For 2025–26, Indian students can explore diverse funding options — ranging from Government-sponsored programs such as PMRF, CSIR-UGC JRF, INSPIRE, to institution-specific fellowships, international research scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru, and category-specific schemes. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, application timeline, and benefits, making it essential to understand what suits your academic goals best. This detailed guide compiles the top PhD scholarships, eligibility conditions, rewards, required documents, and registration links to help students make an informed decision.
Top PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025
Several prestigious national and international organizations support doctoral scholars. Below is a curated list of leading fellowships for PhD aspirants:
- Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)
- CSIR – UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship
- DST – INSPIRE Fellowship
- Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme
- National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship
- Women Scientist Scheme – A (WOS-A)
- Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship
- Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship
- Newton Bhabha Fellowship
These programs collectively support students from science, technology, humanities, medicine, engineering, and social sciences backgrounds.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Conditions Explained
Eligibility criteria vary widely depending on the scholarship. Below is a simplified breakdown using the provided details.
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Direct Entry:
- Final-year or completed UG/PG programs (4–5 year degrees, M.Tech, M.Sc, integrated courses) from IITs/IISc/NITs/IIEST/IIITs and similar institutions with minimum CGPA 8.0.
- Candidates from other recognized institutions must have CGPA 8.0 + GATE 650 score / UGC/JRF under 100 rank / NBHM fellowship.
- Students pursuing M.Tech/MS by research at PMRF institutes with CGPA 8.0 can also apply.
Lateral Entry:
- Current PhD students at PMRF granting institutions with minimum CGPA 8.5 after completing required coursework.
CSIR – UGC NET JRF Eligibility
- General/EWS: 55% in Master’s degree
- Reserved categories: 50% in Master’s degree
- 4-year Bachelor’s degree candidates: 75% marks (relaxation applicable)
- Upper age limit: 30 years (relaxation for reserved categories and women)
DST – INSPIRE Fellowship
- Must be enrolled in a full-time PhD program.
- Age: 22–27 years
- First-rank holders in PG programs (science, engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary sciences) are eligible.
Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme
- For students pursuing PhD in ESDM and IT/ITES sectors.
- Candidates cannot hold any other government-funded fellowship.
National Fellowship for SC Students
- Must belong to the SC category and be enrolled in MPhil/PhD.
- Must submit a No Objection Certificate from the research institute.
Maulana Azad National Fellowship
- For minority category students with NET/CSIR-NET qualification.
- Must be enrolled in MPhil/PhD.
Women Scientist Scheme – A (WOS-A)
- For women with qualifications in science & technology, aged 27–57 years.
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowship
- Must submit a research justification, supervisor’s recommendation, sample research work, and follow employer rules if employed.
- Government employees are not eligible.
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
- First-class PG degree (60%+ in UG & PG).
- Already admitted to a full-time PhD program.
- Age limit: 35 years (relaxation for OBC/SC/ST/PwD).
Newton Bhabha Fellowship
- For INSPIRE SRFs (Batch 2017), mid-year PhD scholars in life sciences, and ICSSR doctoral scholars.
Scholarship Benefits – What Students Receive
Below is a consolidated table of fellowship-wise rewards:
PhD Scholarship Rewards Table
| Scholarship Name | Monthly/Annual Rewards |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship | ₹70,000–₹80,000 pm + ₹2 lakh yearly research grant |
| DST – INSPIRE Fellowship | ₹31,000–₹35,000 pm + ₹20,000 contingent grant |
| CSIR – UGC NET JRF | ₹37,000 pm for 2 years + ₹20,000 annual contingent grant |
| Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme | ₹38,750–₹43,750 pm + international conference grant |
| National Fellowship for SC Students | ₹31,000 (JRF) / ₹35,000 (SRF) + contingency + disability support |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund | ₹18,000 pm + ₹15,000 yearly support |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship | ₹31,000–₹35,000 pm + contingency |
| Newton Bhabha Fellowship | Visa, accommodation, stipends |
| Women Scientist Scheme – A | ₹31,000–₹55,000 pm + project cost up to ₹30 lakh |
| Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship | J-1 visa, stipend, insurance |
How to Apply for PhD Scholarships – Step-by-Step Guide
Most scholarships follow a simple online application process. Here’s a general outline:
- Visit the official scholarship portal or university website.
- Register using your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in academic, personal, and research details.
- Upload required documents: proposals, certificates, ID proof, recommendations, etc.
- Review your form carefully before submitting.
- Download the application receipt for future reference.
Registration Timelines & Official Portals
PhD Scholarship Application Table
| Scholarship Name | Application Period | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| PMRF | March & October | Click Here |
| CSIR–UGC NET JRF | Till Oct 24, 2025 | Click Here |
| INSPIRE Fellowship | Ongoing | Click Here |
| Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme | June–August | Check Institution Notices |
| NFSC (SC Students) | May–December | Click Here |
| MANF | During NET/CSIR-NET cycle | Click Here |
| WOS-A | As per official updates | Click Here |
| Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship | Till mid-July | Click Here |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Fund | Till June end | Click Here |
| Newton Bhabha Fellowship | January–March | British Council Website |
Documents Needed for PhD Scholarship Applications
Students typically need to keep the following ready:
- UG and PG marksheets & certificates
- Research proposal
- Summary of earlier research work
- Updated academic CV
- 2–3 recommendation letters
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Government ID proof
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Income certificate (if required)
- Admission proof (if already enrolled)
