Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Young Faculty Research Fellowships
The Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF), part of the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, provides 50 young faculty members at Indian institutions an extra research fellowship of ₹20,000/month (in addition to their regular salary) plus ₹5 lakh/year in research grants for up to 5 years. Eligible faculty apply through their institution during the scheme's periodic call for nominations at phd.dic.gov.in. The fellowship supports research in ESDM and IT/ITES areas.
About This Scheme
The Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF), part of the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, provides 50 young faculty members at Indian institutions an extra research fellowship of ₹20,000/month (in addition to their regular salary) plus ₹5 lakh/year in research grants for up to 5 years. Eligible faculty apply through their institution during the scheme's periodic call for nominations at phd.dic.gov.in. The fellowship supports research in ESDM and IT/ITES areas.
Full official description
The “Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF)” is a component of the “Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT”, implemented by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. The objective of the scheme is to promote R&D, create an innovative ecosystem, and enhance India’s competitiveness in the knowledge-intensive sectors of Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES).
This fellowship is meant for Young Faculty having regular position at their institution and proven track record in research. Support is provisioned for 50 candidates, for an initial period of support of 2 years, extendible till 5th year based on performance review.
Benefits
- Additional monthly fellowship of ₹20,000 (paid on top of regular salary) for up to 5 years
- Research Contingency Grant of ₹5 lakh/year (for minor equipment, consumables, and domestic travel)
- Initial 2-year award, extendable to 5 years based on annual performance review
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen with a PhD from a recognized university (first class throughout)
- Must hold a regular (permanent) faculty or researcher position at an eligible Indian institution
- Upper age limit: 40 years as of the date of application
- Must not be receiving any other government fellowship simultaneously
- Each institution can nominate a maximum of 3 candidates per round
- This fellowship can only be availed once in a career
How to Apply
The scheme is an institutional scheme wherein nominations for YFRF are submitted by the eligible institution againt Call for Proposal (Invitation for Nominations) by PhD Cell, Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme
Selection & Mode of Application: PhD Cell invites nominations periodically from eligible institutions for award of YFRF under the scheme. Subsequently the nominations are evaluated by experts and accordingly, the fellowships are awarded.
The call for applications for YFRF will be notified by PhD Cell, DIC; MeitY through the web portal https://phd.dic.gov.in
Each eligible institutions can submit up to a maximum of three nominations for the YFRF award to PhD Cell, DIC; MeitY through the web portal https://phd.dic.gov.in/
The proposal should define clear objectives, outcomes and deliverables against the award.
The eligible institutions will be allowed to submit nominations for the award once in a year against a call for nominations by PhD Cell. PhD Cell will scrutinize and evaluate these nominations periodically. The stages of evaluation will be decided by PhD Cell considering different aspects including but not limited to:
- No. of nominations received.
- Suitability of the received nominations, etc.
Note:
- PhD Cell, DIC; MeitY reserves the right to screen and consider suitable candidates.
- Just fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria would not entitle one to be selected.
- PhD Cell, DIC; MeitY may change the T&C at its discretion, if deemed necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the YFRF scheme?
The main objective is to encourage high-quality research in emerging areas of ESDM and IT/ITES by supporting talented young faculty members in academic and R&D institutions.
How many fellowships are awarded under this scheme?
A total of 50 fellowships are provisioned.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is awarded for an initial period of 2 years, extendable up to a maximum of 5 years based on performance review.
Which institutions are eligible to participate in the scheme?
Please visit https://phd.dic.gov.in/eligibility for eligibility criteria
What support is available for Young Faculty Research Fellowship?
- Fellowship of ₹20,000 per month (in addition to regular salary).
- Research Contingency Grant of ₹5 lakh per year
Can faculty from private institutions apply for the Young Faculty Research Fellowship?
Yes, if the institution & applicant meet the eligibility criteria specified in the guidelines
Can an awardee of another research fellowship avail the Young Faculty Research Fellowship?
No, the candidate must opt for only one fellowship.
How a faculty can apply for Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF)?
PhD Cell invites nominations periodically from eligible institutions for award of YFRF under the scheme. Subsequently the nominations received are evaluated and accordingly, the fellowships are awarded.
What are the research areas?
ESDM & IT / ITeS
Is the fellowship tenable outside India?
No, it is tenable only in India at recognized academic and R&D institutions.
Is there an age limit for applying?
Yes, the maximum age is 40 years on the date of submission of application.
Can I apply if I have already availed YFRF in the past?
No, the fellowship can be availed only once in a career.
Can I apply directly as an individual?
No, proposals must be submitted through eligible institutions only.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme is an institutional scheme wherein eligible institutions submit nominations for YFRF against an active call for proposal by Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme, DIC, MeitY. Accordingly, the applicants may contact their respective institutions for documents and other formalities.