In a significant development, the Government New guideline to increase stipend for PhD scholars has increased the number of people who want to pursue PhD. This Revised stipend for PhD scholars brings about a much-anticipated revision in the stipend structure for Junior Research Fellows (JRF), Senior Research Fellows (SRF), and Research Associates (RA). This move is part of the government's ongoing efforts to bolster research and innovation across various disciplines. The updated stipend rates aim to provide better financial support to scholars pursuing advanced studies and research. This news marks a positive step forward in empowering the academic community and fostering a conducive environment for cutting-edge research and development.

# PhD Fellowship for JRF

* Hike in Fellowship

The Ministry of Education in India has announced an increase in the monthly stipends for Junior research scholars, effective from January 1, 2023. The Junior Research Fellow (JRF) stipend has been increased from Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 37,000.

* Process of Getting the Fellowship

The University Grants Commission (UGC) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme is open to candidates who pass the UGC's National Eligibility Test-Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) and the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) joint test. However, passing these exams does not guarantee you a fellowship. The JRF scheme's goal is to give NET-JRF qualifying applicants with chances to pursue advanced study and research leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in the subject of Humanities and also Social Sciences which includes Languages and Sciences.

* The eligibility criteria for JRF are as follows:

• Candidates who have qualified in NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR joint tests are eligible.

• Candidates must register for M.Phil/PhD within two years from the date of declaration of result or date of issue of award letter/date of joining the fellowship.

The application process for JRF varies depending on the institution. However, typically, candidates must complete their bachelor’s degree before registering for a Ph.D. program. They must then invent a research project idea, check for open JRF programs, ensure they meet the eligibility requirements, prepare and submit their applications, and participate in an interview.

# PhD Fellowship for SRF

* Hike in Fellowship

There has been an increase in the monthly stipends for senior research scholars also which is effective from January 1, 2023. The stipend for Senior Research Fellow (SRF) has been increased from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 42,000.

* Process of Getting the Fellowship

The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) scheme to applicants who have qualified for the UGC's National Eligibility Test-Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) and the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) joint test. The SRF scheme's goal is to give NET-JRF qualifying applicants the opportunity to pursue further study and research leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in the subject of Humanities and also Social Sciences which includes Languages and Sciences.

The eligibility criteria for SRF are as follows:

• Candidates who have qualified in NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR joint tests are eligible.

• Candidates must register for M.Phil/PhD within two years from the date of declaration of result or date of issue of award letter/date of joining the fellowship.

The SRF application process differs based on the institution. Candidates must normally complete their bachelor's degree before enrolling in a Ph.D. programme. They must then devise a research project proposal, search for open SRF programmes, confirm they meet the eligibility conditions, prepare and submit their applications, and attend an interview.

# PhD Fellowship for RA’s

* Hike in Fellowship

The stipend for Research Associate I (RAI) has been raised from Rs. 47,000 to Rs. 58,000, while for Research Associate II (RAII) and Research Associate III (RAIII), it has been increased from Rs. 49,000 to Rs. 61,000 and from Rs. 54,000 to Rs. 67,000 respectively. 

* Process of Getting the Fellowship

The eligibility requirements for Research Associates I, II, and III are not made public. The application process for Research Associates differs by institution. Candidates must normally complete their bachelor's degree before enrolling in a Ph.D. programme. They must next come up with a research project concept, look for open RA positions, ensure they meet the eligibility standards, prepare and submit their applications, and participate in an interview.

Final Thoughts

The Government’s new announcement for PhD fellowship hike for PhD scholars in 2023 is a pivotal step towards fostering a thriving research community. The revised stipend rates for Junior Research Fellows (JRF), Senior Research Fellows (SRF), and Research Associates (RA) signify a concerted effort to support and encourage advanced studies and research endeavors. This latest news about the PhD fellowship hike demonstrates the government's commitment to nurturing talent and innovation in academia. The announcement heralds a positive change, offering scholars a more robust financial foundation to pursue their research aspirations. It is an encouraging development that is set to have a far-reaching impact on the landscape of higher education and research in the country.

 

FAQ

1. What is the revised stipend for PhD scholars?

Ans. The revised stipend for PhD scholars is different for JRF, SRF RAI, RAII and RAIII.

2. What is the revised stipend for Junior Research Fellow scholars?

Ans. The revised monthly stipend for research scholars in India is Rs. 37,000 for Junior Research Fellow (JRF).

3. What is the revised stipend for Senior Research Fellow scholars?

Ans. The revised monthly stipend for research scholars in India is Rs. 42,000 for Senior Research Fellow (SRF).

4. What is the latest news about PhD fellowship?

Ans. The Education Ministry has declared that the fellowship programme in management (FPM) offered by seven leading Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is equivalent to a PhD degree. This degree is also acceptable for senior government posts.

5. Is PhD stipend going to increase in India?

Ans. Yes, it is anticipated that the PhD stipend will increase in India, as per the government's new guidelines and announcements for 2023. This is a positive step towards providing better financial support to scholars pursuing advanced research and studies.