In a significant development for India’s academic landscape, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a series of progressive changes, including substantial increases in research fellowship amounts and the introduction of mandatory internships for undergraduate students.
The UGC’s decision to enhance the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), and Post Doctoral Fellowship rates was formally ratified during the 572nd meeting held on September 20, 2023, with the new rates set to take effect from January 1, 2023.
Revised Fellowship Amounts
– JRF in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences:
– Previous amount (per month): ₹31,000 for 2 years
– New amount (per month): ₹37,000 per month for 2 years.
– SRF in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences:
– Previous amount (per month): ₹35,000 per month for remaining tenure
– New amount (per month): ₹42,000 per month for the remaining period.
– Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship for Single Girl Child:
– Previous amount (per month): ₹31,000 for 2 years
– New amount (per month): ₹37,000 per month for 2 years.
– Dr. DS Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowship (Higher Post Doctoral Fellowship):
– Previous amount (per month): ₹54,000 for the entire tenure
– New amount (per month): ₹67,000 for the entire tenure.
– Post Doctoral Fellowship:
– Previous amount (per month): ₹47,000 for the first year, ₹49,000 for the second year, and ₹54,000 per month for the third year.
– New amount (per month): ₹58,000 for the first year, ₹61,000 for the second year, ₹67,000 for the third year.
– Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women, SC/ST, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Post Doctoral Fellowship:
– Previous amount (per month): ₹47,000 for the first year, ₹49,000 for the second year, and ₹54,000 per month for the third year onwards.
New amount (per month): ₹58,000 for the first year, ₹61,000 for the second year, ₹67,000 for the third year onwards.
Furthermore, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, UGC has introduced new guidelines stipulating that undergraduate students will be required to undertake internships, for which they will earn academic credits. These guidelines emphasize the integration of research and internships into the undergraduate curriculum, providing students with valuable experiential learning opportunities.
Under these new guidelines, a minimum of two to four credits, out of the required 120/160 credits for a three-year UG degree or four-year UG degree (Honours), can be allocated for internships as per the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) and Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programme (CCFUP). Additionally, students pursuing these degree programs will be mandated to complete 60 to 120 hours of internship after the fourth semester.
In summary, these UGC initiatives signal a transformative shift in India’s higher education landscape, offering increased support for research scholars and providing a structured framework for experiential learning for undergraduate students, aligning with the nation’s educational objectives.
