PhD Stipend 2024: Eligibility, Monthly Stipend, How to Apply!

The Education Ministry has increased stipends for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), and Research Associates.The Ministry of Education tweeted, "The monthly stipend for researchers at Higher Education Institutes has increased from January 1, 2023. This aims to boost the R&D ecosystem and support researchers. The government will spend an additional Rs. 725 crore.

The revised stipends are:

• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Increased to Rs 37,000 from Rs 31,000.
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Increased to Rs 42,000 from Rs 35,000.
• Research Associate - I: Increased to Rs 58,000 from Rs 47,000.
• Research Associate - II: Increased to Rs 61,000 from Rs 49,000.
• Research Associate - III: Increased to Rs 67,000 from Rs 54,000.Stipends issued by the Government

The All-India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has been demanding a fellowship hike for over a year. They asked UGC India to revise the NON-NET fellowship, which has been Rs 8,000 since 2006. Students Also Enrolled | PhD for Working Professionals! 

AIRSA stated, "Timely and regular disbursement of fellowships will provide financial stability to research scholars, enabling them to focus on their research without financial worries."

The government estimates this stipend increase will cost about Rs 725 crore. They expect it to significantly boost the research and development ecosystem and provide much-needed support to scholars and researchers. Also Read | What Is Doctoral Degree?

What is the PhD stipend? 

A PhD is one of the toughest yet most rewarding degrees globally. One great thing about pursuing a PhD is that you get paid for it. A PhD stipend is a monthly allowance given to cover your living costs, research expenses, and accommodation.

The amount you receive varies based on whether you're teaching undergraduates, doing research, or funded directly for your PhD. Depending on your role, the income can vary significantly during your studies.

Who is eligible for a PhD Stipend? 

Do you know what is the best thing about pursuing PhD? It is that you get paid for pursuing it. But to pursue a PhD program and PhD Stipend, it is mandatory for you to pass the entrance exam conducted by the UGC (University Grants Commission).

The entrance exam that is conducted by the UGC is UGC-NET and to be eligible for the PhD Stipend you must pass the entrance exam.

How to Apply? 

It is very easy to apply for a PhD Stipend once you apply for a UGC-NET and you pass it, you ultimately become eligible for a PhD stipend in India. Moreover, PhD Stipend Has risen- JRF Rs 31,000 to Rs 37,000 and SRF- Rs 35,000 to Rs 42,000.

What is the PhD Stipend students get in IIT? 

The Government of India (GoI) offers fellowships for ASEAN students to pursue a Ph.D. at any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of INR 31,000/- for the first two years, INR 35,000 for the remaining duration, and an annual research grant of up to INR 170,000 for research expenses. The maximum duration of the fellowship is 5 years. 

The GoI also offers ICCR fellowships for international students to pursue undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. studies at Indian institutions.The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living allowances according to prescribed rules. Students Also Ask | PhD Distance Education!

What is the PhD Stipend in India per month?

JRF stipends increased from Rs 31,000 to Rs 37,000, and SRF stipends have risen from Rs 35,000 to Rs 42,000 effective from January 1, 2023.

Some PhD students are still pushing for larger increases, arguing that research scholars deserve higher stipends and quicker pay. Hence, you will get a monthly stipend of Rs.37,000. Know the Fact | PhD Online India!

PhD Stipend without JRF? 

Without JRF, research scholars get a non-NET fellowship of Rs 8,000 per month, unchanged for 11 years. This fellowship is for those who clear UGC-NET or the university's PhD entrance exam.

In the 2022-23 academic session, 15,397 PhD scholars in 40 central universities received non-NET fellowships, according to the UGC.

The UGC has updated the PhD eligibility criteria, now UGC NET scores will be required for the admissions.

NET scores will determine eligibility for PhD admission with or without JRF funding and for Assistant Professor positions.

JRF is not compulsory for PhD admission. Currently, PhD admissions vary across universities. Candidates who qualify for UGC's NET are admitted based on personal interviews.

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In November 2022, the UGC discontinued the MPhil program following NEP 2020 recommendations and asked universities to stop MPhil admissions in December 2023.

Under the new PhD criteria, students with a four-year undergraduate degree and at least 75% marks can apply for PhD programs.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NET twice a year to select assistant professors and JRF candidates. JRF offers Rs 37,000 per month.

