The University Grants Commission has introduced the DS Kothari Fellowship 2025 which is launched for students interested in research. It is being offered to meritorious students so that basic research knowledge can be provided and later they may get job easily. Through this fellowship, support will be given to improve their academic background. The application form can be filled by students who meet the required conditions. It is available on the official website for all. No complex process is there, forms can be submitted easily. Research opportunity is being provided so student can grow and selection will be done based on eligibility. This step is taken to guide students towards better future.
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About Dr DS Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship is offered to young researchers who have got their Ph.D. degree or submitted the thesis and are mostly below 35 years. It is meant for full-time research work so academic careers can be continued without breaks. The fellowship was created with the aim that scholars may sharpen skills and improve their research knowledge. Research culture in India is tried to be promoted through this scheme. Around 500 candidates are selected and they are given Rs. 46500 per month. The support will be continued for three years and selection is done throughout the year so more scholars can apply anytime. It helps in building academic future and gives proper direction.
Also Read:- DK Bhave Scholarship 2025
Key Highlights of DS Kothari Fellowship 2025
| Name of the Fellowship | DS Kothari Fellowship 2025 |
| Launched By | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Objective | To promote research culture in India |
| Year Started | Fellowship for academic year 2025 |
| Type | Postdoctoral research fellowship |
| Eligible Candidates | Ph.D. awarded and unemployed |
| Age Limit | 35 years, some relaxation allowed |
| Application Mode | Online through official portal |
| Application Timeline | Open all year, no deadline |
| Duration | Fixed for three years only |
| Monthly Fellowship | Rs. 43,800 to Rs. 46,500 |
| Contingency Amount | Rs. 1,00,000 per year |
| Total Awards Per Year | Up to 500 can be selected |
| Selection Timeline | Completed within 6 weeks of applying |
| Official Website | https://www.ugc.gov.in/ |
Objective of DS Kothari Fellowship
The objective of DS Kothari Fellowship is:
- To provide support to young researchers so their work can be carried without much trouble.
- To help them continue academic journey which otherwise may be stopped.
- To promote research environment in the country where it is still growing.
- To let scholars improve their knowledge and develop deeper understanding in subject.
- To create proper platform so that research careers can be built slowly.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the DS Kothari Fellowship are as follows:
- Candidate should hold a doctorate degree in related subject with some research work published.
- Only those who got Ph.D. and are unemployed will be considered for this.
- Age must not be more than 35 years at time of applying.
- Few years of age relaxation is given to SC, ST, OBC and women as per rules.
Fellowship Amount
The financial support under DS Kothari Fellowship follows as:
| Year | Fellowship Amount (per month) | Contingency Grant (per year) |
| 1st Year | Rs. 43,800 | Rs. 1,00,000 |
| 2nd Year | Rs. 45,000 | Rs. 1,00,000 |
| 3rd Year | Rs. 46,500 | Rs. 1,00,000 |
Note: The duration of this fellowship is fixed for three years, and no extension is allowed after that.
Important Dates
- Applications for the DS Kothari Fellowship can be submitted at any time during the year.
Benefits of DS Kothari Fellowship
The benefits of the DS Kothari Fellowship are as follows:
- Financial support is provided, allowing researchers to focus more on their work without worrying about funds.
- Research careers are continued with less stress, as financial burdens are lifted.
- Skills are improved and deeper knowledge is gained, helping scholars grow in their field.
- The research culture in India is encouraged, more opportunities are given to young researchers.
- Fellows are able to dedicate full attention to their work, and distractions are minimized.
Salient Features
The salient features of the DS Kothari Fellowship includes:
- The fellowship is available all year round, applications are always open.
- The scheme is aimed mainly at young researchers with a Ph.D. degree.
- Financial assistance is provided monthly, with a fixed increase each year.
- Contingency grants are provided annually, so funds can be used for research needs.
- The fellowship supports full-time research, with no need for other employment.
Selection Process
The selection process for the DS Kothari Fellowship includes these steps:
- The selection process is open all year round, with no specific deadlines, as thesis submission and Ph.D. award are ongoing.
- A rolling advertisement is posted on the UGC website, and other institutions are encouraged to replicate it.
- Applications are submitted online via the designated website (http://ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in/).
- A peer group grades the applications electronically, and based on these grades, the Chair makes the final decision.
- Emphasis is placed on the candidate’s Ph.D. accomplishments and the mentor’s professional standing and institution.
- Candidates are encouraged to explore other institutions and new research areas.
- The selection process is completed within 6 weeks of receiving an application.
- Up to 500 awards are given annually, with a potential peak of 1000 awards.
Required Documents
The documents required for the DS Kothari Fellowship are as follows:
- Ph.D. degree certificate or proof of submission of the thesis.
- Detailed CV including academic and professional accomplishments.
- Research proposal outlining the post-doctoral research plan.
- Recommendation letter from the proposed mentor and institution.
- Any relevant published research work or papers.
Application Process for DS Kothari Fellowship 2025
To Apply for DS Kothari Fellowship 2025, please follow the below mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of University Grants Commission.
Step 2: On homepage click on Web portal for Fellowship/Scholarship Legacy Cases option.
Step 3: On another page click on SCHOLAR’S CORNER option, you will be directed to another page.
Step 4: If you are a new user, click on REGISTRATION option to register yourself; and fill out the registration form.
Step 5: The login to the portal by clicking on LOGIN option to proceed with the application form.
Step 6: Now search for DS Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowship and click on Apply Now option.
Step 7: Application form will appear on your screen; you have to fill out the application form.
Step 8: Attach the relevant documents as required in the application form.
Step 9: Send the application form to the below mentioned address:
University Grants Commission (UGC)
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
New Delhi – 110002
Contact Details
Address:
University Grants Commission (UGC)
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
New Delhi – 110002.
Phone:
011-23604446,
011-23604200
Email:
contact[dot]ugc[at]atnic[dot]in
FAQs
Who can apply for the DS Kothari Fellowship?
Ph.D. awarded or thesis-submitted unemployed candidates below 35 years can apply, with relaxation in age for SC, ST, OBC, and women as per norms.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is awarded for a fixed period of three years, and there is no provision for extension beyond this duration under any circumstances.
How much monthly amount is provided to fellows?
The fellows receive Rs. 43,800 in the first year, Rs. 45,000 in the second year, and Rs. 46,500 in the third year as monthly fellowship.
Is there any contingency grant under this scheme?
Yes, a contingency amount of Rs. 1,00,000 is provided every year to cover research-related expenses during the fellowship period.
Can applications be submitted anytime?
Yes, the application process remains open throughout the year, and there is no fixed last date for submission due to the rolling nature of selection.