The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has opened the National Scholarship Portal for Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT from 27th March 2026. Eligible candidates who have been selected at host institutions can now complete their onboarding through the portal. The scheme continues under Phase-II with an approved outlay of ₹481.93 crore for a nine-year period that started in September 2021.
This scheme supports full-time PhD candidates in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/ITES sectors. Digital India Corporation manages the implementation and allocates seats to qualified universities and institutions. Students apply for PhD admission directly through these allotted institutions.
Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Full Time PhD Candidates
The scheme works as an institutional programme where the government allots seats to approved universities. You cannot apply directly to the ministry. Instead, you must secure admission in a PhD programme at an institution that holds active seats under this scheme. The institution then registers your candidature under the Visvesvaraya PhD seat quota.
Goals of this scheme:
- Increase the number of PhD graduates in ESDM and IT/ITES fields across the country.
- Promote research and development to make India globally competitive in these sectors.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Full Time PhD Candidates |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications, Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Research & Development, Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Digital India Corporation |
Benefits
The scheme provides financial support so you can focus on your doctoral research. Here is the breakdown of the assistance available:
| Component | Financial Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fellowship (1st & 2nd Year) | ₹38,750 per month |
| Fellowship (3rd to 5th Year) | ₹43,750 per month |
| Institutional Overheads | ₹25,000 per year |
| Research Contingency | ₹1,20,000 per year |
| International Conference Support | Up to ₹1.50 lakh |
| International Lab Visit Fellowship | ₹1.50 lakh per month |
You also receive Reimbursement of Rent (RoR) if you do not stay in hostel facilities. The percentage is 24%, 16%, or 8% of your fellowship amount based on your city classification (X, Y, or Z). For example, if you are in an X-class city, you get 24% of your fellowship as rental support.
Selected candidates may join a six-month research visit to labs abroad. During this period, your regular domestic fellowship pauses, but you receive a monthly stipend of ₹1.50 lakh and travel/visa support up to ₹1.50 lakh.
Eligibility
To participate, you must be a student enrolled in a PhD programme at an institution that has been officially allotted seats under this scheme. Institutions apply for these seats in response to calls from the PhD Cell at Digital India Corporation.
- You should be a new PhD scholar enrolled after the official scheme notification.
- Your institution must hold active seats allotted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- You should not receive any other government-funded financial support or scholarship at the same time.
- You must maintain good academic standing and meet all PhD requirements to continue receiving the monthly stipend.
Application Process
Since this is an institutional programme, your application starts by identifying universities that have been granted seats. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official portal at https://phd.dic.gov.in/ to check the latest calls for proposals and participating institutions.
STEP 2 - Apply for a PhD programme directly at the recognised institution of your choice.
STEP 3 - Once admitted, your institution will guide you on the formalities to claim your fellowship status under this scheme.
STEP 4 - Confirm with your department head that your candidature is being registered under the Visvesvaraya PhD seat quota.
STEP 5 - Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in/otrapplication/#/login-page. The OTR is a unique number allotted to you and stays valid for your entire academic career. The portal opened for this scheme on 27th March 2026.
Documents
While the institution manages most of the documentation, you should keep the following ready to verify your eligibility:
- Your official PhD admission letter from the host institute.
- Proof of educational qualifications as per the university's admission guidelines.
- A signed declaration stating you are not currently receiving any other government fellowship.
- Your bank account details, which should be Aadhaar-linked for potential direct benefits.
- Any additional documents requested by your university's PhD registrar during enrollment.
References
Official Scheme Details | General Guidelines | Official Website | SOP for Funds | National Scholarship Portal - Fellowship
FAQ's
What is the primary goal of this scheme?
The scheme aims to enhance the national capacity for PhD research in ESDM and IT sectors, creating a skilled workforce that makes India globally competitive.
How many scholars can join?
The scheme targets 1,000 full-time PhD candidates across India under the current phase.
Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a PhD programme?
No, this scheme is strictly for new PhD scholars who enroll specifically against the seats allotted to an institution after the scheme notification.
How is the monthly fellowship disbursed?
Your fellowship and rent reimbursements are transferred directly to your bank account, while institutional grants are managed by your university.
What if I decide to drop out?
You should notify your university immediately. The institution must inform the PhD Cell at the Digital India Corporation to stop the release of funds and prevent recovery issues.
What defines the Reimbursement of Rent (RoR)?
RoR is a support grant for students not living in university hostels. The percentage (8%, 16%, or 24%) depends on the city classification defined by the Ministry of Finance.
Is the fellowship guaranteed for five years?
Yes, you receive support for five years or until you complete your PhD, whichever comes first, provided you remain in good standing.
What is One Time Registration (OTR) and is it mandatory?
OTR is a unique number allotted to each candidate on the National Scholarship Portal. It is mandatory for availing the fellowship and remains valid for your entire academic career. You can generate it at the OTR portal.
When did the portal open for 2026?
The National Scholarship Portal opened for Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme onboarding from 27th March 2026 for the academic year 2026-27.