Bsr Fellowship Scheme for Science Students - Ugc

Bsr Fellowship Scheme for Science Students - Ugc supports meritorious students who want to take up full-time Ph.D. research in different science subjects at recognised Indian universities. The University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Ministry of Education, runs this scheme to give monthly financial support and research contingency money so that talented scholars can focus on their research without money problems.

This scheme is open for the 2026-27 academic year and covers departments of Sciences, Bio-Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Engineering Sciences at eligible universities. If you have secured admission to a full-time Ph.D. programme at a UGC recognised university, you can apply for this fellowship through your own institution. Selection happens at the university level, not centrally, which keeps the process simple and close to the student.

Bsr Fellowship Scheme for Science Students - Ugc - Introduction

Bsr Fellowship Scheme for Science Students - Ugc encourages academic growth by giving financial support to talented scholars who want to do advanced scientific research. The main aim of the Basic Scientific Research (BSR) scheme is to provide opportunities for meritorious candidates to take up advanced studies and research leading to Ph.D. degrees in sciences. The scheme applies to departments of Sciences, Bio-Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Engineering Sciences in eligible universities.

Introduced by the University Grants Commission under the Ministry of Education, this scheme makes the path to higher research easier for eligible students across India. Whether you are running experiments or analysing data, this scheme works as a support system. Selection follows a standard admission procedure through your chosen university, so only the most dedicated researchers receive this support.

Key Information

Benefits

Depending on your qualification status, you receive a monthly fellowship amount. GATE or NET qualified candidates get a higher amount compared to other candidates. The fellowship starts as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for the first two years and then moves up to a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the remaining period, subject to a satisfactory review of your progress.

Along with the fellowship, you get an annual research contingency grant of ₹12,000 for JRF and ₹25,000 for SRF. The total period of the fellowship is five years, with no further provision for extension. If your work in the first two years is not found satisfactory, you get one more year to improve, and your progress is checked again after three years.

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

If you live in a university hostel, you can get reimbursement of hostel fees, but not mess, electricity and water charges. HRA is not given to those staying in hostel accommodation. If hostel accommodation is not available, the host institution may give you single accommodation, and the rent you pay can be reimbursed up to the HRA ceiling as per Government of India norms. If you make your own arrangements, you can draw HRA as per the city categorisation.

Medical and Leave Benefits

There is no fixed or separate medical allowance under this scheme. However, you can use the medical facilities available in your university, institution or college. You are entitled to leave for a maximum of 30 days in a year in addition to public holidays, with the approval of the Head of Department. You are also eligible for maternity or paternity leave at full rates of the fellowship once during the tenure, as per Government of India rules.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you should have secured admission to a Ph.D. programme at a university recognised by the UGC, especially those identified as Universities with Potential for Excellence, Centres with Potential for Excellence, Centres of Advance Studies or having Department of Special Assistance. For instance, if Rahul enrolls in a regular Ph.D. programme in Botany at such a centre, he becomes eligible for the selection process. The registration for Ph.D. may follow after the admissions.

You must maintain full-time status for your research. If you are already receiving any other scholarship, fellowship or salary, you should surrender it before accepting this fellowship. Poor performance or misconduct can lead to cancellation of your award. You should submit your progress reports to your supervisor regularly every June and December, and the university keeps a record of your progress.

Application Process

You should apply directly to the university or institution where you hold your Ph.D. admission. Selection happens at the institutional level, not centrally. A selection committee interviews you and evaluates your research potential and academic background before final selection. The committee includes an eminent scientist nominated by the Vice-Chancellor, the Head of the Department, one Professor and one Reader from the department, and two experts from outside the university.

STEP 1 - Get admission into a full-time Ph.D. programme at a UGC recognised university or institution that is identified under the BSR scheme.

STEP 2 - Apply for the Research Fellowship to the identified university or institution where you have taken admission, following the procedure given in the UGC notification.

STEP 3 - Appear for the interview conducted by the selection committee of your university, which checks your research potential and academic background.

STEP 4 - After selection, the fellowship amount is paid directly into your bank account through the UGC designated agency. You need to submit a joining report, continuation certificates, yearly progress reports and HRA certificates at the prescribed intervals.

Documents

You should keep the following documents ready for your application and for receiving the fellowship amount:

• Aadhaar Card, which is mandatory for direct payment of the fellowship into your bank account from the financial year 2016-17 onwards.
• Recent passport-sized photograph and proof of address for the joining report and award letter formalities.
• Valid contact number and bank account details, including IFSC and MICR code, for direct benefit transfer.
• Educational qualification certificates and verified Ph.D. admission proof from your university.

References

Official Guidelines PDF for BSR Fellowships in Sciences

UGC Basic Scientific Research Official Page

FAQ's

What is the primary goal of Bsr Fellowship Scheme for Science Students - Ugc?

The scheme aims to financially support meritorious students in completing their Ph.D. in various scientific fields at eligible universities, with a total fellowship tenure of up to five years.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any student admitted to a full-time Ph.D. programme in an eligible science department, such as Centres of Advance Studies or Department of Special Assistance, at a UGC recognised aided university can apply through their institution.

Is there an age limit?

The scheme focuses on merit rather than age, provided you meet the admission requirements of your university and are selected through the regular admission procedure.

How will I receive the money?

The fellowship is paid directly into your bank account through the UGC designated agency, and Aadhaar is mandatory for this direct payment.

Can I work while receiving the fellowship?

No, this is a full-time research fellowship. You should not hold any other paid appointment or receive another scholarship, salary or stipend during this period.

How long does the fellowship last?

It supports your research for up to 5 years, starting with two years as JRF and then moving to SRF, subject to satisfactory progress reviews.