Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant For Newly Recruited Faculty Members
Research grant for newly recruited faculty · ₹10 lakh · UGC, 2-year tenure
The University Grants Commission gives newly appointed Assistant Professors at accredited universities and colleges a one-time research grant of ₹10 lakh to launch their independent research programme. Applicants must hold a PhD with at least 5 published papers in international journals and must apply within 2 years of joining their permanent post. Apply online at frg.ugc.ac.in — applications are invited once a year via newspaper and UGC website advertisements.
About This Scheme
The University Grants Commission gives newly appointed Assistant Professors at accredited universities and colleges a one-time research grant of ₹10 lakh to launch their independent research programme. Applicants must hold a PhD with at least 5 published papers in international journals and must apply within 2 years of joining their permanent post. Apply online at frg.ugc.ac.in — applications are invited once a year via newspaper and UGC website advertisements.
Full official description
The scheme "Dr. D.S. Kothari Research Grant for Newly Recruited Faculty Members" is a research grant scheme by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education (DoHE). The purpose of the research grant is to provide opportunities to regularly appointed faculty members of Universities/ Institutes/ Colleges to pursue research in their area(s). All teachers who are newly appointed at the level of Assistant Professor against permanent posts in the university shall be eligible to receive financial support under the scheme. The Assistant professor should possess a Ph.D. degree with a minimum of five (5) research papers to his / her credit, published in journals of international repute. There are 132 slots, and the tenure is 2 years. The quantum of support under the scheme is ₹ 10,00,000.
Benefits
- One-time research grant of ₹10,00,000 (₹10 lakh)
- Funds can be used for minor equipment, consumables, fieldwork, travel, and contingencies
- Grant tenure: 2 years; 132 slots available per cycle
- Equipment purchased becomes the property of the university
- Note: Cannot be used for international travel, furniture, or research fellowships/project assistants
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If you're an academic who also wants to validate a product idea, a ₹10 lakh UGC research grant is non-dilutive runway — you can fund prototype development and field trials as part of legitimate academic research before deciding to spin out.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Newly appointed Assistant Professor in a permanent post at a UGC-recognized, NAAC-accredited university, deemed university, or centrally/state-funded institution
- Must hold a PhD with a minimum of 5 research papers published in journals of international repute
- Must apply within 2 years of joining the department
- Faculty at Institutions of National Importance are also eligible
How to Apply
- UGC advertises openings once a year in leading newspapers, employment news, and on ugc.ac.in.
- Read the published guidelines carefully before applying.
- Apply online through the UGC portal, uploading your research proposal, abstract, and required documents.
- Short-listed candidates are notified; approved grantees must submit a joining report.
- The ₹10 lakh grant is released to your institution's account for use on approved items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Meant By "Aadhaar Seeding"?
The fellowship is directly paid to the research scholars in their bank accounts. For this, the bank account numbers of the scholars are required to be Aadhaar linked and verified. This process is called "Aadhaar Seeding". As per the instructions of the Government of India, the Aadhaar has been made mandatory for the disbursement of all Government subsidies/Scholarships/Fellowships which are disbursed directly into the beneficiary's account. Accordingly, Aadhaar will be used as an Identifier for the release of grants under these schemes.
Does Only The Submission Of An Application Form Guarantee The Award Of A Fellowship And Research Grant?
No, mere submission of an application form does not guarantee the award of a Fellowship and Research Grant.
Who Shall Be Held Responsible If The Applicant Furnishes Incorrect/Incomplete Information That Results In The Cancellation Of His/Her Candidature?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide correct information, failing which he/she will be solely responsible for the cancellation for his/her candidature.
Can I Apply Offline For The Research Grant?
No. You need to visit the official website to apply.
Is There Any Application Fee?
No. The entire application process is completely free of cost.
How Do I Know If A Field In The Application Form Is Mandatory?
The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end.
What Shall Be The Tenure Of The Research Grant?
The tenure of the research grant shall be 2 years.
What Will Be The Amount Of Financial Assistance Provided In This Scheme?
The quantum of support under the scheme is [?] 10,00,000.
Can The Grant Be Utilized For Fieldwork, Travel, Etc?
Yes, the grant can be utilized for purchasing items like minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, fieldwork, travel, etc. The items/equipment purchased from this grant shall be the property of the University.
Can The Grant Be Used For International Travel?
No, the grant cannot be used for international travel, purchasing furniture items, or for appointing a project assistant or research fellow.
Can The Faculties From "Deemed-To-Be-Universities" Also Apply To This Scheme?
Yes, the Faculty members regularly appointed and working in the following institutions: a) Universities (including constituent and affiliated colleges/institutions) are included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and have valid accreditation from NAAC. b) deemed-to-be-universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956 and having valid accreditation from NAAC. c) Institutions fully funded by Central or State Governments and empowered to award Degrees. d) Institutions of National Importance.
Is It Mandatory For The Assistant Professor Should Possess A Ph.D. Degree In Order To Apply For The Research Grant?
Yes, the Assistant Professor should possess a Ph.D. degree with a minimum of five (5) research papers to his / her credit, published in journals of international repute.
Can The Assistant Professor Apply For The Grant After One Year From The Date Of Joining The Post In The Department / University?
Yes, the Assistant Professor should apply for the grant within a period of two years from the date of joining the post in the Department / University.
What Documents Are Required To Be Uploaded In Order To Apply?
Scanned copy of your passport-size photograph and signature (size upto 1 MB, format: jpg). Complete Research proposal (size upto 5 MB) and an abstract (size upto 1 MB). After filling out the application form, an auto-generated form will be displayed on your screen. Please take the printout of the same, get it signed by the HoD/Registrar, and upload the same before the submission of the application form.
Can The Applicant Submit A Hard Copy Of The Application Form?
No hard copies of the application form will be accepted or entertained at any point of time.
Can The Applicant Modify The Application Once It Is Submitted?
No, please fill all your details carefully while filling the application form, once submitted, it will not be modified. No queries will be entertained for the same.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Scanned passport-size photograph and signature (JPG, up to 1 MB)
- Complete research proposal (up to 5 MB) and abstract (up to 1 MB)
- Joining report (after selection)