Applications for Prime Minister's Research Fellows (PRMF) start from February 24

NEW DELHI, FEB 24: Applications to the Prime Minister's Research Fellows (PRMF) have started from February 24 and will be available till March 31, 2018. The scheme which was recently announced is open to students in Science, Engineering or Technology who have passed from IITs, NITs, IIITs which are centrally funded and IISERs or are in their final year. The application is online and fees are Rs 1000 to be paid online through net banking or credit/debit card via SBI Collect. The Ph.D admissions under the PMRF scheme will be supernumerary.

While applications have to be received by March 31, the shortlisting of candidates will be announced in May and interviews will be held from May 15 onwards. The results will be announced by June 1, 2018. Applicants will have to upload a recent photograph (not more than 6 months),marks sheets of the final semester, an abstract in their own handwriting in 1000 words, a recent CV along with the application form. The application form can be saved and edited till final submission by March 31.

Students who have completed, or are pursuing, their final year of four year undergraduate or five year integrated M.Tech or five year integrated M.Sc. or five year undergraduate-postgraduate dual degree programs in Science and Technology streams from IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs and centrally funded IIITs are eligible to apply. They should secure at least CGPA/CPI of 8.0 (in scale of 10.0). Candidates who have completed any of the above mentioned qualifying exams in the last five years are also eligible to apply.

The details of the broad disciplines have been mentioned in the website along with the details of the respective eighteen nodal institutes who will be responsible for the implementation of the scheme. The selection process will be a rigorous two stage process with screening by the Reviewers from the nodal institutes to shortlist the candidates. The shortlisted candidates have to appear for a written test or an interview. The final selection will be on the basis of the performance in the interview.

Applicants who avail admissions will earn a fellowship of Rs.70,000/- per month for the first two years, Rs.75,000/- per month for the 3rd year, and Rs.80,000/- per month in the 4th and 5th years. In addition, a research grant of Rs.2.00 lakh per year will be provided to each of the Fellows for a period of 5 years to cover their academic contingency expenses and for foreign/national travel expenses. It may be noted that all Fellowship holders will be reviewed rigorously every year and the continuation of the next year fellowship shall be contingent upon successful review. The tenure of fellowship will be four years for students from integrated courses and five years for B. Tech. students.