PMRF: Clarifying the Stipends and Eligibility for PhD Scholars at IITs and IISc

The recent announcement regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) increasing the stipends for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) to Rs. 70,000 per month for PhD scholars at prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has sparked considerable interest.

Overview of PMRF

The Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) is designed to attract and retain exceptional talent for PhD studies in IITs, IISc, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and IIESTs. It offers competitive stipends and a supportive research environment.

Eligibility for PMRF

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants from IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIESTs and centrally funded IIITs must have completed or be pursuing the final year of a four or five-year undergraduate or five-year integrated undergraduate/postgraduate dual degree program in Science and Technology streams. The CGPA/CPI requirement for these candidates is at least 8.0 on a 10-point scale. Candidates from any other Institute/University recognized in India must have completed or be pursuing the final year of a four or five-year undergraduate or five-year integrated undergraduate/postgraduate dual degree program in Science and Technology streams. These candidates should have secured a CGPA/CPI of at least 8.0 on a 10-point scale or equivalent, and must have secured a score of 750 or higher in the respective GATE subject. Candidates who have qualified GATE and are pursuing or have completed MS by Research at IISc/IITs/IISERs should have a minimum CGPA or CPI of 8.0 on a 10-point scale at the end of the first semester with a minimum of four courses. This requirement is based on all the courses, labs, and thesis completed at the time of application. Academic credentials must have been completed in the preceding three years from when the application is submitted.

Selection and Approval Process

The selection process for PMRF is rigorous and transparent, involving screening by the reviewers and final selection by the Selection Committee for each research vertical. The process may include written tests and discussions as necessary.

Project Abstract Requirements

The project abstract must clearly articulate and display keen interest and insight on the chosen subject. The abstract should formulate a problem to assess the applicant's analytical and research skills. The topic should be in frontier areas of science and technology, preferably focusing on national priorities. At least two referee names should be provided for the Selection Committee to seek feedback from.

Fellowship Details

The fellowship structure for PMRF is as follows:

Year 1: Rs. 70,000 Year 2: Rs. 70,000 Year 3: Rs. 75,000 Year 4: Rs. 80,000 (for integrated courses and MS by Research) Year 5: Rs. 80,000 (for B. Tech or equivalent students)

In addition to the stipend, each Fellow is eligible for a research grant of Rs. 2 lakhs per year, totaling Rs. 10 lakhs. The tenure of the fellowship is four years for integrated courses and five years for B. Tech or equivalent students.

Deliverables and Performance Evaluation

At the time of joining, each Fellow is assigned specific deliverables to be achieved annually, determined by the assigned guide and Department. Annual performance reviews by the host institution ensure that the deliverables are met. The fellowship may be renewed or discontinued based on the performance. Each Fellow is expected to teach once a week at a neighborhood ITI/Polytechnic/Engineering College as per modalities approved by the Government.

The selection and approval process for PMRF is detailed and designed to ensure high-quality research and the best talent is attracted to these prestigious institutions.