Tamil Nadu opens research fellowships to study rare archival documents with Rs 50,000 monthly stipend

The Tamil Nadu Council of Historical Research has invited applications from researchers for its one-year fellowship programme to study rare archival documents. Candidates can apply through the official website, research.tngasa.org, before November 28. Selected fellows will be provided with a monthly grant of Rs 50,000 for one year.

The council will offer a maximum of 20 fellowships each year. Candidates with a master's degree are eligible to apply for the Tamil Nadu research fellowship. However, the council may consider additional qualifications, such as published research papers, books or articles, if required for a particular subject.

There is no age limit to apply, but preference will be given to researchers under 50 years of age.

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Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan said that the Tamil Nadu Archives, formerly known as the “Madras Record Office,” preserves government records spanning three centuries and has been functioning in its present building since 1909.

As announced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, following the Chief Minister’s directive, the state will support 10 to 15 research projects every year. Accordingly, the Tamil Nadu Historical Research has been revived, and research grants have already been awarded to 20 scholars to support historical research, he said.

Tamil Nadu Research Fellowship 2025: Selection process

The selection will be based on the evaluation of the applicants' project proposals. Based on the written proposal, the council will first determine whether the researcher has a clear understanding of the issue they wish to study.

The council will also assess the new questions raised by the applicants. The final selection will take into account their educational qualification, research and work experience.

Candidates may submit a fellowship application directly to the Council or through their institution, using the prescribed form and including a detailed research proposal (PDF) of at least 2,000 words. Working applicants are required to take at least one month of leave during the fellowship period.