Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research

Introduction

The Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research (प्रधान मंत्री डॉक्टोरल रिसर्च फेलोशिप) is a distinguished program launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. This initiative aims to enhance university research partnerships with industry needs, thereby fostering innovation and technological advancement.

About the Scheme

This fellowship is designed to motivate and support young, talented scholars to engage in industry-relevant research by collaborating with esteemed academic institutions. The primary goal of the program is to align academic research with the innovative capabilities of the industry, facilitating access to essential resources and expertise. This collaboration is vital for developing technologies and expertise that can lead to significant economic benefits, including patents, licenses, and new products or processes.

Every year, the fellowship offers 100 positions for researchers aiming to pursue a PhD at prominent technology and research institutions across India. The inaugural batch of fellowships commenced in 2013, and the scheme is administered by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) on behalf of SERB.

Aims of the Fellowship

• To inspire emerging Indian PhD researchers to undertake industry-focused research in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine.
• To foster collaborations between academia and industry to boost research and development.
• To drive research initiatives in subjects that hold industrial relevance.

Key Features of the Fellowship

The Prime Minister’s Fellowship offers more than just a lucrative scholarship; it provides a unique experience for selected fellows, ensuring they gain both national and international exposure. The program includes mentorship from industry experts and academic professionals through annual review meetings, as well as periodic mentorship sessions facilitated by external agencies.

Duration of the Fellowship

• The fellowship is awarded for a maximum duration of four years.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants in this scheme receive a scholarship amounting to double the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) amount for full-time PhD scholars. The program allows for the distribution of up to 100 new scholarships annually, with funding split equally between the government and a partnering company that collaborates closely with the scholar on their research project.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• The candidate should be enrolled as a full-time PhD scholar in any accredited Indian university, institute, or research laboratory.
• The registration date for the PhD program should not exceed 14 months from the application submission date.
• An industry partner must be identified, willing to provide both financial support and mentorship for the research project.
• The research topic must be mutually agreed upon between the applicant and the industry partner, showcasing innovation and practical relevance.
• The selected scholar should be prepared to collaborate with the industry partner as needed throughout the project duration.
• The applicant must not receive any other fellowship post-selection.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must follow these steps:

1. Register as a student on the portal at www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in or www.serbficci-iirrada.in.
2. Prepare the application form as per the guidelines and submit it online through the specified websites.
3. Download the Call for Proposal and Document Checklist.
4. Establish a partnership with a company and obtain necessary undertakings from authorized personnel at both the company and the host institute.
5. Gather all required documents and create digital copies.
6. Complete the online application form (note that it cannot be downloaded and requires internet access).
7. Submit the application.

Note: Do not send any physical copies of the application or documents to CII or FICCI.

Selection Parameters

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Projects must demonstrate innovation and possess high scientific merit, emphasizing distinct R&D rather than mere exploratory investigations.
• The proposed research should exhibit significant commercialization potential.
• All parties involved, including the applicant, academic guide, and industry mentor, should have a proven track record in their respective fields.

Official Source

For more information, visit myScheme.gov.in.