🌟 Introduction
The Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research 2025 is one of India’s most prestigious initiatives launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
The scheme has been designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial innovation by supporting bright PhD scholars who wish to work on real-world industry-relevant projects. 💡
Implemented jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), this fellowship aims to transform India’s R&D landscape by encouraging collaborations between industry and academia.
🎯 Aim of the Prime Minister’s Fellowship
The main purpose of this fellowship is to inspire and support young PhD researchers in India to take up industrially significant research.
Objectives include:
✅ Encouraging innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine.
✅ Strengthening the industry-academia partnership for advanced research.
✅ Creating a research ecosystem that drives economic and technological development.
✅ Supporting cutting-edge, industry-relevant projects that can lead to patents, licenses, and new products.
💬 This fellowship not only provides financial support but also connects scholars with leading industries and mentors who help shape their research into practical applications.
🌐 Implementing Agencies
The scheme is jointly implemented by two premier industry bodies in India:
- Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Both organizations work on behalf of SERB to coordinate, monitor, and manage the fellowship program effectively.
🧑🔬 Key Features of the Fellowship
This fellowship stands apart due to its unique structure and generous benefits. Let’s explore the key highlights 👇
✨ 1. Dual Funding Support
Each selected PhD scholar receives double the standard JRF/SRF amount as their monthly scholarship.
- 50% of the amount is funded by the Government of India (SERB).
- The remaining 50% is funded by the partner industry supporting the project.
🧭 2. Duration of Fellowship
- The fellowship awarded for a maximum of four (4) years.
- Scholars receive support for the entire duration of their PhD, subject to satisfactory progress.
🤝 3. Mentorship & Guidance
- Fellows receive mentorship from both academic and industry experts.
- Annual review meetings and regular mentorship sessions are conducted to ensure high-quality outcomes.
🌍 4. Exposure & Opportunities
- Scholars gain national and international exposure through seminars, industrial visits, and collaboration opportunities.
- Selected candidates often collaborate with R&D departments of reputed industries.
💰 Benefits of the Prime Minister’s Fellowship
The fellowship offers a number of advantages that make it one of the most sought-after PhD supports in India.
🎓 Key Benefits Include:
- 💵 Double Scholarship: Scholars receive twice the JRF/SRF amount, jointly funded by SERB and an industry partner.
- 🧑🏫 Industry Collaboration: Opportunity to work directly with a company to make research more practical and commercially viable.
- 🌐 Mentorship: Regular interaction with industry professionals and academic guides.
- 🧾 Recognition: Being selected as a Prime Minister’s Fellow adds strong credibility to your research career.
- 💡 Innovation Push: Encourages researchers to develop solutions that can benefit society and industry alike.
🧩 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet all the requirements 👇
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Academic Qualification | Enrolled as a full-time PhD scholar in a recognized Indian university/institute/research laboratory |
| PhD Registration Date | Should not be more than 14 months old from the date of application submission |
| Industry Partner | Must have a valid industry partner willing to provide financial and technical support |
| Research Topic | Must be innovative, industry-relevant, and have commercial application |
| Other Fellowships | The applicant must not draw any other fellowship after selection |
| Work Requirement | The fellow should be willing to work with or within the supporting company when required |
💡 Tip: Choose your industry partner wisely — collaboration quality plays a major role in selection!
📘 Research Areas Covered
The fellowship supports research in the following broad domains:
🔬 Science – Fundamental and applied sciences
⚙️ Technology – Industrial, IT, and emerging technologies
🏗️ Engineering – Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and allied fields
🌾 Agriculture – Innovative methods for sustainable farming and agri-tech
🩺 Medicine – Healthcare innovation, biotech, and pharmaceuticals
🧠 Selection Parameters
The evaluation process focuses on the innovation, impact, and potential of the research proposal.
Selection Criteria:
✅ The project must be innovative and scientifically sound.
✅ It should have high commercialization potential.
✅ Both academic guide and industry mentor must have strong track records.
✅ The project should demonstrate clear industry relevance and measurable outcomes.
🖥️ Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research 2025 is an entirely online process. Let’s see how to apply 👇
📝 Step 1: Register Online
Visit the official website and register as a student:
👉 www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in or www.serbficci-iirrada.in
📂 Step 2: Prepare Application Form
Download and read the Call for Proposal and Document Checklist carefully. Prepare your application as per the given format.
🤝 Step 3: Partner with a Company
Tie up with a valid industry partner. Get the required undertakings signed by the authorized signatories of both your institute and the company.
📑 Step 4: Gather Documents
Collect and scan all the necessary documents (see list below) before filling the online form.
💻 Step 5: Fill and Submit Online
Fill the application form online — note that it cannot be downloaded, so ensure a stable internet connection while filling.
After submitting, you don’t need to send any physical copies to CII or FICCI.
📎 Documents Required
Make sure to keep these documents ready while applying 📄
- 📸 Recent Passport Size Photograph
- 🎓 PhD Enrolment & Registration Certificate
- 🏫 Academic Certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation & Post-Graduation)
- 📚 Other Degree/Diploma Certificates (if any)
- 🏛️ Profile of the Host Institute
- 👨🏫 Bio-data of PhD Supervisor (max 3 pages)
- 🏢 Profile of Partner Company with Logo
- 👩💼 Bio-data of Industry Mentor (max 3 pages)
- ✍️ Undertaking from Research Supervisor and Institute Head
- 🤝 Undertaking from Industry Partner
- 🧾 Letter from the Industry Partner on company letterhead explaining the research problem
- 📖 Research Synopsis
- 🧬 List of Publications (if applicable)
- 📁 Any other relevant document
💬 Make sure all scanned copies are clear, legible, and in the required format before uploading.
📅 Duration of Fellowship
⏳ The fellowship duration is up to 4 years.
It aligns with the candidate’s PhD program, and funding continues as long as satisfactory progress is shown in annual reviews.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🤔 What is the Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research?
It is a joint initiative by SERB, DST, and industry bodies like FICCI/CII to promote industry-linked PhD research in India.
🎯 What is the aim of this scheme?
To encourage young researchers to pursue industrially relevant PhD projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine.
🏢 Who implements this scheme?
The scheme is implemented by CII and FICCI on behalf of SERB.
🧑💻 Who can apply?
Any Indian citizen enrolled as a full-time PhD scholar in a recognized Indian institute within 14 months of registration can apply.
💡 How much is the fellowship amount?
The fellow receives double the JRF/SRF amount, equally funded by SERB and the industry partner.
📍 What is the official website for application?
You can apply online at 👉 www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in.
🔗 Related Schemes You May Like
To explore other research and education schemes, visit:
- Pune MHADA Lottery 2025
- Pragati Scholarship Scheme 2025 for Girl Students (Technical Degree)
- Udyogini Scheme: Empowering Women
These programs also support India’s young researchers and innovators.
🏁 Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research 2025 is a golden opportunity 🌟 for aspiring PhD scholars who wish to transform their research into real-world impact.
It combines academic excellence with industrial innovation, providing both financial aid and practical exposure.
If you are a passionate researcher with a strong idea and an industry partner ready to collaborate — this fellowship is your gateway to success! 🚀
📢 Stay Updated
For the latest updates on research fellowships, scholarships, and government schemes, keep visiting 👉 mygovscheme.com
👉Visit MyGovScheme Youtube Channel.
