Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Part Time PhD Candidates

The Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT has moved into Phase-II, which runs for nine years with a target of 1000 full-time and 150 part-time PhD seats across ESDM and IT/ITES sectors. The part-time component offers a one-time incentive of ₹3 lakh to working professionals who complete their doctorate.

Phase-I concluded in December 2025 after supporting 823 full-time and 189 part-time scholars. Phase-II now continues the push with 150 part-time seats over five years, managed by Digital India Corporation under MeitY. Institutions receive seat allotments based on research strength and proposal quality.

Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Part Time PhD Candidates

This part-time track helps working professionals pursue doctoral research in Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES). The scheme allots 30 part-time seats each year to eligible institutions. Professionals employed at recognised organisations can apply through their institution when a call for proposals is active.

Highlights at a Glance

Benefits

Part-time candidates receive a one-time incentive of ₹3,00,000 after successfully completing the PhD and submitting the required completion documents to the PhD Cell through their institution. No monthly stipend is provided during the course, unlike the full-time track which offers ₹38,750 per month in the first two years and ₹43,750 per month for years three to five.

Eligibility

The scheme works through institutions. Your university or research centre must first secure seat allotment by responding to an active call for proposals from the PhD Cell, Digital India Corporation. As a working professional, you need to meet these conditions:

• You must be a regular or temporary employee of a government organisation, private company, research body, industrial unit, autonomous body, or public undertaking.
• You should not hold any other PhD fellowship or scholarship from a Central or State Government scheme.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer in the prescribed format is mandatory and must be submitted with the application.
• Educational qualifications follow the respective institution's PhD regulations (typically M.E./M.Tech. with 60% marks or equivalent, with relaxation for reserved categories).

The PhD Cell reserves the right to stop support if research progress is unsatisfactory, guidelines are violated, or compliance issues arise.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Check for active calls for proposals on the official portal at phd.dic.gov.in or the Phase-II portal at phd.digitalindiacorporation.in. The PhD Cell notifies these calls periodically.

STEP 2 - Your institution must submit a proposal for seat allotment following the current Phase-II guidelines. Seats are allotted based on the institution's research strength and proposal quality.

STEP 3 - Once your institution receives seat allotment, contact the university administration to complete admission formalities. Many institutions now use online application forms (Google Forms) and require scanned documents uploaded as a single PDF.

STEP 4 - Appear for the selection process, which typically includes an interview (in blended mode for part-time candidates). Full-time candidates may also have an entrance test.

STEP 5 - If selected, complete enrollment at the institution and begin the PhD programme under the scheme guidelines.

Documents Required

While the institution handles the proposal process, you should prepare these documents for your PhD enrollment:

• Proof of age (Class 10 certificate or birth certificate)
• Mark sheets of all examinations from Class 10 onwards (UG, PG transcripts in one PDF)
• Degree certificates for UG and PG
• Category certificate (if applicable), issued by competent authority
• OBC-NCL certificate issued on or after 1 April 2025 (for OBC candidates)
• No Objection Certificate from current employer (mandatory for part-time)
• Publications, patents, or research work (if any), compiled in one PDF
• GATE/NET scorecard (if applicable)

References

Scheme Details on MeitY Website

Official Help Portal

Phase-II Guidelines

SoP for Part Time PhD Candidates

National Scholarship Portal Onboarding (from March 2026)

FAQ's

What is the main goal of this initiative?

The primary goal is to grow the talent pool in ESDM and IT/ITES sectors by supporting 150 part-time PhDs over five years under Phase-II, strengthening R&D and India's research competitiveness.

How many candidates receive support?

Phase-II provides for 150 part-time PhD scholars over five years (30 per year), in addition to 1000 full-time seats.

Who qualifies as a candidate?

Working professionals at recognised organisations — government, private, research, industrial, autonomous bodies, or public undertakings — who do not hold another government PhD fellowship. A NOC from the employer is mandatory.

Can I receive other government fellowships simultaneously?

No, you cannot avail any other PhD fellowship from Central or State Government schemes while participating in this scheme.

What is the financial reward?

Upon finishing your degree and submitting completion records, you receive a single payment of ₹3,00,000.

When is the money disbursed?

The incentive is provided only after you successfully complete your PhD and submit the final completion documents to the PhD Cell through your institution.

Can my support be cancelled?

Yes, support can be withdrawn if there is a lack of research progress, violation of guidelines, or non-compliance with scheme rules.

Is there a new portal for Phase-II?

Yes, Phase-II information and updates are also available at phd.digitalindiacorporation.in. The National Scholarship Portal started onboarding Visvesvaraya PhD awardees from March 27, 2026.

How do I know when a call for proposals is open?

Check the official portals phd.dic.gov.in and phd.digitalindiacorporation.in regularly. Institutions also advertise admissions on their websites when seats are allotted.