Scholarships to Know About: The Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF)

May, 09 2024

Discover the latest education news on Dissertation India. Learn about scholarships like the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) and stay informed.

In the academic field of research and development, the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) stands as a great example of excellence and innovation. This prestigious program, designed to enhance the quality of research in higher educational institutions across India, holds immense significance in bringing about a culture of academic brilliance and scientific inquiry. As a PhD scholar you might find it to be of great use for your career and life as a PhD student.

At its core, the PMRF program is driven by the objective of attracting and nurturing top talent in the broad area of research. By offering substantial financial support and incentives, PMRF aims to encourage bright minds to delve deep into cutting-edge science and technology domains aligned with national priorities. This strategic focus not only propels individual growth but also contributes significantly to India's progress in key areas of scientific advancement and innovation.

The PMRF scheme plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and real-world challenges, providing a platform for scholars to explore novel ideas, conduct groundbreaking research, and contribute meaningfully to societal development. Its emphasis on excellence, coupled with a rigorous selection process, ensures that only the best and most dedicated researchers are granted this prestigious fellowship.

Are you eligible?

Eligibility Criteria for PMRF: A Comprehensive Guide

Direct Entry Channel

  • Pursuing or completed final year of Bachelor’s/Master’s/dual degree in Science and Technology from IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIEST with CGPA/CPI of 8.0 or above on a 10-point scale.
  • Pursuing or completed final year of Bachelor’s/Master’s/dual degree in Science and Technology from other recognized Indian universities with CGPA of 8.0 or equivalent and minimum 650 score in respective GATE subject.
  • Qualified GATE and pursuing/completed M.Tech./M.S. degree by Research at PMRF Granting Institutes with CGPA/CPI of 8.0 or above at the end of first semester.

Career Assessment Test

  • Pursuing PhD at PMRF granting institutions.
  • Completed at most 12 months in PhD programme if joined with a master’s degree, or at most 24 months if joined with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Completed at least four full-semester courses in PhD programme with CGPA of 8.5 or above on a 10-point scale.

Career Assessment Test

  • Candidates eligible for Lateral Entry Channel can be considered at most twice for the fellowship through this route.

Fellowship Details

The Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) not only offers a prestigious platform for pursuing doctoral studies but also provides substantial financial support and incentives to foster a conducive environment for groundbreaking research and innovation. Here are the comprehensive details of the PMRF fellowship

Monthly Stipend

  • Year 1: Rs. 70,000
  • Year 2: Rs. 70,000
  • Year 3: Rs. 75,000
  • Year 4: Rs. 80,000
  • Year 5: Rs. 80,000

Research Grant

  • Each PMRF Fellow is eligible for a research grant of Rs. 2 Lakhs per year, totaling Rs. 10 Lakhs over five years. This grant is instrumental in covering academic contingency expenses, facilitating travel for conferences and workshops, and supporting research-related activities.

Tenure of Fellowship

  • The tenure of the fellowship extends until the end of the 4th year of PhD for students enrolled in integrated courses.
  • For B.Tech. (or equivalent) students, the fellowship duration continues until the end of the 5th year of PhD.
  • Students selected through the lateral entry channel will receive PMRF scholarship and obligations for the remaining duration of their doctoral program.

Industry Participation

  • The PMRF program actively explores industry participation through CSR funding or other avenues, allowing industries to sponsor Fellows. This collaboration enhances industry-academia synergy, promotes practical applications of research outcomes, and provides Fellows with exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities.

Selection and Approval Process

The Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) program upholds a stringent selection and approval process to ensure the highest standards of excellence, transparency, and fairness. Here's an overview of the comprehensive selection and approval process

Screening by Reviewers

The initial stage involves rigorous screening by expert reviewers who assess the applications based on academic credentials, research potential, and alignment with national priorities.

Interviews and Assessments

The initial stage involves rigorous screening by expert reviewers who assess the applications based on academic credentials, research potential, and alignment with national priorities.

Final Selection by Selection Committee

After the screening stage, a Selection Committee comprising esteemed experts in respective research verticals takes charge of the final selection process. The Selection Committee ensures competition, standardization, and transparency in the selection process, aiming to identify and select the best talent from a pool of highly qualified applicants.

Procedure Development by Institutes

Premier institutes such as IITs, IISc, and IISERs play a pivotal role in developing appropriate procedures for candidate selection and linking them with potential guides. These institutes ensure that the selection process aligns with the PMRF program's objectives and ethos, fostering a conducive environment for impactful research and scholarly growth.

Institute Allocation

The allocation of institutes for doctoral studies is a crucial aspect of the selection process. The Selection Committee, guided by the National Implementation Committee (NI), meticulously considers candidates' preferences, academic infrastructure, and research verticals to allocate institutes effectively.

Application Process for PMRF

The application process for the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) entails a series of steps designed to assess candidates' eligibility, candidature, and potential for impactful research contributions. Here's a detailed overview of the application process

Nomination by Granting Institute

  • Eligible candidates are nominated by their respective granting institutes based on stringent criteria and candidature assessment.
  • Institutes may conduct internal interviews prior to nomination to ensure alignment with PMRF's objectives and eligibility requirements.

PhD Programme Selection

  • Candidates should have been selected for the PhD programme at the beginning of the current semester.
  • If selected earlier, candidates can only be considered under the lateral entry mode, emphasizing the program's focus on recent academic engagements.

Nomination and Evaluation

  • Nomination by the granting institute does not guarantee acceptance for PMRF. An expert panel conducts a thorough evaluation of nominated scholars, considering academic background, research experience, publications, and potential for research impact.

Application Submission via PMRF Portal

  • Upon receiving nomination, candidates receive a link to the PMRF portal to submit their applications.
  • Required documents include academic transcripts, research experience/internship details, CV, research proposal/statement of purpose, list of publications, and recommenders' details for strong letters of recommendation.

Direct and Lateral Entry Application Details

  • Details of documents uploaded by Direct and Lateral Entry Fellows are communicated along with the portal login details post-nomination.

As candidates work on their PhD journey, it's crucial to highlight the support services provided by Dissertation India. Our expertise in creating compelling research proposals and statements of purpose can be invaluable for nominated candidates. We offer personalized guidance and assistance to ensure that candidates' applications stand out and effectively convey their research aspirations, experiences, and potential contributions to the field. Our services extend beyond application support to encompass comprehensive thesis/dissertation assistance, manuscript writing, editing, and publication support, enabling scholars to excel in their PhD endeavors.

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