Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship is a central research scheme run by the University Grants Commission under the Ministry of Education for Ph.D. holders who want to continue advanced research in Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, including languages, at recognized Indian universities and institutions. Selected scholars get ₹50,000 per month as fellowship for a tenure of 3 years, along with a yearly contingency grant of ₹50,000.
Scheme has been closed by the government. UGC is not inviting fresh applications for this fellowship and only old cases are being settled now. Scholars who already hold this fellowship will keep getting their payments, but new candidates cannot apply for it at present. Any future reopening will be announced on the official UGC website.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship
This fellowship was started to give young researchers a chance to build an academic career. A post-doctoral stint helps scholars learn new skills, broaden their knowledge, and move into cross-disciplinary research areas. The scheme offers a strong platform to carry out advanced research in fields like Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, including many languages.
The total duration of the fellowship is 3 years with no extension. There are 900 slots in total, and 30% of these are reserved for women candidates as per the reservation policy of the Government of India.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship |
| Launched By | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Beneficiaries | Unemployed Ph.D. holders |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹50,000 per month |
| Contingency Grant | ₹50,000 per year |
| Tenure | 3 years |
| Total Slots | 900 (30% reserved for women) |
| Application Mode | Online (closed for new applications) |
| Official Website | ugc.gov.in |
Benefits
Selected candidates receive ₹50,000 per month as fellowship for the full 3-year tenure. Along with this, they get ₹50,000 per year as contingency grant for research needs. Candidates with disabilities get an extra ₹3,000 per month as escort/reader assistance.
| Component | Monthly/Annual Assistance |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | ₹50,000 per month |
| Contingency | ₹50,000 per year |
| Escort/Reader Assistance (for PWD) | ₹3,000 per month |
Contingency Usage: The contingency grant can be used for minor research items like laboratory equipment or a laptop costing less than ₹50,000, specific chemicals, and other research materials, up to a limit of ₹1,00,000 per year with the approval of the host institution. These items remain the property of the institution and have to be returned after the fellowship ends. This money cannot be used for furniture or international travel.
Accommodation: Scholars staying in institutional hostels can claim hostel fee reimbursement, excluding mess, electricity and water charges. Those who arrange their own accommodation can claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Government of India norms by submitting the prescribed certificate to their institution.
Medical and Leave: There is no separate medical grant under this scheme, but scholars can use the medical facilities available at their host institution. They get 30 days of earned leave every year. Women scholars can take maternity leave and an intermittent break of up to 1 year during the tenure. Academic leave for research-related foreign visits is allowed for one year, but no fellowship or contingency is paid during that period.
Eligibility
Candidate Requirements
Only unemployed candidates who have been awarded a Ph.D. in the relevant subject can apply. If the degree is pending, a provisional certificate is accepted. People already in regular employment cannot apply.
Candidates should be below 35 years of age. A relaxation of 5 years applies to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), women, PWD and transgender candidates. General category candidates need at least 55% marks at the postgraduate level, with a 5% relaxation for reserved categories. Candidates already receiving another fellowship have to resign from it before accepting this one.
Every candidate has to identify a mentor, an Associate Professor or above who has supervised at least 3 Ph.D. theses, and get a no-objection certificate signed by the mentor, HOD and the university Registrar or Director.
Research Center Requirements
Research must be carried out at a NAAC-accredited university under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, a Deemed University under Section 3, an institution fully funded by the state or central government, or an institution of national importance.
Application Process
UGC is not inviting fresh applications for this fellowship at present. Only old cases are being settled. The online application portal that was used for this scheme, frg.ugc.ac.in, is not accepting new registrations now. If UGC announces a fresh cycle in the future, the notification will be published on the official UGC website at ugc.gov.in.
For reference, this is how applications were submitted when the scheme was open:
STEP 1 - Visit the UGC website and go to the Student Corner section to find the scheme page for Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
STEP 2 - Register as a new user on the online application portal and keep a scanned copy of your photo and signature (under 1MB) ready.
STEP 3 - Log in with the credentials sent to your registered email and complete your profile details along with the eligibility criteria section.
STEP 4 - Fill in your PG and Ph.D. qualifications and upload the research proposal (up to 5MB) and abstract (up to 1MB).
STEP 5 - Review the declaration, submit the application, download the auto-generated form, get it signed by your HOD and Registrar, and upload it back into the portal.
Documents
Applicants had to keep these documents ready while applying:
- Scanned passport-size photograph and signature (max 1MB, JPG format).
- Detailed research proposal (up to 5MB) and research abstract (up to 1MB).
- Signed copy of the auto-generated application form, verified by the HoD and Registrar.
- No-objection certificate from the proposed research center signed by the mentor, HOD and Registrar.
References
Official UGC scheme page | Scheme guidelines PDF
FAQ's
Is the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship still accepting applications?
No. As per the official UGC page, only old cases are being settled and no fresh applications are being invited. The scheme has been closed for new applicants by the government.
What is Aadhaar Seeding?
Aadhaar seeding is the process of linking your bank account with your Aadhaar number. This is required for the direct transfer of fellowship funds into your account as per government policy.
Does submission guarantee a fellowship?
No, submission of an application does not guarantee selection. Selection depends on evaluation and merit.
Are there any application fees?
No, the application process is free. Be careful of anyone asking for money in the name of this fellowship.
Is medical assistance provided?
No, there is no separate medical allowance, but scholars can use the medical facilities available at their host institution.