ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For PG Agricultural Sciences > Who Can Apply, Fellowship Value & Admission Process

ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences is an important national-level fellowship scheme offered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to promote advanced research in agriculture and allied sciences. The fellowship is aimed at encouraging meritorious postgraduate students to pursue Ph.D. programs in recognized Agricultural Universities across India. Through this initiative, ICAR strengthens the research ecosystem by supporting young scholars who contribute to innovation, sustainability, and productivity in the agricultural sector. The fellowship is awarded based on performance in the All India Competitive Entrance Examination conducted for ICAR-SRF (PGS). Selected candidates receive monthly financial assistance along with an annual contingency grant to support academic and research-related expenses.

Fellowship Amount and Financial Benefits

The fellowship provides a fixed monthly amount along with a contingency grant to cover research-related expenses such as books, stationery, fieldwork, and laboratory requirements.

Who Can Apply for ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences

Candidates applying for the fellowship must fulfill academic, age, and institutional eligibility conditions.

1. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent OGPA from a recognized university
2. SC, ST, and Physically Handicapped candidates are eligible for a 5% relaxation in minimum marks or equivalent OGPA
3. Candidates appearing in the final semester of their postgraduate program are eligible, subject to completion before the examination date
4. The fellowship is granted only if the candidate pursues a Ph.D. in an Agricultural University different from the one where the Master’s degree was completed
5. The maximum age limit is 30 years as on the date of examination
6. Age relaxation of 5 years is applicable for SC, ST, and PH candidates, while OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation
7. In-service candidates of Agricultural Universities can apply up to 45 years of age

Reservation benefits are provided as per Government of India norms, and verification of certificates is handled by the admitting university.

How the Fellowship Is Awarded

ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences is awarded strictly on merit through a national-level entrance examination. Selection is based on performance in the ICAR All India Competitive Entrance Examination for SRF (PGS). Successful candidates must secure admission to a Ph.D. program in approved Agricultural Universities, including State Agricultural Universities, ICAR Deemed Universities, and select Central Universities with agricultural faculties. The fellowship becomes effective only after confirmation of admission.

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Online Application Process

The application process for ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences is conducted entirely online through the official examination portal.

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1. Candidates complete online registration using a valid email ID and mobile number
2. Personal details, academic qualifications, and communication information are entered carefully
3. Scanned copies of photograph, signature, and thumb impression are uploaded in the prescribed format
4. Application fee payment is completed through the available online payment modes
5. A system-generated application number is issued after final submission
6. Applicants send the printed application form along with payment proof to the designated office by post

Documents Required During Application

Applicants must keep the following documents ready before starting the application process, Male candidates must upload a left thumb impression, while female candidates must upload a right thumb impression:

1. Recent passport-size photograph in the prescribed file size
2. Scanned signature and thumb impression as per gender-specific instructions
3. Valid government-issued identity proof such as Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID
4. Proof of application fee payment
5. Bank account details for fee transactions
6. Postal receipt for dispatch of hard copy application

FAQs

Q1. Is ICAR Senior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences available for all universities?
The fellowship is available only for admission to approved Agricultural Universities, including SAUs, ICAR Deemed Universities, and select Central Universities with agricultural faculties.

Q2. Can candidates pursue Ph.D. in the same university where they completed their Master’s degree?
No, the fellowship is granted only if the candidate enrolls in a different Agricultural University for Ph.D. studies.

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Q3. Is the fellowship amount revised periodically?
Yes, the fellowship and contingency grant amounts are revised by ICAR from time to time based on policy decisions.

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