[2025] PMRF Scholarship Eligibility Criteria – Amount Payable

This blog includes the detailed explanation of PMRF Scholarship, How a Ph.D. student apply for Prime minister’s research fellowship scheme, how much stiped you get monthly and how much amount you got for your research works.

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The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) is one of the most popular scholarship of India which is given to the student to pursue doctoral research in science and technology fields.

If you’re interested to pursue a Ph.D. and are looking for financial support, the PMRF scheme could be your gateway to a successful research career. This blog will answer all your queries about the PMRF scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, application process, and more.

What is the PMRF Scholarship?

The PMRF Scholarship was launched by the Government of India to encourage students who want to do a research in science and technology domains. The fellowship aims to encourage innovation and research excellence by providing financial support to students pursuing Ph.D. programs in best institutions like IITs, IISc, NITs, IISERs, IIEST, and centrally funded IIITs. The scheme not only offers a generous monthly stipend but also provides a research grant to cover various academic expenses.

PMRF Scholarship Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

The PMRF scholarship is open to students who meet specific academic and research criteria. The eligibility is divided into two categories: Direct Entry and Lateral Entry.

1. Direct Entry Eligibility

To apply for the PMRF under Direct Entry, you must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• You must have completed or be pursuing the final year of a 4-year undergraduate or 5-year integrated M.Tech./M.Sc. program in science and technology streams from IISc, IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIEST, or centrally funded IIITs. You should have a minimum CGPA/CPI of 8.0 on a 10-point scale.
• If you are from any other recognized institute or university in India, you must have a minimum CGPA of 8.0 or equivalent, along with a GATE score of 650 or higher, or a UGC/CSIR JRF rank of 100 or less, or an NBHM fellowship.
• If you have qualified GATE and are pursuing or have completed M.Tech./MS by research at a PMRF granting institution, you must have a minimum CGPA of 8.0 with at least four courses completed at the time of application.

Note: Scholars who have upgraded from M.S./M.Tech. to Ph.D. are not eligible for Direct Entry.

2. Lateral Entry Eligibility

For Lateral Entry, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must be currently pursuing a Ph.D. (regular or upgraded from M.S./M.Tech./M.Sc.) or Direct Ph.D. at a PMRF granting institute.
• You should have a CGPA of at least 8.5 after completing a minimum of four full courses (excluding Research Methodology/Ethics/Project courses) at the PMRF granting institute.
• You must apply within 12 months of joining the Ph.D. program (if you joined after completing your Master’s) or within 24 months (if you joined after completing your Bachelor’s).

Note: You can apply at most twice for PMRF under the Lateral Entry channel.

PMRF Scholarship Payable Amount

The PMRF scholarship offers a monthly stipend and a research grant to support your doctoral studies. Here’s a breakdown of the PMRF scholarship amount:

• Year 1: ₹70,000 per month
• Year 2: ₹70,000 per month
• Year 3: ₹75,000 per month
• Year 4: ₹80,000 per month
• Year 5: ₹80,000 per month

In addition to the monthly stipend, student will receive a research grant of ₹2 lakhs per year (up to 10 lakh for 5 year), which can be carried forward. The grant can be used for various research-related expenses, including conference travel, publication fees, and securing intellectual property (IP).

How to Apply for PMRF Scholarship in 2025?

The application process for the PMRF fellowship is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Direct Entry: If you meet the eligibility criteria for Direct Entry, you can apply by submitting a soft copy of your official grade sheet/transcript and GATE scorecard (if applicable). Ensure that you have been selected for a Ph.D. program at a PMRF granting institute.
2. Lateral Entry: For Lateral Entry, you need to apply through the PMRF portal within the specified time limits (12 or 24 months from the date of joining the Ph.D. program). You must also submit your academic records and proof of CGPA as per the requirements.

PMRF Granting Institutes

The PMRF Scholarship is available at best institutions across India, here is the list of institutes:

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
• National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
• Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)
• Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST)
• Centrally Funded Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)

Also Read: What are the roles of civil engineer in Construction

Portal for PMRF Scholarship

Student can access the all information of this scholarship from official govt. portal. The official Govt. Portal for PMRF Scholarship link is given below.