MahaJyoti PhD Research Fellowship
A monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 (JRF) / ₹42,000 (SRF) for OBC, VJNT, and SBC category scholars pursuing full-time PhD research in Maharashtra, implemented by MAHAJYOTI.
About this scheme
The MahaJyoti PhD Research Fellowship is a prestigious program implemented by the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research & Training Institute (MAHAJYOTI), Government of Maharashtra, to support full-time PhD research for scholars belonging to OBC (Other Backward Classes), VJNT (Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes), and SBC (Special Backward Category) in Maharashtra. The scheme promotes higher education and research among these communities by providing comprehensive financial assistance including a monthly fellowship and annual contingency grant. Fellows receive Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for the first two years and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for the remaining duration of the PhD programme. The scheme covers all disciplines of study at recognised universities and research institutions in Maharashtra.
Eligibility
- Domicile: Must be a permanent resident (domicile) of Maharashtra
- Caste category: Must belong to OBC, VJNT, or SBC category with valid caste and caste validity certificates
- Non-Creamy Layer: Must fall under the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) group
- Academic qualification: Must hold a postgraduate degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) from a recognised university
- PhD registration: Must be registered for a full-time PhD programme at a recognised Indian university or research institution
- Age limit: Maximum age limit is 45 years at the time of application (relaxation applicable as per government norms)
- No other fellowship: Must not be receiving any other fellowship or scholarship (e.g., UGC-NET JRF, CSIR, etc.) for the same PhD programme
- Mode of study: Only full-time PhD programmes are eligible. Distance education or part-time PhD is not eligible
Benefits
- ₹37,000 per month (JRF — 1st & 2nd year) as fellowship amount
- ₹42,000 per month (SRF — 3rd, 4th & 5th year) as fellowship amount
- ₹10,000 per annum (JRF) contingency grant for Humanities & Social Sciences
- ₹12,000 per annum (JRF) contingency grant for Sciences
- ₹20,500 per annum (SRF) contingency grant for Humanities & Social Sciences
- ₹25,000 per annum (SRF) contingency grant for Sciences
- Tenure of up to 5 years (JRF for 2 years + SRF for 3 years, subject to annual progress review)
- Fellowship released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account
Required documents
- Caste certificate (OBC / VJNT / SBC)
- Caste validity certificate
- Domicile certificate of Maharashtra
- Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate
- Postgraduate mark sheets and degree certificate
- PhD registration / admission certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Detailed research proposal
- Aadhaar-linked bank passbook / cancelled cheque
- Passport-size photograph
- Age proof certificate
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