UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship Scheme
The UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship allows senior science and technology professors nearing retirement to continue research and mentor PhD students for up to 3 years after superannuation. Fellows receive ₹50,000 per month (on top of pension) plus ₹5 lakh annually for research expenses. Apply through the UGC BSR portal at frg.ugc.ac.in — applications are accepted year-round.
About This Scheme
The UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship allows senior science and technology professors nearing retirement to continue research and mentor PhD students for up to 3 years after superannuation. Fellows receive ₹50,000 per month (on top of pension) plus ₹5 lakh annually for research expenses. Apply through the UGC BSR portal at frg.ugc.ac.in — applications are accepted year-round.
Full official description
The “UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship Scheme” has been implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, Government of India. The scheme aims to strengthen basic science research in universities by engaging talented faculty nearing superannuation. Through this scheme, financial assistance and research grants are provided to enable senior professors to continue their research and guide young Ph.D. scholars. The scheme is implemented by the UGC under its Basic Scientific Research (BSR) Programme. It helps retain experienced faculty in research and mentorship roles, ensuring continuity in high-quality research output and guidance for emerging scholars.
Objectives
- To facilitate talented teachers in Science and Technology at the verge of superannuation to continue their productive research for an additional period of THREE YEARS after superannuation.
- To play a research mentorship role for young researchers and Ph.D students.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship: ₹50,000 (paid in addition to pension and other retirement benefits)
- Annual research grant: ₹5 lakh (usable for equipment, consumables, project assistants, domestic travel, etc.)
- Fellowship tenure: 3 years or until the awardee turns 68 — whichever comes first
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a Reader/Associate Professor/Professor in a Science and Technology department at a university
- Must have supervised at least 15 PhD dissertations in Basic Sciences (or 10 in Engineering/Technology), with at least 5 degrees conferred in the last 10 years
- Cumulative impact factor of published research papers must exceed 50 (per Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports)
- Must have led at least 3 sponsored research projects as Principal Investigator in the last 10 years
- Must apply within 1 year of the date of superannuation
- Must not hold any administrative responsibilities during the fellowship period
Exclusions
- The applicant cannot hold administrative responsibilities during the fellowship period.
How to Apply
- The scheme is open throughout the year.
- There is a designated website: http://ugcfrps.ac.in/uohyd/the-ugc-bsr-faculty-fellowship/ to apply for the fellowship. The National Coordinator of this Programme goes through the applications, evaluates them and makes recommendations. - The Empowered Committee for Basic Scientific Research (BSR) in Indian Universities goes through the recommendations of the National Coordinator of the Programme and takes the final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship?
The UGC-BSR Faculty Fellowship Scheme was introduced to allow talented teachers in Science and Technology, who are about to retire, to continue research and guide Ph.D. students for up to 3 years after superannuation.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Teachers at the level of Reader, Associate Professor, or Professor in Science and Technology departments of universities can apply if they meet the required academic and research conditions.
What is the minimum requirement of Ph.D. supervision for eligibility?
The applicant must have successfully guided 15 Ph.D. students in Basic Sciences or 10 in Engineering and Technology, with at least 5 students completing in the last 10 years.
What financial support is given under this fellowship?
The fellowship provides ₹50,000/- per month along with a research grant of ₹5,00,000/- per year for research activities and related expenses.
For what purposes can the annual research grant be used?
The grant can be used to purchase equipment, laptops, printers, chemicals, glassware, hire assistants, and cover travel within India, fieldwork, and contingencies, but not for international travel or furniture.
How long does the fellowship remain valid after selection?
The fellowship is valid for 3 years or until the awardee reaches the age of 68 years, whichever comes earlier.
What documents must be submitted after selection for the fellowship?
The awardee must submit a joining report, continuation certificates every 3 months, annual progress reports, audited statements of accounts, and utilisation certificates in prescribed formats.
How is the fellowship amount disbursed to the beneficiary?
The fellowship amount is directly credited to the awardee’s bank account through UGC-designated banks upon submission of the required documents.
Is there any restriction on holding administrative responsibilities during the fellowship?
Yes, the awardee cannot hold any administrative responsibility during the tenure of the fellowship.
Where can I apply for the fellowship and how is the selection done?
Applications can be submitted online at the UGC fellowship portal, and the final decision is taken by the Empowered Committee for Basic Scientific Research after recommendations from the National Coordinator.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Award Letter (issued by UGC)
- Joining Report with:
- Name of Fellow
- Award Letter Number and Date
- Photograph, Address, and Contact Number
- Bank Account Details (Bank Name, Account Number, IFSC, MICR Code)
- Aadhaar Card
- Certification from the University/College/Institute confirming facilities and superannuation date
- University Undertaking Form confirming availability of physical facilities and willingness to abide by UGC rules.
- Any other supporting documents as required