PhD Stipend in India 2026: UGC, CSIR & All Fellowship Amounts
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PhD stipend in India varies by fellowship type. The most common is UGC-JRF at Rs 37,000/month, rising to Rs 42,000 as SRF. The highest is PMRF at Rs 70,000–80,000/month. CSIR, ICMR, DST-INSPIRE, and GATE stipends are other major sources. This guide covers every fellowship, exact amounts, eligibility, and how to apply in 2026.
Overview of Major PhD Fellowships in India (2026)
| Fellowship | JRF Amount | SRF Amount | Awarding Body | Field |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGC-JRF | Rs 37,000/month | Rs 42,000/month | UGC | Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences |
| CSIR-JRF | Rs 37,000/month | Rs 42,000/month | CSIR | Sciences (Life, Physical, Chemical, Engineering) |
| ICMR-JRF | Rs 37,000/month | Rs 42,000/month | ICMR | Biomedical & Health Sciences |
| DST-INSPIRE | Rs 31,000/month | Rs 35,000/month | DST | Natural & Basic Sciences |
| PMRF | Rs 70,000–80,000/month | — | MoE | STEM (IITs/IISc) |
| GATE Stipend | Rs 31,000/month | — | MHRD/Institute | Engineering & Technology |
| ICSSR | Rs 25,000/month | Rs 28,000/month | ICSSR | Social Sciences |
| DBT-JRF | Rs 37,000/month | Rs 42,000/month | DBT | Biotechnology |
UGC Fellowship: Complete Details
The UGC (University Grants Commission) offers the most widely availed PhD fellowship through the UGC-NET exam. Here is what you need to know:
- JRF Phase (Year 1–2): Rs 37,000/month + HRA (up to 24% in metro cities)
- SRF Phase (Year 3–5): Rs 42,000/month after successful upgrade review
- Contingency Grant: Rs 10,000/year for humanities/social sciences; Rs 20,500/year for sciences
- Duration: Maximum 5 years (2 years JRF + 3 years SRF)
- Eligibility: Must qualify UGC-NET with JRF; must enrol in a recognised university within 2 years of qualifying
Important: HRA is only payable when the scholar is not availing accommodation from the host institution. If you stay in university hostel, HRA is not applicable. Always check your university's fellowship cell for exact HRA slabs applicable in your city.
CSIR-JRF Fellowship
CSIR-NET JRF is offered for PhD students in science streams — Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Engineering Sciences. Amounts mirror UGC: Rs 37,000 (JRF) and Rs 42,000 (SRF). CSIR fellowship holders must submit six-monthly progress reports to their guide and the CSIR fellowship office.
PMRF — Prime Minister's Research Fellowship
PMRF Fellowship Breakdown
+ Rs 2 lakh/year research grant
+ Rs 2 lakh/year research grant
+ Rs 2 lakh/year research grant
Direct/Lateral entry modes
PMRF has two modes: Direct Entry (for final-year B.Tech/BS/M.Sc students from IITs/IISc/NITs) and Lateral Entry (for first/second year PhD students at IITs/IISc). Selection is highly competitive with a comprehensive interview and research proposal evaluation.
DST-INSPIRE Fellowship
DST-INSPIRE PhD Fellowship targets students pursuing PhD in basic and natural sciences. Stipend is Rs 31,000/month as JRF and Rs 35,000/month as SRF, plus a contingency grant of Rs 20,000/year. Eligibility requires being in the top 1% of Class 12 board marks and a valid postgraduate degree in science.
State Government PhD Fellowships
| State | Fellowship Name | Approx. Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Rajiv Gandhi Vidyarthi Scholarship | Rs 15,000–25,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | State Research Fellowship | Rs 10,000–20,000 |
| Kerala | Kerala State Fellowship for Research | Rs 15,000–20,000 |
| Karnataka | KSCST Fellowship | Rs 10,000–15,000 |
| West Bengal | WB State Research Fellowship | Rs 12,000–18,000 |
Fellowship Comparison: Which Should You Target?
If you are in STEM fields, target PMRF first (highest amount), then CSIR-JRF or DBT-JRF. If you are in social sciences or humanities, UGC-JRF is the primary fellowship. ICMR is best for medical and health sciences researchers. DST-INSPIRE is suitable for basic science students who may not qualify NET.
Need help writing your fellowship application, SRF upgrade report, or research proposal? Thesis Ace Writers has supported 100+ scholars through competitive fellowship processes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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As of 2026, UGC PhD fellowship (JRF) is Rs 37,000 per month for the first two years, and Rs 42,000 per month as SRF (Senior Research Fellowship) from the third year onwards, subject to satisfactory progress review. An additional HRA (House Rent Allowance) of up to 24% of fellowship is paid in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
CSIR-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) provides Rs 37,000 per month for the first two years. After upgrade to SRF (Senior Research Fellowship), the stipend increases to Rs 42,000 per month. CSIR fellowships are awarded through the CSIR-UGC NET exam for science streams and are among the most prestigious research fellowships in India.
Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) is the highest PhD fellowship in India. PMRF provides Rs 70,000 per month in the first and second year, Rs 75,000 per month in the third year, and Rs 80,000 per month in the fourth and fifth years. Additionally, PMRF scholars receive a research grant of Rs 2 lakh per year. PMRF is for PhD students at IITs, IISc, and NIT Trichy/Warangal/Calicut.
Yes, many PhD students in India pursue their degree without a fellowship — they are categorised as self-financed or institute-funded students. Some universities pay a nominal institute stipend (Rs 5,000–15,000/month). Part-time PhD students who are working professionals generally do not receive fellowships. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply for UGC/CSIR/ICMR fellowships, as these are fully funded and provide financial independence during research.
PhD students who hold a valid GATE score and are admitted to IITs, NITs, or IISc receive a GATE-linked stipend of Rs 31,000 per month (for M.Tech/PhD integrated programme). At some IITs, PhD students with GATE scores can receive up to Rs 35,000–37,000 per month depending on institute policy. This is separate from UGC/CSIR fellowships.