In the last UGC-NET held in December 2023, 9,45,872 candidates registered, 6,95,928 appeared, and 58,794 qualified, with only 5,032 shortlisted for both assistant professor and JRF. For the CSIR UGC-NET exam in December 2023, 6,988 qualified, and 1,932 secured JRF.

PhD Stipend in India through GATE?

The stipend for PhD scholars through GATE varies by institute and discipline. However, the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, has set minimum stipend rates for GATE-qualified PhD scholars.

The minimum monthly stipend is Rs. 31,000 for the first two years of a PhD program. From the third year onwards, the stipend increases to Rs. 35,000 per month. Moreover, GATE scholars receive an annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000 and a research grant of Rs. 5,000 per semester.

The stipend and grant amounts can vary based on the institute's policies and available funding. Some institutes may provide higher stipends or additional benefits to GATE-qualified PhD scholars.

What are the Salaries for different Professions?

 Various PhD specializations and their respective salaries are listed in the table below:

Streams	PhD Specialisations	Average Salary
Arts	PhD English	Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 12.00,000
	PhD Economics
	PhD History
	PhD Sociology
	PhD Psychology
Law	PhD Legal Studies	Rs 2,00,000 – Rs 13,00,000
	PhD Law
Engineering	PhD Biomedical Engineering	Rs 3,00,000 – Rs 15,00,000
	PhD Information Technology
	PhD Mechanical Engineering
	PhD Bioinformatics
Medical	PhD Neuroscience	Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 11,00,000
	PhD Pathology
	PhD Physiotherapy
Management	PhD Human Resource Management	Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 12.00,000
	PhD Marketing
	PhD Business Management
	PhD Finance
Science	PhD Chemistry	Rs 4,00,000 – Rs 14,00,000
	PhD Computer Science
	PhD Biology
Mathematics	PhD Mathematics	Rs 3,00,000 – Rs 10,00,000

What is the monthly salary of a PhD Graduate? 

High-paying PhD posts have salary ranges of INR 12 to 26 LPA. Their monthly salary ranges from INR 90K to INR 92.5K. A research degree opens up a lot of options, and more employment prospects motivate students to pursue PhDs in their areas of interest.

Also, you have the option to choose the DBA program as an alternative to the PhD program if you wish to continue earning while pursuing your studies without quitting your current position.

It is a doctoral program that grants you the title "Dr." It also stands for Doctor of Business Administration. If you choose an online DBA program, you may also obtain your doctorate from an international university without having to relocate there.

Online DBAs are a great substitute for online PhDs, which are not accepted in India. Online Doctorate courses are accepted everywhere, including India. You may obtain an online DBA from several colleges. A few of them are listed below.

Universities	Fees
Golden Gate University	INR 8,14,000
Rushford Business School	INR 8,12,500
ESGCI International School of Management Paris	INR 8,14,000

Below is information on PhD salaries in India for Professors, Associate Professor, and other positions. You can view the table to see what PhD Professors make in India.

Job Profile	Average Annual Salary
Associate Professor	Rs 4 to 8 Lakhs
Professor	Rs 7.80 to 30 Lakhs
Research Assistant	Rs 3.10 to 5 Lakhs
Computer Engineer	Rs 4 to 9 Lakhs
Legal Assistant	Rs 4 to 8 Lakhs
Consultant	Rs 8 to 10 Lakhs
Research Scientist	Rs 6 to 12 Lakhs
Senior Writer	Rs 10 to 14 Lakhs

Stipend in Government Colleges for a PhD Student?

It is good news for the students enrolled in a PhD Program as the Education Ministry has increased stipends for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), and Research Associates.

This news is a big relief for PhD students and scholars in India. The announcement was made on the ministry's official X (formerly Twitter) page.

The new stipends are:

• JRF: Rs 37,000 (up from Rs 31,000)
• SRF: Rs 42,000 (up from Rs 35,000)
• Research Associate-I: Rs 58,000 (up from Rs 47,000)
• Research Associate-II: Rs 61,000 (up from Rs 49,000)
• Research Associate-III: Rs 67,000 (up from Rs 54,000)

This increase will cost the government an additional Rs 725 crore.

What is the PhD Stipend for the NET Qualified Students?

The NCERT offers an NCERT Doctoral fellowship to young scholars in recognized Indian universities:

• For NET-qualified students: The fellowship amount is ₹25,000 per month for up to three years.
• For non-NET-qualified students: The amount is ₹23,000 per month.

What is the Highest PhD Stipend in India?

