Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members: Eligibility, ₹10 Lakh Financial Assistance and How to Apply

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members to encourage quality research among regularly appointed teachers working in higher education institutions across India. The scheme, listed on the Government of India's myScheme portal, offers eligible faculty members financial support to pursue research projects in their areas of expertise while continuing their academic responsibilities.

The grant aims to strengthen India's research ecosystem by supporting experienced faculty members with funding for research-related activities, equipment, fieldwork, and academic travel within India.

What is the Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members?

The Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members is a UGC initiative under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, designed to provide financial assistance to regularly appointed faculty members of eligible universities and institutions.

The grant enables faculty members to undertake research projects that contribute to academic knowledge and innovation in their respective disciplines.

Scheme Highlights

Particular	Details
Scheme Name	Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members
Implementing Agency	University Grants Commission (UGC)
Ministry	Ministry of Education
Financial Assistance	₹10 lakh
Tenure	2 years
Number of Slots	200 (or as decided by UGC)
Target Group	Regularly appointed faculty members
Official Portal	myScheme / UGC

Objectives of the Scheme

The programme aims to:

• Promote high-quality academic research.

• Encourage faculty members to undertake innovative research projects.

• Improve research output in Indian higher education institutions.

• Strengthen the country's research and innovation ecosystem.

• Support researchers with financial resources for project implementation.

Financial Assistance

Selected applicants receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh for approved research projects.

The grant may be used for:

• Minor research equipment

• Laboratory consumables

• Fieldwork expenses

• Domestic travel for research

• Contingency expenses

• Other approved research-related requirements

The grant cannot be used for:

• International travel

• Purchase of furniture

• Appointment of project assistants or research fellows using the grant amount.

Tenure

• Duration: 2 years

• Slots: 200, or as decided by the University Grants Commission.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be a regularly appointed faculty member.

• Be working in one of the following institutions:

  1. Universities under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 with valid NAAC accreditation.

  2. Deemed-to-be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act with valid NAAC accreditation.

  3. Institutions fully funded by the Central or State Government and empowered to award degrees.

  4. Institutions of National Importance.

• Be 50 years of age or below.

• Have at least 10 years of service remaining before retirement.

• Have successfully supervised five full-time Ph.D. scholars.

• Have completed at least two sponsored research projects funded by national or international government or private agencies.

Documents Required

Applicants may be asked to submit:

1. Aadhaar Card or valid identity proof

2. Employment certificate

3. Educational qualification certificates

4. Research proposal

5. Details of completed research projects

6. Ph.D. supervision details

7. Bank account details

8. Institution-related documents, if required.

How to Apply

Eligible faculty members can apply through the official UGC or myScheme portal by following these steps:

1. Visit the official myScheme or UGC Research Awards portal.

2. Open the Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members page.

3. Read the eligibility guidelines carefully.

4. Prepare the required research proposal and supporting documents.

5. Complete the online application form.

6. Upload all required documents.

7. Submit the application before the prescribed deadline.

8. Save the acknowledgement for future reference.

Research funding is essential for improving the quality of higher education and promoting innovation. By offering dedicated financial support to experienced faculty members, the Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members enables researchers to undertake meaningful projects that can contribute to scientific advancement, policy development, technology, and societal progress.

The initiative also aligns with the Government of India's broader objective of strengthening research capabilities in universities and higher education institutions.

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Editorial Note

The eligibility criteria, application schedule, number of slots, and funding provisions may be revised by the University Grants Commission from time to time. Applicants should refer to the latest guidelines available on the official UGC and myScheme portals before submitting an application.