AI SummaryResearch Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Candidates gives financial support to tribal scholars from Rajasthan who are doing their Ph.D. The Tribal Area Development Department runs this scheme, and for the 2026-27 cycle it offers a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000, a house rent allowance of ₹3,330 per month, and a yearly contingency grant of ₹40,000 for research expenses.
Eligible candidates from the Scheduled Areas and the Saheria Project Area can apply to pursue their Ph.D. at any recognized university in India. The M.L. Verma Tribal Research & Training Institute, Udaipur, implements the scheme and invites fresh applications every year, usually with a notification in June and a deadline at the end of June.
Research Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Candidates - Introduction
Research Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Candidates is a state-level scheme of the Tribal Area Development Department, Government of Rajasthan. Through this scheme, the government supports talented candidates from Scheduled Areas and the specific Saheria Project Area to complete their doctoral research. If you belong to these areas, you can register as a research scholar with any recognized central, state, deemed, or private university across India for your Ph.D. program.
The M.L. Verma Tribal Research & Training Institute, Udaipur, carries out this scheme to give research scholars steady financial backing through monthly fellowships, house rent allowance, and contingency support. This cover extends to recognized universities throughout the country, so your focus stays on academic work.
Regions included: This scheme mainly covers scholars from Banswara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pali, Sirohi, Udaipur, Baran, Rajsamand, and Pratapgarh.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Research Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Tribe Candidates |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Rajasthan |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Department | Tribal Area Development Department |
| Implementing Agency | M.L. Verma Tribal Research & Training Institute, Udaipur |
Benefits
Financial Support:
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹37,000 per month |
| House Rent Allowance | ₹3,330 per month |
| Annual Contingency Grant | ₹40,000 yearly in two equal instalments |
You can use the contingency grant for books, journals, travel, and stationery. For example, if Anjali, a research scholar from Udaipur, needs to visit a library in another city for her thesis, she can use this grant to cover her travel and research materials.
Tenure: You will receive this support for a maximum of five years from the date of sanction or until you complete your Ph.D., whichever comes first. The term is not extendable. If you need more time to finish your work, the final instalment (equal to six months of fellowship and the last contingency part) stays on hold until you receive your degree.
Eligibility
- You should be a permanent native, resident, or domicile holder of Rajasthan.
- You must belong to the Scheduled Tribe community.
- You should reside within the Scheduled Areas of Rajasthan or the Shahbad and Kishanganj tehsils of Baran district (Saheria Project Area).
- Your age should be between 21 and 35 years.
- Neither you nor your parents should be income tax payers.
- You should have completed your postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks from a recognized university.
- You must be officially registered in a recognized central, state, deemed, or private university in India for a Ph.D. program.
NET or SLET qualified candidates get preference during selection.
Application Process
Applying offline:
STEP 1 - Visit the M.L. Verma Tribal Research & Training Institute, Udaipur, to collect the prescribed application format. You can also download the application form from the official website.
STEP 2 - Fill in all required details and attach your documents, self-attesting them where needed.
STEP 3 - Submit your completed application through your Supervisor, Head of Department, and the Dean of your institution for their formal endorsement.
Selection Process: A screening committee, including the Director and senior faculty, reviews your application. They evaluate you on faculty merit and a personal interview to decide the final selection.
Important: For the 2026-27 cycle, the department invited applications with a deadline of 30 June 2026, 5 PM. Keep an eye on local newspapers and the official website, as the yearly notification usually releases in June.
Documents
- Copy of your Caste Certificate.
- Copy of your Domicile Certificate.
- Proof of residence in the Scheduled Area or Saheria Project Area.
- Copy of your Bank Passbook.
- Copies of your educational mark sheets and certificates.
References
Udaipur Times - 2026 Fellowship Update
FAQ's
Who implements this scheme?
The M.L. Verma Tribal Research & Training Institute, Udaipur, manages and implements this scheme.
How much is the monthly fellowship?
You will receive a fellowship of ₹37,000 per month, along with ₹3,330 as house rent allowance.
How is the contingency grant paid?
You will be given a total of ₹40,000 in two equal instalments to cover your research expenses.
What is the disbursement mode?
The institution pays funds via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Who is eligible to apply?
Scheduled Tribe candidates aged 21 to 35 from designated Scheduled Areas or the Saheria Project Area, who have scored at least 50% in post-graduation and are registered for a Ph.D., can apply.
Which districts are covered by the scheme?
The scheme serves students from Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Sirohi, Pali, Baran, and Pratapgarh.
How should I apply for the scheme?
Get the application form from the TRI Udaipur, fill it out, and submit it with the required institutional approvals.
When is the application window open?
The notification is usually released in June, with the deadline at the end of June. For the 2026-27 cycle, the last date was 30 June 2026.
Is there an interview process?
Yes, the screening committee invites shortlisted candidates for a personal interview.
Can I submit my application online?
No, the process is currently offline through the institute.
Is Ph.D. registration required before applying?
Yes, you must be officially registered in a recognized university when you apply.
Can I apply if I am a Scheduled Tribe member living outside the scheduled area?
No, only residents of the mentioned scheduled areas and the Saheria tehsils qualify for this scheme.