• Theoretical Physics
• Geosciences
• Planetary Sciences
• Optical Physics
• Solar Physics

The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) offers exclusive PhD research scholarships with monthly awards of up to 35,000 INR.

Eligibility criteria include being an Indian national under 28 years old, holding both a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Science/Master of Engineering degree, achieving first-division 60% or equivalent in both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and qualifying in exams like GATE, CSIR NET, or Joint Entrance Screening Test.

Google PhD Fellowship India Program

The Google Ph.D. Fellowship India Program supports aspiring PhD scholars in Computer Science or related fields. It offers a monthly fellowship, covers contingency expenses, and includes an internship offer at Google. The requirements for this scholarship are:

ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)

The Indian Council of Historical Research offers Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) to prospective PhD candidates in historical studies. For two years, it covers yearly fees of 16,500 INR and a monthly stipend of up to 17,600 INR.

The candidate must be enrolled in a PhD program in historical studies at an accredited Indian university in order to be eligible.

ICSSR Doctoral Research Fellowship

Doctorate scholars enrolled in UGC-recognized Indian institutions are eligible to apply for doctorate fellowships in the social sciences from the Council of Social Science Research of MHRD, Government of India.

This fellowship is available for two years at a monthly value of ₹20,000. It covers around twenty-five courses, such as Public Administration, Gender Studies, Social Work, and Political Science. Candidates must have verified their PhD registration at an accredited university to be eligible. 

Maulana Azad National Fellowship

The Ministry of Minority Affairs of the Government of India provides this fellowship. It aims to offer financial assistance to minority community students for higher education such as MPhil and PhD.

The Maulana Azad National Fellowship is available for students admitted to any recognized university in the country. It is awarded to candidates with a family income not exceeding 6 Lakh. Scholars receive ₹28,000 per month for 5 years. Candidates can apply for the fellowship on the official UGC website.

NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD

The fellowship aims to help young scholars excel in their research fields. Candidates with exceptional research aptitude are shortlisted for the fellowship. It is available to those admitted to a recognized university in India.

NET-qualified NCERT Doctoral Fellows receive ₹25,000 per month for up to three years from their PhD registration date. Non-NET-qualified candidates receive ₹23,000 per month.

CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship

For people pursuing PhD studies or research in the life sciences, chemical science, engineering, earth and atmosphere, and allied subjects, there is a fully financed program called the CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship.

Candidates must pass the CSIR-conducted National Entrance Test (NET) to be eligible. For two years, the fellowship offers a monthly stipend of between INR 20,000 to INR 31,000.

Particulars	Details
Provider	HRD Group of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
Eligibility	Must have completed post-graduation with at least 55% marks Must have qualified National Entrance Test (NET)
Application timeline	Between July and August (tentative)
Fellowship Amount	INR 20,000 to INR 31,000 per month
Fellowship Type	Based on NET scores
Fellowship Duration	2-years

DBT-JRF Fellowship

Another prominent scholarship for those pursuing a PhD in India is the DBT-JRF Fellowship. It is offered by the Government of India for Biotechnology scholars.

Students must clear the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) to be selected. The registration window for the BET exam opens in February, and the exam is conducted in April. This sought-after PhD scholarship offers ₹25,000 + HRA to JRF students and ₹28,000 + HRA to SRF students.

FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme

The FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme promotes higher education in specific areas. It offers two categories of fellowships: Doctoral Fellowships and Postdoctoral Fellowships for ages 28–35. The Doctoral Fellowship lasts two years, and the Postdoctoral Fellowship lasts one year.

SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships

This scholarship is for students aiming to pursue a PhD in Animal Nutrition or Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology. It is for 3 years and requires full-time study.

The scholarship covers travel costs, tuition fees, living allowance, books, study materials, and thesis preparation expenses.

The requirements for the SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarship are as follows:

• The applicant must be a citizen of Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka. 
• They should be employed at a National Agricultural Research System, Ministry, or Department. 
• The applicant must be under 40 years old and pursuing a full-time PhD for three years.

ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship

Students aspiring to pursue a PhD in areas of earth system sciences are eligible for this fellowship.

Earth system science includes courses in:

ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship
Igneous Petrology Metamorphic Petrology Sedimentology Isotope Geology Hydrogeology Coastal Processes Oceanography Remote sensing	Paleomagnetism Fluid inclusions Geomorphology Quaternary Geology Paleoclimate Geochemistry Tectonic Geomorphology Natural Hazards and Cloud Microphysics

Who is Eligible? 

• M.Sc./M.Tech. Degree in Earth System Sciences or a related field
• CSIR-UGC NET qualification for JRF
• Age under 28 years
• Enrolled in a full-time PhD in Earth Science for 3 years

MHRD PhD Scholarships

MHRD stands for Ministry of Human Resource Development. Several PhD scholarships are offered through MHRD for ongoing PhD students.

The basic eligibility criteria are:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD program.
• Applicants must be citizens of ASEAN countries to apply.

PhD Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
MHRD PhD Fellowships for ASEAN Students	PhD applicants from ASEAN countries are eligible to apply.	INR 35,000 per month
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)	Must have completed MTech and applying for PhD.	INR 70,000 for the first 2 years INR 75,000 in the third year INR 80,000 in the Fourth Year
ICSSR Doctoral Research Fellowship	Must hold a master’s degree from a recognized university with first or second class and registered for a doctoral degree in social science.	INR 20,000 per month

• NOTE:  ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), The countries are Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

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PhD scholarships for international students in the UK

A large number of overseas students wish to study for a PhD in the UK. However many students at reputable UK colleges fail because of the expensive tuition.

Fully financed scholarships can assist in resolving this problem. International PhD students in the UK have access to a variety of grants that might help with their financial concerns. 

