National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme of the Human Resource Development Programme in New and Renewable Energy
The National Renewable Energy Fellowship (NREF) Scheme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) funds meritorious students and researchers pursuing M.Tech, M.Sc, PhD, or Post-Doctoral work in specific renewable energy technology areas. With a total outlay of ₹200 crore for 2021–2026, it offers 75 new fellowships per year through top NIRF-ranked institutions. Fellowships are awarded through host institutions that apply to MNRE for fellowship slot allocation.
About This Scheme
The National Renewable Energy Fellowship (NREF) Scheme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) funds meritorious students and researchers pursuing M.Tech, M.Sc, PhD, or Post-Doctoral work in specific renewable energy technology areas. With a total outlay of ₹200 crore for 2021–2026, it offers 75 new fellowships per year through top NIRF-ranked institutions. Fellowships are awarded through host institutions that apply to MNRE for fellowship slot allocation.
Full official description
Launched in 2021, the scheme "National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme" has been launched by the Human Resources Development Division, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, aims to institutionalise renewable energy education and training to meet the requirements of qualified and trained manpower in the country. Through this scheme, financial fellowships are provided to meritorious students and researchers pursuing higher studies or advanced research in frontier-edge technology areas of renewable energy. The scheme is a key component of the broader Human Resource Development Programme and is implemented with a total financial outlay of ₹200 crore for the period of FY 2021-22 to 2025-26. It covers various academic levels, providing an annual intake for M.Tech and M.Sc. students, Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) leading to PhDs, Senior Research Fellowships (SRF), and post-doctoral Research Associates (RA/PDF). The scope of the research is strictly aligned with the technology readiness levels and research thrust areas identified by MNRE, focusing on technology development and commercialisation rather than generic studies. The delivery mechanism is structured to support a total of 375 new fellowships over the five-year period, with the number of fellowships in each category remaining interchangeable based on the quality of research proposals and industry demand. Monitoring ensures that the fellowship duration for students does not exceed the specified tenure, such as two years for postgraduates or five years for JRFs moving into SRF roles.
Objectives
To institutionalise renewable energy education and training to create a pool of qualified and trained manpower for the national energy sector.
To provide financial support for higher studies and advanced research in technology areas specifically identified as thrust areas by the MNRE.
To encourage frontier-edge research that focuses on technology development, technology readiness levels, and the commercialisation of renewable energy solutions.
To fulfil the specialised manpower requirements of the industry through a focused academic approach in M.Tech, M.Sc., and doctoral research paths.
Benefits
- M.Tech fellowship: ₹12,400/month for up to 24 months
- M.Sc (Renewable Energy) fellowship: ₹4,000/month for up to 24 months
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹31,000/month + HRA + ₹20,000/year contingency for 2 years
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹35,000/month + HRA and contingency for 3 years
- Post-Doctoral Fellow/Research Associate: ₹47,000–₹54,000/month (tiered) + HRA and contingency for 3 years
- JRF can transition to SRF for a combined PhD tenure of up to 5 years
- Monthly disbursement directly to beneficiary bank account via DBT
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be pursuing higher studies in renewable energy: M.Sc, M.Tech, PhD, or Post-Doctoral Research
- Must be enrolled at a Top 100 NIRF-ranked institution with relevant faculty and infrastructure
- M.Tech and PhD candidates must qualify via GATE, CSIR, CSIR-JRF, AICTE, or NET scores
- M.Sc fellowships require NET qualification
- Research must align with MNRE-identified thrust areas (not generic renewable energy topics)
- Only applied through institutions after they are selected by MNRE – individuals cannot apply directly
How to Apply
Call for Applications
Step 1: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) publishes annual advertisements inviting applications from universities and institutes engaged in renewable energy education and research. Step 2: Interested institutes or universities must apply for the allocation of fellowship slots against the advertisement to the Ministry.
Selection Process for the Institutes
Step 3: The selection of these host institutes is conducted by a committee chaired by eminent scientists and professors, including experts from reputed academic institutions and Directors General of NISE, NIWE, and NIBE. Step 4: Once an institute is selected and sanctioned with a specific number of fellowship slots, it conducts its own internal selection through its Research or Administrative committees.
Selection Process for the Candidates
Step 5: The selected institutes identify meritorious candidates who meet the MNRE eligibility criteria and forward the details of these NREF fellows to the Ministry.
Step 6: The host institution must forward the specific details of the students every year against the sanctioned number of fellowship slots allocated to that particular institute.
Step 7: Upon receipt and verification of the names, the Ministry officially awards the fellowships to the individual students/candidates based on their eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role do the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode and beneficiary Bank Accounts play in disbursing fellowships?
DBT mode ensures direct, transparent, and efficient transfer of fellowship funds to beneficiaries' bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and enhancing accountability.
Can you elaborate on the payment schedule and the importance of attendance from host institutions?
Payments begin from the Date of Joining, and the Ministry disburses fellowships monthly based on attendance and continuation reports provided by host institutions.
What is the role of the Scientist-in-charge, HRD in the selection process for institutes?
The Scientist-in-charge, HRD acts as the convener of the selection committee, facilitating coordination and ensuring a smooth selection process.
Could you explain the reasons for interchangeability of the number of fellowships in different categories?
Interchangeability depends on factors like the number of applications received, the quality of proposed research work, and the demand from the industry, which can vary annually.
Are there any specific provisions for fellowships targeted at renewable energy research related to cutting-edge technologies?
Yes, the scheme is designed to support research in cutting-edge technology areas related to renewable energy, aligning with the Ministry's thrust areas.
What measures are in place to ensure transparency in the selection process of institutes and candidates?
The selection committees consist of eminent scientists, experts, and professionals, which helps ensure a transparent and unbiased selection process.
How do the funding rates for fellowships for M.Tech and M.Sc compare to the rates for JRF, SRF, and RA/PDF?
Funding for M.Tech and M.Sc is comparatively lower, indicating the Ministry's focus on promoting advanced research through JRF, SRF, and RA/PDF.
Can you explain the liability for fellowships sanctioned from 2022-23 onwards spilling over beyond the scheme period?
Fellowships awarded after 2022-23 may extend beyond the scheme period as per their fellowship duration, ensuring that students have adequate time to complete their research.
How does the Ministry ensure that fellowship slots are allocated to institutes with the required expertise in renewable energy areas?
Institutes are considered based on their ranking under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the presence of faculty and infrastructure for research and education in renewable energy.
Could you elaborate on the significance of technology areas not being of a generic nature in the fellowship scheme?
The fellowship scheme focuses on frontier-edge research in technology development. It means the research undertaken should be at the cutting edge of technology and not general or commonly practiced research.
What is the selection process for the institutes applying for fellowship slots?
Institutes are selected by a committee chaired by eminent scientists/professors, and the selection committee includes experts from reputed academic institutions, DG, NISE, NIWE, and NIBE, Group Head, and HRD.
How does the application process work for institutes and universities interested in these fellowships?
MNRE publishes annual advertisements inviting applications from universities and institutes for fellowships for higher education and research in renewable energy thrust areas.
What is the mode of disbursal for the fellowships?
Fellowships are disbursed on a monthly basis through beneficiary Bank Accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
How are the fellowship payments structured in terms of duration?
Fellowship payments commence from the Date of Joining of the candidates and continue on a monthly basis.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport Sized Photograph
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of Indian Citizenship
- Aadhaar Card
- Academic Transcripts From All Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees
- Research Proposal
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- In addition to the above documents, applicants may also be required to submit the following, depending on their category:
- SC/ST/OBC Certificate (if Applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if Applicable)
- Income Certificate (if Applicable)