If you are planning to pursue a PhD degree, then the most common problem you may face is finance. But don’t worry, the Indian government and many research Institutions offer PhD stipends to help scholars cover living expenses during their research period.
In this blog, we are going to cover everything you need to know about the PhD stipend in India, including monthly payouts, types of fellowships, eligibility criteria, and available scholarships.
Short Summary
PhD Stipend in India is based on the type of fellowship. Students who have qualified UGC-NET, CSIR-NET or are enrolled in any funded research project are eligible to get a monthly stipend of INR 8,000 to 70,000. Some top fellowships include JRF, SRF, and PMRF, which help students to cover the study cost, living cost and many other costs while pursuing doctoral research.
What Is PhD Stipend?
A PhD stipend is a money given to a PhD students to help them cover their living cost while they study. Universities, research institutions, or government agencies usually provide this support to attract and help talented students with their research.
In return, PhD students can work as research or teaching assistants and supporting their department’s academic and research work.
PhD Stipend in India per Month (2025)
PhD stipends in India can be different depending on the fellowship and the institution. As of January 1, 2023, the monthly stipends for PhD students are:
| Stipend Type | Monthly Stipend |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | INR 37,000 |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | INR 42,000 |
| Research Associate I | INR 58,000 |
| Research Associate II | INR 61,000 |
| Research Associate III | INR 63,000 |
| Non-NET Fellowship | INR 8,000 |
Types of PhD Stipends in India
- Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA): This stipend is given to a PhD students who help teach undergraduate courses or assist professors with their teaching duties. It’s a way for students to earn money while gaining teaching experience.
- Research Assistantship (RA): This stipend is provided to PhD students who help faculty members with their research projects. This research is related to the student’s own thesis. It’s a great way for students to earn money and get valuable research experience.
- Stipend via Studentship: This type of financial support is given to PhD students based on their academic merit or financial needs. It can be funded by universities, the government, or private organizations. It helps students cover their living expenses and focus on their studies without financial worries.
How to Get a PhD Stipend in India: Selection Process
- Application Submission: Candidates can apply for the PhD stipend program, either online or offline, and submit their required documents.
- Screening and Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed, and candidates are shortlisted based on their eligibility and the quality of their research proposal.
- Written Test or Entrance Exam: Some programs require candidates to take a test or exam to evaluate their knowledge and research skills.
- Interview or Presentation: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview or a presentation to discuss their research proposal and to demonstrate their communication skills.
- Verification of Documents: The documents of the selected candidates are verified to ensure their eligibility and authenticity.
- Final Selection: The final selection is made based on the candidates’ performance in the written test, interview, and the assessment of their research proposal.
- Award of Stipend: The selected candidates also receive the PhD stipend, which is usually paid on a weekly or monthly basis.
PhD Graduate Salary In India
| Position | Salary Range |
| Assistant Professor | INR 8 to 15 lakhs |
| Research Scientist | INR 6 to 12 lakhs |
| R&D | INR 8 to 18 lakhs |
| Consulting | INR 10 to 20 lakhs |
| Data Science | INR 12 to 25 lakhs |
| Scientist | INR 10 to 20 lakhs |
| Technical Officer | INR 8 to 15 lakhs |
| Manager | INR 12 to 25 lakhs |
| Senior Manager | INR 18 to 35 lakhs |
Salary Source Glassdoor
Stipend vs Salary : What’s the Difference?
Stipend: A stipend is a fixed amount of money given to students, interns, or trainees to cover living expenses while they are learning or doing research. It is not considered a salary because it is more like financial support rather than a payment for work.
Salary: A salary is a regular payment given to employees for the work they do. It is usually based on an employment contract and includes benefits like health insurance, retirement, plan, etc.
Scholarships for PhD Students in India
| PhD Scholarship | Institution |
| Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) | MHRD, Government of India |
| CSIR-UGC JRF Fellowship | Government of India |
| DBT-JRF Fellowship | Government of India |
| FITM – AYUSH Research Fellowships Scheme | Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) and the Ministry of Ayush |
| SAARC Agricultural PhD Scholarships | SAAR Agricultural Centre |
| Swami Vivekananda Single Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science | UGC |
What is NFOBC? National Fellowship for OBC
The National Fellowship for OBC is a program started by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It provides financial assistance to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC). This program helps OBC students who are pursuing higher studies like M.Phil. And Ph.D. by giving them money to support their education and living expenses.
This makes it easier for them to focus on their studies. This facility is only available for OBC candidates. You can only apply for this fellowship if you apply for the UGC-NET exam under the OBC category.
The NFOBC is a scholarship for top students, offering 300 slots each year, candidates are shortlisted through a special cut-off for OBC candidates and every candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their UGC or CSIR-NET score.
It provides almost similar stipend as a JRF candidates gets along with extra money for rent. This support lasts up to five years or until the Ph.D. thesis is finished, whichever happens first.
The main objective of the NFOCB scheme are:
- To provide financial assistance to OBC students pursuing higher studies: The NFOBC scheme offers money to OBC students for their education. This helps cover tuition fees, books, and living costs, making it easier for them to focus on their studies without worrying about expenses.
- To enhance the representation of OBC students in higher education: This scheme aims to increase the number of OBC students in colleges and universities. By offering financial support, it encourages more students from this community to pursue higher education, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- To promote academic excellence among OBC students: By providing financial aid, the scheme helps OBC students concentrate better on their studies. This allows them to achieve high academic standards and compete fairly with their peers, fostering a culture of merit and hard work.
Eligibility criteria to get NFOBC
- Candidate must belong to OBC category.
- Candidates must have qualified UGC-NET exam.
- The age must not exceed 35 years.
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Last Words
PhD stipends in India are very helpful. They support students by covering their living costs, tuition fees, and research expenses. This financial help allow student to focus on their studies and gain valuable knowledge without worrying about money. To sum it up, PhD stipends offer great benefits and make the learning journey smoother and manageable.
FAQ
Q1. Who is eligible for a PhD stipend in India?
Ans. Candidates who have passed the UGC-NET entrance exam or have been selected for a research project funded by a government agency or institution.
Q2. How to apply for a PhD stipend in India?
Ans. Apply through UGC-NET or respond to institutional research project calls.
Q3. Are there any other benefits available with a PhD stipend?
Ans. Yes, some funding agencies provide additional benefits, such as health insurance, travel grants, or contingency grants.
Q4. Under what circumstances can a PhD stipend be terminated?
Ans. Yes, if the candidate fails to show academic progress or discontinues the program.
Q5. What are the qualifications required for a PhD stipend?
Ans. typically, a master’s degree in the relevant field with a minimum of 55% marks.
