ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies

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ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) awards a number of Senior Research Fellowships (SRF) for Ph.D. programs in Agricultural Universities (AU) across various disciplines in agriculture and allied sciences. This initiative aims to inspire and support talented students pursuing advanced agricultural education.

ICAR Support for Agricultural Research and Education

To address the evolving challenges in agricultural research and education, ICAR provides support through time-bound schemes and projects. These initiatives encompass provisions for engaging manpower on a time-bound or contractual basis, contingencies, and limited travel allowances. The guidelines outlined here supersede all previous ones and regulate aspects related to engagement, emoluments, and terms and conditions for Senior Research Fellows (SRF) and Research Associates working on ICAR schemes.

Benefits and Rates

The fellowship rates vary based on the discipline:

Veterinary Sciences: ₹12,000/- per month with a contingency grant of ₹6,000/- per annum.
All other disciplines: ₹8,640/- per month with a contingency grant of ₹6,000/- per annum.

Rates for higher studies are subject to the Council’s periodic prescriptions.

Eligibility Criteria

Master’s degree completion with a minimum of 55% marks or an OGPA of 5.5/10.00 or equivalent.
Relaxation of minimum percentage for SC/ST and Physically Handicapped (PH) candidates by 5 percent or equivalent OGPA.
Candidates appearing in the final semester are eligible if they complete their postgraduate degree by the examination date.
The fellowship is granted only when the candidate pursues a Ph.D. degree in an Agricultural University other than the one where the Master’s degree was obtained.
Upper age limit is 30 years as of the examination date; relaxations apply for SC/ST & PH categories (5 years) and OBC (3 years).
For in-service candidates of Agricultural Universities, the upper age limit is 45 years, with academic performance requirements remaining the same.
Reservation of various categories (SC/ST/OBC and PH) follows Government of India rules/instructions, verified by the concerned Agricultural University.
ICAR-SRF (PGS) is not available for admission in any university other than the specified Agricultural Universities.

Method of Award

ICAR-SRF (PGS) is awarded based on merit in the All India Competitive Entrance Examination. It includes concurrent admission to Master’s degree programs at various Agricultural Universities (AUs).

Application Process of ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies

The application process is online and involves the following steps:

Online Registration using a unique Email Id and Mobile Number.
Filling in necessary details like Personal, Contact, and Academic Qualifications.
Uploading required documents (photograph, signature, and thumb impression).
Payment of Application Fees.
Receiving a system-generated Application Number.
Sending the hard copy of the online application and proof of fee payment to the COE (Agril. Edn.) by post.

Application Correction

Candidates have a chance to correct mistakes in their applications through a correction window provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA). No further corrections are allowed after this window.

Documents Required

Candidate’s Photograph (file size: 10 kb – 200 kb)
Candidate’s Signature (file size: 4 kb – 30 kb)
Thumb impression (file size: 3 kb – 30 kb)
Government Identity Details like Aadhaar Number/Election Card (EPIC No.)/Passport number/Ration Card Number/Bank Account Number/PAN Number/Other valid Govt Ids.
Three identical copies of the latest passport-size colored photographs (with name and date)
Copy of payment of application fee (As proof)
Post-office receipt as postal dispatch proof of application.
Address for communication, Mobile Number, email id, etc.
Bank Account details for payment of Fee, for uploading as part of the submission of the online application.

Note: The Thumb Impression used for filling the Online Application Form for ICAR should be Left (for Males) and Right (for Females).

Conclusion

ICAR’s Senior Research Fellowships play a crucial role in encouraging talented students to pursue Ph.D. programs in agriculture. The comprehensive guidelines provided here ensure transparency and fairness in the awarding process, fostering excellence in agricultural research and education.

Priti Palit

Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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