The UGC ₹5000 PhD Fellowship 2025 is a strategic initiative by the University Grants Commission (UGC) aimed at easing the financial burden on research scholars in India. Designed to support full-time PhD candidates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, this fellowship provides a monthly stipend of ₹5000 along with contingency support, enabling scholars to focus on their academic pursuits without financial stress.
If you’re a doctoral student navigating the challenges of higher education funding, this guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and everything else you need to know to make the most of this opportunity.
What is the UGC ₹5000 PhD Fellowship 2025?
This fellowship is part of UGC’s broader mission to democratize access to higher education funding, particularly for underprivileged and marginalized groups. The scheme grants ₹5000 per month for a maximum of five years to eligible PhD scholars. An additional contingency grant of ₹12,000 per year is also provided to cover research-related expenses such as books, study materials, and minor fieldwork.
The initiative plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic ambition and financial capability, especially for students who often abandon their research aspirations due to lack of support.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the UGC ₹5000 PhD Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Academic Qualifications
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Must be registered as a full-time PhD scholar in a recognized Indian university or institution.
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The PhD topic must fall under fields approved by UGC.
2. Economic Criteria
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The candidate’s family income should not exceed ₹6 lakh per annum.
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Income certificate issued by a competent authority is mandatory.
3. Reservation and Priority
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Priority is given to scholars from SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
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However, general category candidates from low-income families are also eligible.
4. Other Conditions
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The scholar must not be availing of any other major fellowship or grant.
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Attendance and academic performance should meet institutional standards.
How to Apply Online
The application process for the UGC ₹5000 PhD Fellowship 2025 is completely digital and hosted on the official UGC portal. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Registration
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Visit the UGC official fellowship portal.
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Register using your email ID and mobile number.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
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Enter personal details, academic background, and income data.
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Upload scanned documents (PhD registration certificate, income certificate, identity proof, etc.).
Step 3: Submit and Track
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Submit the completed form and take a printout for your records.
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You can track your application status through the portal.
Deadline: The last date to apply is usually announced in the first quarter of the year. For 2025, keep an eye out for notifications in January or February.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Here’s what selected scholars receive under the UGC ₹5000 PhD Fellowship 2025:
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₹5000/month as a research fellowship for up to 5 years
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₹12,000/year as a contingency grant
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Mentorship and academic support through the host institution
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Flexibility to use funds for travel, books, printing, and minor research-related costs
These benefits aim to help scholars produce higher quality research without the distraction of financial stress.
Why It Matters
In a country where doctoral research is often underfunded, especially in non-STEM fields, the UGC ₹5000 PhD Fellowship 2025 is a much-needed intervention. It not only helps individual scholars but also boosts the overall quality of academic research output in India.
With thousands of students opting out of research due to financial constraints, this fellowship addresses a critical gap in the higher education funding ecosystem. It sends a clear message: academic merit and economic hardship shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can part-time PhD scholars apply for this fellowship?
A: No, only full-time PhD scholars registered at UGC-recognized institutions are eligible.
Q2: Is the ₹5000 stipend taxable?
A: Generally, fellowships are non-taxable in India, but it’s best to consult a tax advisor for your specific case.
Q3: What if I already have another scholarship?
A: You cannot avail of this fellowship if you are already receiving another central or state-funded research grant.
Q4: Is there a separate quota for women scholars?
A: While not a fixed quota, preference is often given to women, especially those from marginalized communities.
Q5: How will the funds be disbursed?
A: The fellowship amount is usually transferred directly to the scholar’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
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