To assist deserving PhD candidates, the Central Government of India's Ministry of Human Resource Development established a fellowship program named Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research.

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 ₹70,000; in the fourth and fifth years, this amount increases to ₹80,000.

Applications for the yearly scholarship are taken through the official website and are available to students from all Indian colleges.

Stipend in the USA for PhD Students

The United States has some of the world’s best universities, making it a top destination for international researchers. A Master’s degree is not always required to do a PhD in the US. Some top universities offer direct-entry PhD programs.

An American PhD starts with two to three years of coursework to pass qualifying exams. During this time, doctoral students develop their research interests and choose their thesis topic.

They must write a thesis proposal, which needs approval before starting their dissertation. Most programs require PhD students to gain two to three years of teaching experience, either by leading a class or as teaching assistants.

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It takes about six years to earn a PhD in the US. Unlike some European countries, there is no minimum salary or national salary scale for PhD students in the US.

PhD students earn between $15,000 (Rs.12,52,195)and $30,000 ( Rs.25,04,391) a year, depending on their institution, field of study, and location. This stipend can be tax-free if it is a fellowship award, or taxable if it is a salary from a teaching position.

American PhD students are usually paid for only nine months of the year, but many programs offer summer funding opportunities. A PhD funding package often includes a full or partial tuition waiver.

Stipend in the UK for PhD Students

PhD stipends usually range from £15,000 (Rs.16,02,925)  to £18,000 (Rs. 19,23,492). In the UK, PhD students who work as teaching assistants can earn around £10 (Rs.1,068)per hour for marking tutorials, £15 (Rs.1,602) per hour for leading lab sessions, and up to £20 (Rs.2,136) per hour for teaching undergrad classes.

The actual amount you earn will depend on your department's pay rates and how many hours you can commit to. If you're part of a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) program, you'll have set weekly hours. If not, you'll need to consistently dedicate several hours per week.

Research assistantships in the UK pay between £25,000 (Rs.26,71,357) to £30,000 (Rs.32,05,850)per year, with STEM fields generally offering higher salaries than non-STEM fields.

Stipend in the Canada for PhD Students?

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in Canada, It is a great place for PhD studies, with lots of research opportunities. Canadian universities do a third of the country's research, which adds billions to the economy.

The University of British Columbia offers a Four Year Doctoral Fellowship that gives international and domestic doctoral students at least CA$18,200 (-US$13,700) per year plus full tuition for all four years of study.

Stipend in Germany for PhD Students?

Germany is a top choice for PhD research in Europe because it's prestigious and affordable. Public universities here don't charge any doctoral fees. International students have plenty of funding options available.

PhD funding in Germany includes academic scholarships, fellowships, and salaried assistantships offered by universities and research institutes. You can apply for the scholarships if you want to pursue a PhD program from Germany. 

What are the types of a PhD Stipends?

There are various types of PhD stipends that are variable some of them are mentioned below:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs): You'll get a stipend for helping with courses over several years. This involves tasks like grading tutorials, supervising labs, and assisting undergraduates. Sometimes, you might even teach part of the course.
• Research Assistantships (RAs): You'll receive a stipend for assisting a professor with their research. Ideally, this research aligns with your own PhD project, and the professor is also your supervisor.
• Stipend via Studentship: This is a grant for living expenses during your PhD. It covers things like rent, food, bills, and basic travel. Unlike assistantships, studentships usually don't require specific duties. The main expectation is that you make progress in your degree.

These opportunities can overlap. For instance, you could be a research assistant while also helping teach undergrads.

What is the Difference between Salary and Stipend?

In colleges, graduate students may receive either a stipend or a salary:

• Stipends are for students: You get this funding through assistantships or fellowships. It's meant to cover your living expenses while you do research or pursue your studies. Stipend amounts are often based on the academic year, not the calendar year.
• Salaries are for employees: If you're hired by the school as an employee, you receive a salary. This happens when you have specific duties, like teaching a class. Salaries can be fixed or based on the hours you work. You might also get benefits like health care subsidies or workers' compensation.

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
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
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)

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)
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
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

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Conclusion

A PhD is one of the toughest yet most rewarding degrees globally. One great thing about pursuing a PhD is that you get paid for it. A PhD stipend is a monthly allowance given to cover your living costs, research expenses, and accommodation. JRF stipends increased from Rs 31,000 to Rs 37,000, and SRF stipends have risen from Rs 35,000 to Rs 42,000 effective from January 1, 2023.