Junior Research Fellowship: The University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education, offers the “Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering & Technology” scheme for individuals aspiring to undertake research for a Ph.D. in engineering and technology. Presently, neither the UGC nor the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) administers National Education Testing (NET) exams in these domains. Consequently, M.Pharma, M.E., and M.Tech.
students are selected through direct interviews conducted by the Commission for the available 50 slots annually.
Benefits of the Fellowship:
The fellowship initially spans two years as a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and can extend to five years if the evaluation deems the work satisfactory.
- If the work needs improvement during the first two years, they grant an additional year, still under the designation of Junior Research Fellow.
- The total fellowship period, including JRF and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), is non-extendable at five years.
- Fellows can avail of the fellowship until the completion of their Ph.D. or the end of the fellowship tenure, whichever comes first.
- The assistance includes monthly stipends, contingency funds, departmental aid, and allowances for escorts or readers.
- Accommodation may be provided or House Rent Allowance (HRA) reimbursed based on university policies.
- Medical facilities are available within the institution, with no separate medical assistance provided.
- Fellows receive 30 days of leave per year, with female fellows receiving 135 days of maternity leave at full rates.
- In special cases, fellows may take temporary teaching assignments with Commission approval, allowing leave without fellowship for up to one academic year.
- They grant leave without fellowship for other reasons based on specific conditions.
Eligibility for this scholarship:
1. They solicit applications for the research fellowship in engineering and technology annually through advertisements in leading newspapers and the AIU Newsletter.
2. Interested candidates must apply using the prescribed format (Annexure II) provided by the Commission.
3. The Commission appoints an expert committee to evaluate candidates through interviews, and they select candidates based on merit.
4. The Commission constitutes a selection committee to scrutinize received applications and summon shortlisted candidates to appear before it.
5. The organization does not provide travel or daily allowances to candidates attending the interview.
6. The decision of the Commission regarding the selection is final and binding.
7. The Commission retains the right to withdraw or cancel awards without providing any reason.
8. Upon completion of the selection process, the candidate’s Joining Report, endorsed by the supervisor or department head, is submitted to the UGC through the registrar or principal.
9. Along with the Joining Report, other necessary documents (Annexure III) are submitted to the UGC for approval.