Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Department runs Research (PhD) Scholarship for SC/ST Students, which pays ₹16,000 every month to research scholars doing their PhD. That works out to ₹1,92,000 in a year, and the money goes straight to the bank account through DBT payment.
Scope of this scholarship has widened. For the 2025-26 session, the department invited applications from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Divyang scholars of all categories. Total 156 seats are kept for SC/ST scholars and 10 seats for Divyang scholars. Family income limit is now ₹8,00,000 per year, which is much higher than the older ₹3,00,000 limit.
Research PhD Scholarship for SC ST Students Madhya Pradesh
This scholarship is handled by Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh. To get it, a scholar must be registered for PhD research in any recognised university in India after clearing the interview of the Research Degree Committee of that university. Only native students of Madhya Pradesh can apply, and a domicile certificate in the prescribed format is required with the form.
Selection is done on merit. Seats are fixed subject-wise, so the merit list is prepared for each subject separately. One scholar can take only one scholarship at a time. If somebody is already getting another fellowship, double benefit is not allowed under this scheme.
Application Deadline and Current Status
Last date for the 2025-26 session was 5 January 2026, so that round is over. Fresh notice for the next session is usually put up on the Higher Education Department website, and renewal applications are also called along with new ones. Scholars should keep checking the department site for the new notice.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Research (PhD) Scholarship for SC/ST Students |
| State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Main Department | Higher Education Department |
| Department Running the Scheme | Directorate of Higher Education, Madhya Pradesh |
| Eligible People | SC, ST and Divyang PhD research scholars |
| Benefit Amount | ₹16,000 per month, ₹1,92,000 per year |
| Seats | 156 for SC/ST, 10 for Divyang |
| Income Limit | ₹8,00,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | highereducation.mp.gov.in |
How to Apply
Application is offline. Forms are submitted in the office, not on any portal, so keep the papers ready before the last date.
STEP 1 - Watch the Higher Education Department website for the notice of PhD research scholarship. The notice gives the subject-wise seats and the last date.
STEP 2 - Fill the application form given with the notice and attach the research registration certificate issued by the university, along with the other required documents.
STEP 3 - New applicants submit the form at the Office of Commissioner, Higher Education, Satpura Bhavan, Bhopal. Scholars applying for renewal submit it at the office of their Regional Additional Director.
STEP 4 - Officials check the forms, prepare a subject-wise merit list and pick candidates within the seat limit. After approval, the monthly amount is credited to the bank account by DBT payment.
Who Can Apply
Before filling the form, check whether these points match your case.
- Applicant should be a native of Madhya Pradesh and must give a domicile certificate in the prescribed format.
- Applicant should belong to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or should be a Divyang student of any category with a valid disability certificate.
- Registration for PhD research in a recognised university must be done after the Research Degree Committee interview.
- Yearly income of parents or guardian should not be more than ₹8,00,000.
- Postgraduate marks should meet the minimum limit fixed by University Grants Commission for SC/ST students.
- Scholar should not be taking any other scholarship or fellowship at the same time.
Required Documents
Papers needed with the form are given below. Renewal cases also need a progress report of the research work.
- Research registration certificate from the university
- Domicile certificate of Madhya Pradesh
- Caste certificate for SC or ST applicants
- Disability certificate, if applying under Divyang category
- Latest income certificate of parents
- Progress report of research work, for renewal applications
- Bank passbook copy and Aadhaar card
- Passport size photo and previous marksheets
Benefit Details
Selected scholars get ₹16,000 per month, or the rate fixed by the state government at that time. Support runs for a maximum of 3 years, as long as the scholar keeps meeting the conditions and the research work continues. Money is paid into the bank account linked with the application.
Students looking at other state options can also read about Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students Madhya Pradesh and Aaws Bhatta Sahayata Yojana for rent support.
References
Higher Education Department, Madhya Pradesh
NDTV report on PhD research scholarship applications
State Scholarship Portal, Madhya Pradesh
FAQ's
How much money is given under this scholarship?
Selected scholars get ₹16,000 per month, which comes to ₹1,92,000 in a year, paid by DBT payment.
Can Divyang students of general category apply?
Yes. For the 2025-26 round, Divyang scholars of all categories were allowed, with 10 seats kept for them.
What is the income limit now?
Yearly income of parents or guardian should not cross ₹8,00,000. Earlier the limit was ₹3,00,000.
Is the application online?
No. New forms go to the Office of Commissioner, Higher Education, Satpura Bhavan, Bhopal, and renewal forms go to the Regional Additional Director office.
How many seats are there?
156 seats for SC and ST scholars, plus 10 seats for Divyang scholars, divided subject-wise.
For how long is the scholarship paid?
Up to 3 years, if the scholar keeps meeting the rules and the research continues.
Was the last date over?
Yes, 5 January 2026 was the last date for the 2025-26 session. The next notice will come on the department website.
Can a scholar take two scholarships together?
No. Only one scholarship is allowed at a time, so a scholar already getting another fellowship cannot apply.
Can students from other states apply?
No, only native students of Madhya Pradesh with a domicile certificate can apply.