Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) for human resource capacity building for industrial R&D has been recognised as one of the main deliverables by a Sub-committee of Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry. One of the key recommendations that emerged from the Private Sector is to design, develop and implement a Doctoral Research Scheme under PPP for enhancing trust level in academia, research outfits and industry.

A special scheme for 100 'Doctoral Research Fellowships' every year was announced during the Inception Ceremony of the Indian Science Congress Association, in June 2012 in Kolkata. Vide Prime Minister’s Office ID No–3646245/2012-ES-II dated 2 November 2012; the Prime Minister’s Office approved the proposal of naming the ‘SERB-CII Doctoral Fellowship Scheme’ as Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research. Subsequently, the Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research was formally launched at the ‘AICTE-CII University- Industry Congress & 4th Global Higher Education Summit’ held in New Delhi.

Organisers

The Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research is a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The ANRF was established through an act of Act of Parliament: ANRF Act, 2023, Government of India subsuming the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to provide high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across various scientific disciplines.

About

This scheme is aimed at encouraging young, talented, enthusiastic, and result-oriented scholars to take up industry-relevant research. Under this scheme, full-time PhD scholars receive double the amount they would otherwise get for conducting research. The average government fellowship in India at any academic or research institute is approximately ₹25,000 per month, including house rent allowance (HRA). Under the Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research, scholars receive double the JRF/SRF as a scholarship, which is approximately ₹1,00,000 per month. While one-half of this scholarship comes from the government, the second half is contributed by a partner company, which also collaborates closely with the candidate on the research project. The first batch commenced in 2013. Since September 2014, the scheme has been open-ended, allowing aspirants to apply anytime within 14 months from their PhD registration.

Fellowships have been conferred to more than 350 PM Fellows since 2012 with more than 130 institutes and 300 companies coming together to support the scheme. It is envisaged that this scheme would eventually attract a large number of talented students into pursuing PhD and on changing industry’s mind-set in investing in R&D and recruiting more PhDs.

Apex Council

The Apex Council is the highest decision-making body of this scheme. The council has representation from both industry and academia. The Apex Council vets the proposals received under the scheme and gives its recommendations on the candidates to be supported under the scheme.

Fellowship - Framework

• Up to 100 new Fellowships are provided every year
• 50% of the scholarship comes from ANRF [being equivalent to the prevailing Government norms for Junior Research Fellow Senior Research Fellow (inclusive of HRA)], which can be revised as per the JRF/SRF norms from time to time
• The remaining 50% (matching equivalent of ANRF component) comes from the partner company
• Duration of the Fellowship is four years
• If selected to receive the Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research, the candidate ceases to receive any other scholarship/salary from any other organisation, which he/she may be receiving at the time of enrolling into the scheme