Looking for the best scholarship for PhD students in India? Government organisations, universities, and research councils offer several fellowships that provide monthly stipends, research grants, and financial support for doctoral studies. This guide compares the top PhD scholarships in India for 2026, including UGC JRF, CSIR JRF, PMRF, AICTE, DBT, ICMR, and other leading funding schemes, along with their eligibility and benefits.
List of Major PhD Scholarships in India
| Scholarship | Type | Monthly Stipend | Suitable For |
| Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) | Government | Up to ₹80,000 | Engineering & Technology |
| UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) | Government | ₹37,000 | Multiple disciplines |
| CSIR-UGC NET JRF | Government | ₹37,000 | Science & Technology |
| DST INSPIRE Fellowship | Government | ₹37,000 | Basic Sciences |
| AICTE Doctoral Fellowship | Government | As per scheme | Engineering |
| DBT Junior Research Fellowship | Government | As notified | Biotechnology |
| ICMR Junior Research Fellowship | Government | As notified | Medical Research |
| ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship | Government | As notified | Social Sciences |
| National Fellowship for OBC Students | Government | As notified | OBC Research Scholars |
| National Fellowship for SC Students | Government | As notified | SC Research Scholars |
| Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowship | International | Varies | Research in the USA |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship | Private Trust | Varies | Selected disciplines |
1. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Best for: Students pursuing a PhD at IITs, IISc, IISERs, and other PMRF-participating institutions.
Who can apply?
- Students admitted to eligible PMRF institutions.
- Candidates with an outstanding academic record.
- Applicants meeting the PMRF selection criteria.
Benefits
- ₹70,000–₹80,000 monthly fellowship.
- ₹2 lakh annual research grant.
How to apply? – Apply through the official PMRF portal after securing admission to a participating institution.
Read our complete Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Guide
2. UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Best for: Students pursuing a full-time PhD after qualifying UGC NET.
Who can apply?
- Candidates qualified in UGC NET with JRF.
- Students admitted to a recognised university.
Benefits: Monthly fellowship, HRA and contingency grant as per UGC rules.
How to apply? – Qualify UGC NET (JRF) and activate the fellowship after joining an eligible PhD programme.
Read more: Junior Research Fellowship
3. CSIR-UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship
Best for: Research scholars in Science and Technology disciplines.
Who can apply?
- Candidates awarded JRF after qualifying the CSIR-UGC NET exam.
- Students admitted to a recognised PhD programme.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship.
- Annual contingency grant.
How to apply – Qualify the CSIR NET examination and complete the fellowship formalities after admission.
Read More: Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering and Technology
4. DST INSPIRE Fellowship
Best for: Students pursuing PhD in Basic and Applied Sciences.
Who can apply?
- Full-time PhD scholars in eligible science disciplines.
- Students with an excellent academic record.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship.
- Annual contingency grant for research expenses.
How to apply: Apply online through the DST INSPIRE portal after admission to an eligible PhD programme.
Read our complete INSPIRE Fellowship Guide
5. AICTE Doctoral Fellowship
Best for: Full-time PhD students in Engineering, Technology, and Architecture.
Who can apply?
- Students admitted to AICTE-approved institutions.
- Candidates meeting the scheme guidelines.
Benefits: Monthly fellowship, Financial support for research activities.
How to apply: Apply through the participating institution when AICTE opens the application process.
Read our complete AICTE Doctoral Fellowship Guide
6. DBT Junior Research Fellowship (DBT JRF)
Best for: Biotechnology and Life Sciences researchers.
Who can apply?
- Candidates selected through the DBT JRF process.
- Students admitted to eligible PhD programmes.
Benefits: Monthly fellowship, Research contingency support.
How to apply: Apply online when the Department of Biotechnology announces the fellowship notification.
7. ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR JRF)
Best for: Students pursuing biomedical and medical research.
Who can apply?
- Candidates selected under the ICMR JRF programme.
- Students enrolled in recognised PhD programmes.
Benefits: Monthly Financial support for approved research work.
How to apply: Apply through the official ICMR fellowship notification during the application period.
8. ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship
Best for: Research scholars in Social Sciences.
Who can apply?
- Full-time PhD scholars in recognised institutions.
- Students with an approved research proposal.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship.
- Contingency grant for research expenses.
How to apply: Submit the online application through the ICSSR portal when applications are invited.
9. National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC)
Best for: Eligible OBC students pursuing a full-time PhD.
Who can apply?
- OBC students with a valid community certificate.
- Candidates meeting the prescribed income and eligibility criteria.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship.
- Contingency grant and HRA as applicable.
How to apply: Through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the notified government portal.
Read our complete National Fellowship for OBC Students Guide
10. National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (NFSC) Students
Best for: Scheduled Caste students pursuing doctoral research.
Who can apply?
- Students belonging to the SC category.
- Candidates admitted to a recognised PhD programme.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship.
- Contingency grant and HRA as per scheme rules.
How to apply: Submit the application through the designated government scholarship portal during the application period.
11. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship
Best for: Indian PhD scholars and researchers undertaking original research in science, humanities, or other academic disciplines.
Who can apply?
- Indian citizens with a strong record of academic or creative work.
- PhD scholars, researchers, writers, journalists, artists, and civil servants pursuing an independent research project.
- Applicants proposing research that contributes to their chosen field and addresses relevant issues.
Benefits
- Fellowship support for the approved research project.
- Flexibility to conduct research from any location within India.
How to apply?
Submit an application through the official Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund website along with the required research proposal and supporting documents during the application period.
Which PhD Scholarship Should You Choose?
The best scholarship depends on your qualification, research field, and eligibility.
| If You Are… | Recommended Scholarship |
| Engineering Student | PMRF, AICTE Doctoral Fellowship |
| Science Graduate | UGC JRF, CSIR JRF, DST INSPIRE |
| Biotechnology Student | DBT JRF |
| Medical Research Scholar | ICMR JRF |
| Social Science Researcher | ICSSR Fellowship |
| OBC Research Scholar | National Fellowship for OBC Students |
| SC Research Scholar | National Fellowship for SC Students |
| Planning Overseas Research | Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship |
How to Apply for a PhD Scholarship?
Most scholarship applications follow a similar process.
- Choose the scholarship that matches your discipline and eligibility.
- Read the official notification carefully.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Complete the online application before the deadline.
- Attach all required documents in the specified format.
- Track your application status through the official portal.
Documents Commonly Required
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card or other identity proof
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Undergraduate and postgraduate mark sheets
- Degree certificates
- Admission or registration proof for PhD
- Research proposal or synopsis
- Statement of Purpose (if required)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), where applicable
- Income certificate (for schemes with income criteria)
- NET, GATE, or other qualifying examination scorecard (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the highest-paying PhD scholarship in India?
The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) offers one of the highest monthly fellowships, along with an annual research grant.
2. Are private university PhD students eligible for scholarships?
Eligibility depends on the scholarship. Some schemes are open only to students enrolled in recognised institutions that meet the programme guidelines.
3. Can OBC students apply for government PhD fellowships?
Yes. OBC students can apply for the National Fellowship for OBC Students and may also be eligible for several merit-based fellowships if they satisfy the prescribed criteria.
4. Where can I find official scholarship notifications?
Official notifications are published on the websites of UGC, CSIR, AICTE, DST, DBT, ICMR, ICSSR, PMRF, the National Scholarship Portal, and the respective scholarship authorities.