This is important to know when applying for fully funded PhDs in the UK. Students from Europe and Asia can benefit from these scholarships. The eligibility depends on the specific program and scholarship you choose.

Available Scholarships in the UK

This is another key point about fully funded PhDs in the UK for international students. Some of the most popular and beneficial scholarships are:

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UK for International Students	Eligibility
President’s PhD. Scholarships at Imperial College London	Provided by Imperial College London to 50 research students
Lancaster PhD. Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries	Provided by Lancaster University
British Council Newton PhD Program	Available for students from Asia (including China, Middle East, Europe, India & South East Asia), Oceania, South & Central America, Africa, and North America
Leeds Doctoral Scholarships	Available for International students or British/European Union student
UCL Critical Histories of Art Scholarship	Available for the UK and EU students only Provided by University College London
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program	Open to students from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, France, Madagascar, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Tajikistan, Egypt, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada
Krebs Memorial Scholarship	Provided to students from all nationalities
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program	Nationalities from countries like  Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Syria, Mozambique, France, Pakistan, Portugal, Tanzania, India, Madagascar, Egypt
Aberystwyth University Scholarship	Provided to European students who want  to complete their PhD in the Department of Mathematics

PhD scholarships for women in India

The government also supports women in their studies by providing them the scholarships:

Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science

The scholarship encourages the education of single girl children by providing financial aid. It is for single girl children pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences. Twin sisters are also eligible.

The requirements for the Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science are:

• Single girl child pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences
• Enrolled in a full-time PhD at UGC-approved institutions
• Age below 40 years (45 years for reserved category)
• Transgender applicants are also eligible

PhD scholarships in India for general-category students

PhD scholarships in India help students pursue research degrees after completing their postgraduate programs. These scholarships support students in conducting research and contributing to their fields of study.

A PhD program lasts 4 to 6 years, making it financially burdensome for many. There are several PhD scholarships in India, like the PM Fellowship for Doctoral Research. These scholarships provide a stipend to support students. They also offer free or heavily discounted accommodation.

PhD Scholarship	Application Time	Funded by
SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships	Between March and April	SAAR Agricultural Centre
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)	Between March and April	MHRD, Government of India
Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science	Between November and January	UGC
ESSO-NCESS Junior Research Fellowship	Open throughout the year	ESSO- National Centre for Earth Science Studies
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships	Between March and May	Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
Burning Questions Fellowship Awards	Between May and June	Tiny Beam Fund
Vision India Foundation (VIF) Fellowship	Between December and January	Vision India Foundation (VIF)

How to Apply for a PhD Scholarship in India?

There are various scholarships available for students interested in pursuing a PhD from India and abroad. You might be wondering how to apply for these scholarships.

Here is a step-by-step application process:

• Visit the official website of the scholarship.
• Select the scholarship scheme you are interested in.
• Review and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Complete the application form and attach the required documents.
• Submit your thesis or research proposal, if required.
• Some scholarships may require a personal interview.
• Track your application status through the portal.
• Await communication regarding your application outcome.

Cancellation of PhD Scholarship

Students who have strong academic backgrounds and the ability to do very well are given scholarships. Nonetheless, authorities have the right to withdraw scholarship awards in some situations. An applicant's scholarship may be revoked if they do badly in their MPhil or PhD program or fail a required course.

Similarly, a candidate's scholarship will be canceled if it is subsequently discovered that they are ineligible for whatever reason. It's crucial to remember that applicants must also demonstrate excellent character and behavior; scholarships are not only given out based on academic achievement. Furthermore, scholarship recipients may have their awards revoked for any misbehavior inside the group.

How do trusts and charities help in funding your PhD Program?

PhD scholarships and grants are available from independent organizations, including medical charities like the British Heart Foundation and research foundations such as the Wellcome Trust or Leverhulme Trust.

• Charitable scholarships: These vary widely in value. Some provide full PhD studentships linked to specific projects, while others offer smaller grants to supplement other funding.
• Other bodies: Smaller organizations, such as local heritage groups or philanthropic societies, also support PhD students and research.

How do you prepare to apply for PhD Scholarships?

When applying for PhD scholarships, you should check the specific requirements set by each organization offering them.

Application materials: Scholarship applications typically require:

• A personal statement explaining your financial situation and why you need funding. Some may also ask about your PhD project, while others focus on your background, values, and career goals.
• Details of your academic qualifications, often including transcripts. Academic scholarships prioritize high-achieving applicants.
• References from previous tutors or your prospective PhD supervisor may also be required in some cases.

What are some tips of Application?

Here are some pointers to make the application process for a PhD fellowship easier:

• Remain arranged: Shortlist potential scholarships, familiarize yourself with their prerequisites and schedule your applications well in advance of the due dates.
• Understand the viewpoint of the funder: Find out why the organization supports PhD research and what characteristics they are looking for in candidates. Make your application specific to their objectives.
• Verify the requirements for eligibility: Before applying, make sure you satisfy all eligibility conditions in order to save time on applications for scholarships you might not be eligible for.

Are PhD Scholarships Worth It?

A PhD scholarship typically covers a significant portion of the cost of a PhD, but the amount can vary:

• Coverage: Some scholarships fully fund tuition fees and living expenses throughout the PhD duration.
• Variety: Others may offer a lump sum to assist with expenses.
• Non-repayable: Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment.

In summary, it is worth it as it helps you with your finances. 

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Conclusion 

After completing a master’s degree, you can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This is a big decision because it requires significant time and resources. One major challenge, especially for self-funded students, is the cost. A PhD can take 3-5 years and can be expensive without a scholarship. A PhD scholarship provides funding to support a student pursuing a PhD or other doctorate. There are various scholarships are there that are provided by the government to support student’s higher education.