Scheme of Developing High Quality Research (SHODH) is a state-level scheme of the Gujarat Education Department that gives full-time Ph.D. scholars a monthly stipend of ₹15,000 and an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000. With this support, a scholar receives up to ₹4,00,000 over two years to complete quality research in Gujarat.
For the year 2025-26, the government invited online applications from 19 February 2026, and the last date for submission was extended to 20 April 2026. As of August 2026, the results of the 2025-26 cycle are released on the official SHODH portal, and the scheme continues for every new academic cycle. Students who missed the 2025-26 window can prepare their research proposal and check the official website for the next application notice.
Scheme of Developing High Quality Research (SHODH) - Introduction
Scheme of Developing High Quality Research (SHODH) was launched by the Education Department, Government of Gujarat, under a government resolution dated 5 August 2019. The scheme works as a financial support system for dedicated scholars so they can focus fully on their Ph.D. work instead of worrying about money. Scholars in sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, commerce, management, law and education can use this help to carry out socially useful and industry-relevant research.
The scheme focuses on a few clear aims to build a strong research environment in Gujarat:
- Providing money help to more students so that Gujarat can produce a larger number of quality researchers.
- Encouraging students to take up regular, full-time research in all fields of knowledge.
- Improving the research capacity of higher education institutions in the state.
- Building a global identity for local researchers through socially useful and industry-relevant projects.
- Supporting research that matches modern needs while protecting India's rich cultural heritage.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme of Developing High Quality Research (SHODH) |
| Launched By | Education Department, Government of Gujarat |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash Payment |
| Financial Support | ₹15,000 monthly stipend plus ₹20,000 annual contingency grant |
| Nodal Department | Education Department (processing through Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat) |
| Official Website | shodh.gujarat.gov.in |
Benefits
The scheme provides direct money support so that your research work continues without financial breaks. The support structure is simple and fixed for the full duration of your Ph.D. period under the scheme:
| Benefit Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ₹15,000 |
| Annual Contingency Grant | ₹20,000 |
| Total Support (2 Years) | ₹4,00,000 |
Eligibility
To get this scholarship support, you need to meet the following conditions:
- You should be a resident of Gujarat and a registered Ph.D. scholar in a state, sectorial or private university or a research institute in the state.
- Your Ph.D. admission should be in regular full-time mode, taken after 1 July 2018, and as per UGC regulations.
- You should have at least 55% marks in post-graduation, without gracing and round off. SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer) and differently abled candidates get a 5% relaxation.
- You should not be getting any other research scholarship such as UGC JRF, Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship, Maulana Azad Fellowship, ICSSR, ICAR, CSIR, ICMR or ICHR, and you should not be earning or working anywhere.
- Students of Institutes of National Importance are not covered under this scheme.
Application Process
Application for this scholarship is submitted online through the official SHODH portal. For the year 2025-26, applications were invited from 19 February 2026 and the last date was extended to 20 April 2026, followed by document verification up to 24 April 2026. The next cycle will follow the same online steps:
STEP 1 - Go to the official SHODH portal and read the scheme guidelines and government resolution before starting. Click the registration option for new users.
STEP 2 - Select the application year and enter all personal details carefully. Registration details are permanent and cannot be changed later. A password will be sent to your mobile number; change it immediately using the change password option.
STEP 3 - Log in and complete your user and academic profile. Make sure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account through NPCI so the payment reaches you directly.
STEP 4 - Enter your ration card number and your personal member ID only, then fill in the research details and thesis title. Upload the anti-plagiarism report of your research proposal, which is now required for new applications.
STEP 5 - Upload all required documents and use the print preview to check for errors. Once everything is correct, finalize the form by clicking the lock button.
STEP 6 - Print a copy of the locked form and submit it with your original documents to the University SHODH Nodal Officer. The Nodal Officer verifies the documents and sends the application to the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, where a scrutiny committee approves or rejects it.
STEP 7 - Track your application through the student status tab on the portal. If the status stays pending, contact your University Nodal Officer for help.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you start the online form:
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bonafide Certificate from your institution.
- SSC Certificate or Marksheet.
- Post-graduation marksheet showing the required percentage.
- Comprehensive Research Proposal along with the anti-plagiarism report.
- Proposal and PPT signed by your Guide and HOD with an official stamp on the first page.
- Self-declaration form duly signed by your Guide, HOD and the Nodal Officer.
References
Official SHODH Portal | SHODH Guidelines PDF | How to Apply PDF
KCG Scheme Details | Official Guidelines | Detailed Scheme Information
Education Department Website | Anti-Plagiarism Report Instructions | Results of SHODH 2025-26
FAQ's
What happens if I need to make changes to my registration details after I register?
You should enter all details very carefully because the registration data is permanent and cannot be changed once saved.
How much financial support will I receive in total?
You will receive ₹15,000 per month for 2 years plus ₹20,000 per year for contingency expenses, bringing the total support to ₹4,00,000.
Is it necessary to be a resident of Gujarat?
Yes, you must be a resident of Gujarat and registered in a university or research institute located in the state to qualify for this scholarship.
Can I be a part-time researcher?
No, you should be a registered, regular and full-time Ph.D. scholar in a recognized university in Gujarat.
What is the minimum percentage required in post-graduation?
You should have at least 55% marks in post-graduation without gracing and round off. SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer) and differently abled candidates get a 5% relaxation.
Which documents need specific stamps or signatures?
Your research proposal and PPT require signatures and stamps from your Guide and HOD on the first page, while the self-declaration needs additional verification from the Nodal Officer.
How will I receive the money?
The funds are transferred directly to your bank account, provided your account is Aadhaar-linked through the National Payments Corporation of India.
What if my application status shows as pending?
You should reach out to your University Nodal Officer, as they are the only ones who can help with corrections or unlock your form if needed.
What information do I fill for the ration card?
Enter only your ration card number and your specific individual member ID, not the IDs of other family members.
When were applications invited for 2025-26 and what was the last date?
Applications for the year 2025-26 were invited from 19 February 2026, and the last date for online submission was extended to 20 April 2026. The results of this cycle are out, and the next application notice will be published on the official SHODH portal.
Is the anti-plagiarism report required while applying?
Yes, all students submitting a new application must upload the anti-plagiarism report of their research proposal on the SHODH portal. The official instructions for uploading the report are given in the references above.
