NCERT Doctoral Fellowship 2025: Eligibility, Stipend & Apply Online

NCERT Doctoral Fellowship 2025: Eligibility, Stipend & Application Guide

For PhD aspirants and research scholars in India, aligning your work with national priorities is the key to securing prestigious funding. The NCERT Doctoral Fellowship 2025 stands as one of the most coveted opportunities for researchers in the field of education.

Established by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), this fellowship is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and policy formulation. With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the council is actively seeking young scholars to contribute to India's "knowledge base" in schooling and teacher education.

Whether you are looking for an Education research fellowship in India or specifically targeting the NCERT PhD scholarship, this guide covers every detail you need to know—from the increased stipend amounts to the critical concept paper requirements.

What is the NCERT Doctoral Fellowship?

The NCERT Doctoral Fellowship is a merit-based financial support system for full-time PhD students enrolled in recognized Indian universities. Its primary objective is to build a pool of researchers who can provide empirical evidence to improve school education, teacher training, and curriculum development.

Unlike general scholarships, this fellowship is highly specific. It targets research that directly aids NCERT's mission. Selected fellows may also get the chance to work with NCERT’s constituent units, including the Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, and Shillong.

NCERT Fellowship Eligibility Criteria (2025)

To successfully apply, candidates must meet stringent academic and age-related norms. Based on the official 2025 guidelines, here is the checklist:

• Academic Excellence: You must possess a good academic record with at least 60% marks at both the Graduate (Bachelor's) and Post-Graduate (Master's) levels.
• PhD Registration Status: Candidates must be registered for a PhD degree in a recognized university OR be working towards their registration.
  Note: The fellowship only commences after confirmed PhD registration.
• Age Limit: The maximum age limit is 35 years as of the last date of receipt of applications.
  • Relaxation is provided for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.
• Research Methodology Course (Crucial): Applicants must have either completed a pre-doctoral Research Methodology Course (RMC) approved by the UGC or be currently enrolled/selected for one.

Pro Tip: 4 out of the 10 available fellowships are reserved for candidates associated with the Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs). If you are an alumni or associated with an RIE, ensure you highlight this in your application.

Financial Benefits: Stipend and Contingency

The NCERT PhD scholarship offers competitive financial support, comparable to UGC-JRF levels, to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their research. The fellowship is tenable for a maximum of three years.

Candidate Category	Monthly Fellowship Amount	Annual Contingency Grant
NET Qualified	₹37,000 per month	₹10,000 per annum
Non-NET Qualified	₹35,000 per month	₹10,000 per annum

Note: The contingency grant covers actual expenditure incurred for research-related activities such as fieldwork, data collection, and purchase of books/stationery.

Priority Areas for Research (NEP 2020 Aligned)

To rank high in the selection process, your research proposal must align with NCERT's priority areas. For 2025, the focus is heavily influenced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Key themes include:

• Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN): Approaches to reading, writing, and numeracy; implementation of NIPUN Bharat.
• Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): Toy-based pedagogy, Anganwadi integration, and teacher training for ECCE.
• Curriculum and Pedagogy: Studies on the new 5+3+3+4 structure, experiential learning, and holistic assessment.
• Inclusive Education: Education of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), including transgender children and children with disabilities (Divyang).
• Teacher Education: National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST), multidisciplinary teacher education, and DIET/SCERT functioning.
• ICT in Education: Use of disruptive technologies, AI in education, and e-content development.

Selection Process: From Concept to Interview

The selection is rigorous and multi-staged. It is not just about marks; it is about the "potential contribution" of your study.

1. Initial Screening: Applications are screened based on academic merit, eligibility compliance, and the relevance of the research topic.
2. Concept Paper Evaluation: This is the most critical document. You must submit a concept paper (approx. 1500 words) detailing the rationale, objectives, methodology, and potential contribution of the study.
3. Interview-cum-Presentation: Shortlisted candidates are invited to present their proposals before an Expert Committee.
   Logistics: SC/ST candidates are reimbursed second-class sleeper train fare for attending this interview.

How to Apply for NCERT Doctoral Fellowship

The application process is a hybrid model involving both online and offline steps.

• Step 1: Online Application: Visit the official NCERT website (www.ncert.nic.in) and fill out the prescribed format.
• Step 2: Prepare Documents:
  • Attested copies of Mark Sheets (UG & PG).
  • Proof of PhD Registration.
  • Concept Paper (1500 words).
  • CV of the Research Supervisor (highlighting their work in the last 5 years).
• Step 3: Hard Copy Submission: Send the completed application with all attachments to:
  The Head, Division of Educational Research (DER),
  NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi - 110016.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Based on standard NCERT norms and recent guidelines.

Q1: Can I apply if I haven't registered for my PhD yet?

Yes, candidates who are "working towards their PhD registration" are eligible to apply. However, there is a catch: the fellowship funds will not be released until you provide proof of confirmed registration and completion of the pre-doctoral Research Methodology Course. You secure the offer first, but the payouts start only after registration.

Q2: Is qualifying for NET mandatory for the NCERT Fellowship?

No, NET is not mandatory for eligibility, but it does impact your stipend. NET-qualified candidates receive a higher stipend of ₹37,000/month, while non-NET candidates receive ₹35,000/month. Both categories are eligible to apply provided they meet the 60% marks criteria.

Q3: What are the service obligations during the fellowship?

This is a unique feature of the NCERT fellowship. Fellows are required to contribute 30 days per year to NCERT or RIE programs. This could involve teaching, field research, or textbook development. NCERT covers the travel (III AC) and accommodation costs for this mandatory service period.

Q4: Can I engage in part-time teaching or a job while holding this fellowship?

Strictly No. The guidelines explicitly state that NCERT Doctoral Fellows cannot accept any other remunerative assignment, including part-time teaching, temporary jobs, or other scholarships, during the fellowship tenure. It is a full-time commitment.

Q5: What happens if my research topic does not fall under the "Priority Areas"?

While you technically can apply with other education-related topics, the official notification explicitly states that "Research Proposals related to these priority areas will receive priority." Given the competitive nature (often limited to 10 slots), aligning your topic with themes like FLN, ECCE, or Inclusive Education significantly boosts your chances.

Ready to Accelerate Your Research Career?

Securing the NCERT Doctoral Fellowship is just the first step. For comprehensive guidance on PhD admissions, research methodology tips, and updates on other prestigious fellowships like ICSSR and UGC-JRF, join our community.

Visit SuccessCurve.in Blog