AI SummaryUGC Travel Grant Scheme is running in 2026 and the University Grants Commission keeps accepting applications from permanent college teachers, college librarians, vice-chancellors, commission members and UGC officers who want to present research papers at international conferences abroad. The scheme pays 100% of the admissible expenses like airfare, registration fee, per diem allowance and visa charges.
This grant is for teachers from colleges covered under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, and it also covers vice-chancellors of state, deemed and central universities. College teachers and librarians can get the grant once in three years, while vice-chancellors, UGC members and UGC officers can get it once in two years. The full amount is paid in one instalment after the conference ends.
Travel Grant Scheme for College Teachers / College Librarians / Vice Chancellors / Commission Members And UGC Officers - Introduction
The scheme gives financial support to permanent teachers and librarians of colleges, as well as vice-chancellors of state, deemed and central universities, to present research papers at international conferences abroad. This facility also covers permanent teachers of institutions of national importance, with a cap of 10% of the total annual approved cases. Also, commission members and UGC officers at the level of EO/US and above can apply for support under this scheme.
Applications are sent offline to the UGC office in New Delhi. The proposal must reach the office at least two months before the conference begins. Subject experts review each proposal and the final decision is taken by the UGC. For vice-chancellors, commission members and UGC officers, the Chairman of the UGC gives direct approval.
Scheme Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Travel Grant Scheme for College Teachers / College Librarians / Vice Chancellors / Commission Members And UGC Officers |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education (Department of Higher Education) |
| Beneficiaries | Permanent college teachers and librarians, vice-chancellors, UGC members and officers |
| Benefit Amount | 100% of admissible expenses (airfare, registration fee, per diem, visa fee) |
| Frequency | Once in 3 years for teachers and librarians, once in 2 years for vice-chancellors and UGC officials |
| Application Mode | Offline by post |
| Official Website | ugc.gov.in |
| Helpline | 011-23604223 |
Benefits
UGC pays the total admissible expenditure of the trip. This includes the international airfare, conference registration fee, per diem allowance and visa charges. Travel must be on the cheapest excursion class ticket and the fare cannot go above the equivalent Air India fare. For ground travel to the nearest airport, the actual fare up to AC II Class train rates is paid.
College teachers and librarians get the grant once in three years on 100% basis. Vice-chancellors, UGC members, UGC officers and teachers from SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) or PWD categories get it once in two years on 100% basis. The daily allowance follows the government of India rates for the conference duration plus two days before and two days after.
Note: UGC pays the entire eligible amount in one instalment only after the conference concludes and all claim documents are submitted. Teachers can also check other UGC support like the UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship Scheme for faculty research support.
Eligibility
Anyone from the following groups can apply, as long as the college or university is recognised under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act:
- Permanent teacher or college librarian at an institution listed under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act.
- Vice-chancellor of a state, deemed or central university recognised under the same sections of the UGC Act.
- Commission member, UGC officer at the rank of EO/US or higher, or a teacher from SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) or PWD categories.
- Permanent teacher working at an institution of national importance.
For college teachers, college librarians and UGC officers, the maximum age limit is up to the age of superannuation. Vice-chancellors and commission members should be in position on the date of the conference.
Application Process
The application is submitted offline. There is no online portal for this scheme, so the complete application packet has to be sent by post to the UGC office. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Prepare the research paper, the official acceptance letter from the conference organizers and the full text of the paper to be presented. If the paper is co-authored, attach a no-objection certificate from the co-authors.
STEP 2 - Fill the application form in the prescribed format and attach all required documents. Only one application is considered for one paper, and priority is given to the first author.
STEP 3 - Mail the complete packet to Joint Secretary (Travel Grant), University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002. The proposal should reach the office at least two months before the conference begins.
Please note: incomplete applications are not processed and no correspondence is entertained on them. Submitting a proposal does not mean it is automatically approved.
Documents
Documents required for the initial application:
- A copy of the research paper.
- An official acceptance letter from the conference organizers.
- The full text of the research paper.
- A no-objection certificate from co-authors, if the paper is co-authored.
- Only one application is considered per paper.
Documents required for the claim submission after the conference:
- A completed statement of account (Appendix-II of the UGC Travel Grant Guidelines) detailing travel, visa and registration expenses.
- A utilization certificate (Appendix III) signed by the college or university auditor or a chartered accountant.
- Details of any additional financial support received from other Indian or foreign agencies.
- A brief report on the participation in the conference.
- The official certificate of participation.
- Proof of the currency conversion rate used for the expenses.
- Original receipts or cash memos signed by the applicant.
- A bank mandate form (Appendix IV of the guidelines) for the principal, dean or director.
Claim documents must be submitted within one month after the conference ends. Any delay in submission can slow down the processing of the claim.
Contact Details
For queries about the travel grant, contact the TG (Travel Grant) bureau of UGC. The bureau head is Joint Secretary Dr. Gopi Chand Merugu, reachable at 011-23604223 or gopichand.ugc@gov.in. Under Secretary Anil Kumar is available at 011-23604433 or anilk.ugc@nic.in. The postal address is Joint Secretary (Travel Grant), University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002. Full details are on the official UGC Travel Grant page.
References
Find the official guidelines here: UGC Travel Grant Guidelines. The official scheme page is available at UGC TG (Travel Grant) Bureau.
FAQ's
What travel mode should I choose for the trip?
Book the most economical excursion category ticket available. The fare must not exceed the equivalent Air India fare. For ground travel to the nearest airport, the actual fare up to AC II Class train rates is reimbursed.
Are there special rules for vice-chancellors or senior officials?
Yes, vice-chancellors, commission members and UGC officers follow the travel entitlements specified under their respective official regulations.
How is my per diem allowance decided?
The daily allowance follows the official government of India rates. It covers the duration of the conference plus two days before and two days after for the travel period.
Who reviews my research proposal?
Subject experts vet the submission. For vice-chancellors and senior officers, the Chairman of the UGC provides direct approval based on recommendations.
How will I know if my application is approved?
Once the evaluation process ends, UGC sends an official approval letter by post or email.
When do I get my reimbursement?
The total grant is released as a one-time payment after the conference ends and all reimbursement documents are submitted successfully.
What if my application is incomplete?
The authorities will not consider incomplete applications, so double-check all documents before mailing them.
Can I claim extra expenses?
Reimbursement covers only the items listed in the official guidelines. Additional personal expenses are not eligible for coverage.
How soon should I submit my post-conference documents?
Claim documents must be submitted within one month after the conference ends. Late submission can delay the processing of the claim.
Is the travel grant scheme still active in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is still running. The TG (Travel Grant) bureau under UGC continues to accept applications and there is no closing date announced for 2026.