Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant for Newly Recruited Faculty Members

UGC is running Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant for Newly Recruited Faculty Members in 2026 for Assistant Professors who joined permanent posts recently. The scheme gives ₹10,00,000 over a period of 2 years to carry out research work in the applicant's subject area. Applications are submitted online through the official portal at frg.ugc.ac.in.

University Grants Commission (UGC) manages this scheme under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. A total of 132 slots are available and every selected faculty member gets the grant in three installments. Only newly appointed permanent Assistant Professors with a Ph.D. degree and at least 5 research papers in international journals can apply.

Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant for Newly Recruited Faculty Members

Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant is a special scheme for faculty members who are newly appointed at the level of Assistant Professor against permanent posts. The purpose of the grant is to give regularly appointed teachers a chance to do independent research in their own field with proper financial support from UGC.

The grant money can be used for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, fieldwork and travel related to the research project. Any equipment bought with this grant remains the property of the university. The grant cannot be used for international travel, buying furniture or hiring project assistants or research fellows.

Benefits

Financial Support

The scheme gives a total grant of ₹10,00,000 to every selected faculty member. This amount is released in three parts. The first installment of 50% is paid after the joining report is received, the second installment of 25% after the utilization certificate of the first part is submitted, and the final 25% is paid on a reimbursement basis after the utilization certificate of the second part is submitted.

Tenure and Slots

The grant runs for a period of 2 years with 132 slots available. The 2 year period starts from the release of the first installment and no extension is allowed beyond this period.

Eligibility

Eligibility is checked at two levels, the institution and the individual applicant. Both need to meet the conditions fixed by UGC before filling the online form.

1. Faculty members regularly appointed at a university or college included under Section 2(f) of UGC Act, 1956 and having valid NAAC accreditation can apply.

2. Faculty members working at a deemed-to-be-university under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 with valid NAAC accreditation can apply.

3. Faculty members at an institution fully funded by Central or State Governments that holds the power to award degrees can apply.

4. Faculty members working at an Institution of National Importance can apply.

The applicant should be a newly appointed Assistant Professor on a permanent post. A Ph.D. degree and at least 5 research papers published in journals of international repute are required. The application must be sent within two years from the date of joining the post. Faculty who have been working in a permanent post for some time can check the UGC Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members scheme, which is also open in 2026 on the same portal.

Application Process

Whole application process is online and free of cost. UGC does not accept any paper-based applications for this scheme. Advertisements for the scheme appear in leading newspapers every year. Follow these steps carefully after keeping your documents and profile details ready.

STEP 1 - Visit the official portal at frg.ugc.ac.in and read the guidelines of the scheme from the homepage. Confirm that you meet all the eligibility conditions before starting.

STEP 2 - Click on 'New User' for the scheme and fill in your registration details carefully. Keep a scanned copy of your passport size photograph and signature ready, each under 1 MB in jpg format.

STEP 3 - Check your registered email for the login credentials sent by ugchelp@mail.inflibnet.ac.in. Log in with these credentials and change the password on your first login.

STEP 4 - On the dashboard, click on 'Eligibility Criteria' and read all the criteria. Tick the check box next to the UGC guidelines after reading them properly.

STEP 5 - Click on 'Apply Now' and fill in your PG, Ph.D. and other details. Upload the research proposal and abstract in the required format.

STEP 6 - Read the declaration carefully and tick the 'I Agree' box. Print the auto generated form, get it signed by your Head of Department or Registrar, and upload the scanned copy before the final submission.

Selection Process - Applications are checked by at least three referees assigned by UGC based on the area of research. The evaluation covers the merit of the project, the professional standing of the candidate and the institution. The final merit list is declared on the UGC website and selected candidates can download the award letter from the portal. No hard copies are accepted.

Documents Required

Keep these documents scanned and ready in the correct format before you start the online form. Missing files can delay your submission on the portal.

• Passport size photograph in jpg format, size up to 1 MB.
• Signature scan in jpg format, size up to 1 MB.
• Complete research proposal, size up to 5 MB.
• Research abstract, size up to 1 MB.
• Auto generated application form signed by the Head of Department or Registrar.

Grant Release and Activation

The grant is released in three installments to the university. 50% of the amount is paid on receipt of the joining report, 25% after the utilization certificate of the first installment is submitted, and the final 25% is paid on a reimbursement basis after the claims and utilization certificate of the second installment are submitted.

Selected faculty members must join or activate the research grant within 3 months from the date of the award letter. If joining is not done in this time, the grant is treated as cancelled. In special cases, with approval of the competent authority, the joining period can be extended up to a maximum of 6 months. The tenure to use the whole grant is 2 years from the release of the first installment and no extension is allowed.

Helpdesk and Contact Details

For any query related to the scheme, applicants can contact the UGC helpdesk on the numbers and emails given below. Login credentials for the portal are sent from ugchelp@mail.inflibnet.ac.in.

• General queries: 011-23604504, frg22.ugc@gmail.com
• Technical queries: 079-23268279, ugc.technical@inflibnet.ac.in
• UGC main office: 011-23604446, contact.ugc@nic.in

Teachers who have retired or are about to retire can check the UGC Emeritus Fellowship article for another research support option.

References

For further assistance, please refer to these official links:

• Official UGC scheme page
• Official application portal
• Official Guidelines
• User Manual
• Document Instructions
• UGC Helpdesk

FAQ's

Is the Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant still running in 2026?

Yes, the scheme is active in 2026. UGC keeps the scheme details and rules updated on its official website and accepts applications through the frg.ugc.ac.in portal when the application window opens.

What is Aadhaar seeding?

UGC releases the grant through DBT mode, so the bank account should be linked with Aadhaar number. This linking is known as Aadhaar seeding and it makes sure the money reaches the right account without any problem.

Does submitting an application guarantee the grant?

No, submitting an application does not automatically guarantee that you will receive the research grant. Selection depends on the merit score given by the referees and the number of slots available.

Who is responsible if I provide incorrect information?

You are only responsible for making sure all data is accurate. Providing incorrect or incomplete information will lead to the cancellation of your application.

Can I apply offline?

No, you must submit your application only through the online portal at frg.ugc.ac.in. Hard copies are not accepted.

Is there an application fee?

No, the whole application process is free. No processing or application fee is charged at any stage.

How can I find required fields?

Required fields are marked with a red asterisk (*) on the application form.

What is the grant tenure?

The tenure for this research grant is 2 years from the release of the first installment.

What is the total grant amount?

The total support provided under this scheme is ₹10,00,000, released in three installments.

Can the grant be used for fieldwork?

Yes, you can use the funds for fieldwork, travel, minor equipment and consumables related to the research project.

Is international travel permitted under this grant?

No, you cannot use the funds for international travel, buying furniture or hiring project assistants or research fellows.

Are faculty from deemed-to-be-universities eligible?

Yes, permanent faculty at accredited deemed-to-be-universities can apply under this scheme.

Is a Ph.D. required?

Yes, you need a Ph.D. degree along with at least 5 research papers published in journals of international repute.

Can I apply if I joined over a year ago?

Yes, as long as you apply within two years from your date of joining the permanent post.

What documents are required for upload?

You need your photo, signature, research proposal, abstract and the signed auto generated form from your HoD or Registrar.

Can I submit a hard copy?

No, hard copies are not accepted. The whole process is online.

Can I modify my application after submission?

No, please double-check all details before submitting, as no edits are allowed afterward.