Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships In Sciences
The University Grants Commission offers two-year post-doctoral fellowships to unemployed PhD holders in science fields — preferably under 35 years of age — to pursue full-time research at Indian universities or institutions. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹43,800–₹46,500 (increasing each year) plus ₹1 lakh/year for research expenses. Apply year-round through the rolling online portal at ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in — decisions are made within 6 weeks of application.
About This Scheme
The University Grants Commission offers two-year post-doctoral fellowships to unemployed PhD holders in science fields — preferably under 35 years of age — to pursue full-time research at Indian universities or institutions. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹43,800–₹46,500 (increasing each year) plus ₹1 lakh/year for research expenses. Apply year-round through the rolling online portal at ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in — decisions are made within 6 weeks of application.
Full official description
Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences was introduced by the University Grants Commission, Dept. of Higher Education. In addition to the existing RA/PDF positions provided by various funding agencies, a need was felt for a PDF scheme running in a flexible mode, with fast track, online handling, and decision-making. The initiative would offer ₹ 10,00,000/- in financial assistance to 132 selected candidates. The tenure is 2 years. The scheme is open for full-time research work, predominantly to young researchers preferably below 35 years of age who have been awarded their Ph.D. Degree under science faculty. The Reservation Policy of the Government of India with regard to SC/ST/OBC/PH is followed. The upper age limit for applicants is 35 years, with a relaxation in age for SC/ST/OBC/Women candidates applicable as per Government of India Norms.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship: ₹43,800 (Year 1), ₹45,000 (Year 2), ₹46,500 (Year 3)
- Annual contingency grant of ₹1,00,000 for equipment, consumables, fieldwork, and travel
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per GoI city category norms if hostel is not provided
- Maternity/paternity leave at full fellowship rate (once during tenure)
- 132 fellowship slots available; tenure is 3 years with no extension
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must hold a PhD in a science discipline from a recognized university
- Must be unemployed at the time of application
- Preferably below 35 years of age (relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC/Women as per GoI norms)
- Published research work is an advantage
How to Apply
Application:
The selection process is open all year round in `...as and when.... ' mode and not restricted by any specified deadlines as thesis submission and award of Ph. D degree are open-ended processes.
There is a rolling advertisement on the UGC Website; other institutions and UGC affiliates should be encouraged to replicate it on theirs. - There is a designated website (http://ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in/) to apply for the fellowships. The entire process is being carried out online. Selection
There is a standing (core) peer group that is able to access the applications on the web and grade them electronically. On the basis of the grades received (electronically) from the peer group, the Chair of this group takes the final decision.
The selection process has to be completed within 6 weeks of the receipt of the individual application. There could be up to 500 such awards every year, making it to about 1000 at its peak.
Disbursal
- It may be noted that the fellowship amount shall be disbursed through UGC designated Bank into the bank account of the awardee directly.
- The list of designated branches of UGC identified bank is available on the UGC portal i.e. https://dskpdf.ugc.ac.in/Downloads/UGC_BRANCH_LIST.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Deadline For The Submission Of The Applications?
No, the selection process is open all year round and not restricted by any specified deadlines as thesis submission and award of Ph. D degree is open-ended processes. There is a rolling advertisement on the UGC website; other institutions and UGC affiliates should be encouraged to replicate it on theirs.
Why Was The "D. S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships In Sciences" Introduced?
D. S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences" was introduced because, in addition to the existing RA/PDF positions provided by various funding agencies, a need was felt for a PDF scheme running in a flexible mode, with fast track, online handling, and decision-making.
Can I Apply Offline For The Fellowship?
No, There is a designated website (http://ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in/) to apply for the fellowships. The entire process is being carried out online.
How Long Does The Selection Process Take To Complete?
The selection process has to be completed within 6 weeks of the receipt of the individual application.
What Is The Tenure Of The Fellowship?
The tenure of the fellowship is 2 years.
Is There A Reservation For SC/ST Candidates?
Yes, the Reservation Policy of the Government of India with regard to SC/ST/OBC/PH is followed.
Is There An Age Criterion For This Fellowship?
Yes, the upper age limit for applicants is 35 years, with a relaxation in age for SC/ST/OBC/Women candidates applicable as per Government of India Norms.
Is It Compulsory For The Applicant To Have A Doctorate Degree?
Yes, the candidate must have a doctorate degree in the relevant subject preferably with published research work to their credit.
Can A Person Who Is Employed Also Apply For The Fellowship?
No, only Ph.D. awarded unemployed candidates will be eligible for the award of Post Doctoral Fellowship.
What Is The Amount Of The Fellowship?
The amount of the fellowship is - @ Rs. 43,800/- pm for I year @ Rs.45,000/- pm for II year @ Rs. 46,500/- pm for III year
How Many Leaves Can A PDF Avail During The Fellowship?
Leave for a maximum period of 30 days in a year in addition to public holidays may be taken by the Post-Doctoral Fellow with the approval of the Head of the Department. However, they are not entitled to any other vacations, such as summer, winter, and pooja vacations.
What Is The Amount Of Contingency Allowance?
The amount of Contingency Allowance is Rs.1,00,000/-p.a.
Can The Candidate Take Paternity Leave?
Candidates are eligible for maternity/ paternity to leave at full rates of the fellowship as per Government of India rules once during the tenure of the award.
Can The Candidate Claim The Expenditure Incurred On Traveling?
No, the expenditure on travel cannot be claimed by UGC.
Is The Candidate Eligible For Medical Assistance?
No separate/fixed medical assistance is provided. However, the Post-Doctoral Fellow may avail of the medical facilities available in the University/Institution/College.
How Is The Amount Of The Fellowship Disbursed?
It may be noted that the fellowship amount shall be disbursed through UGC designated Bank into the bank account of the awardee directly. The list of designated branches of UGC identified bank is available on the UGC portal i.e. https://dskpdf.ugc.ac.in/Downloads/UGC_BRANCH_LIST.pdf
How Many Times In A Year Does The Candidate Need To Submit The Continuation Certificate?
At the end of every three months, the fellow has to submit Continuation Certificate to the designated Canara Bank branch in order to become eligible to draw fellowship for the next three months.
How Can The Candidate Avail Of HRA?
The concerned fellow has to submit the HRA certificate to the designated Canara Bank branch to avail of the House Rent Allowance. The HRA certificate has to be submitted after every three months.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Proof of age
- Bank account details
- Community/caste certificate, if applicable
- All the selected candidates should Submit the **Joining Report** in the prescribed format along with the Award letter issued to the candidate by UGC to the designated Canara bank branch, duly signed by the Head of the Department of the University and countersigned by the Registrar. After verifying the Joining report of the fellow the Canara Bank branch will release the fellowship for the next three months. 1. At the end of every three months, the fellow has to submit **Continuation Certificate** to the designated Canara Bank branch in order to become eligible to draw fellowship for the next three months. 1. The Contingency grant is also deposited in the fellow's account. After the end of one year, the concerned fellows have to submit a **contingency utilization certificate** to the designated Canara Bank branch. Thereafter the contingency amount for the next year will be released. 1. The concerned fellow has to submit the **HRA certificate** to the designated Canara Bank branch to avail of the House Rent Allowance. The HRA certificate has to be submitted after every three months.