Aspiring to make a significant contribution to academia? The Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies are prestigious awards designed to support talented PhD scholars in India and other Asian countries. This scholarship, administered by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, provides substantial financial backing to full-time PhD students focusing on specific social sciences and humanities disciplines. Applications for the 2026 academic year are now closed, with shortlisted candidates scheduled for interviews. This guide provides all essential details for future application cycles.
Scholarship Overview at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of the Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies |
| Provider | Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund |
| Eligibility | Indian/Asian nationals registered for full-time PhD in specific disciplines, ≤35 years of age, min. 60% in PG. |
| Scholarship Award | ₹18,000 per month stipend + ₹15,000 per annum contingency grant, for 2 years. |
| Current Status | Applications for 2026 are closed. Interviews scheduled for Feb 26-27, 2026. |
| Application Mode | Offline via postal submission. |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (waived for SC/ST candidates) |
Who Can Apply? Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this prestigious scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality & Course: Open to Indian nationals and nationals of other Asian countries pursuing a full-time Ph.D. programme.
- Field of Study: The PhD must be in one of these specializations: Indian History & Civilization, Sociology, Economics, Comparative Studies in Religion & Culture, or Ecology & Environment.
- Academic Record: Must hold a postgraduate degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in both graduate and postgraduate levels.
- Registration Status: Must be already registered/admitted for a PhD at a recognized Indian university/institution at the time of application.
- Age Limit: Must not be above 35 years of age as of October 1 of the selection year.
Important Note on Age Relaxation: A relaxation of up to 5 years is provided for candidates from OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, third gender categories, women applicants, and those who have served in the armed forces.
What Does the Scholarship Offer? (Benefits & Rewards)
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for a period of two years:
- Monthly Stipend: Scholars receive a maintenance allowance of ₹18,000 per month, which also covers tuition fees.
- Annual Contingency Grant: An additional ₹15,000 per annum is provided to cover expenses for study tours within India, books, stationery, and other academic incidentals.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
The application process for this scholarship is conducted offline. Here are the steps for future reference:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund.
- Download the Form: Navigate to the ‘Scholarships’ section and download the application form for Doctoral Studies.
- Prepare Payment: Arrange an application fee of ₹100 via a Postal Order or Demand Draft in favour of “Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund”. (Fee waived for SC/ST candidates).
- Complete & Send: Fill out the form carefully, attach all required documents, and send the complete application package via post to the Administrative Secretary at the fund’s address in New Delhi before the deadline.
Checklist of Required Documents
Ensure your postal application includes the following documents:
- Completed application form with a passport-sized photograph pasted on it.
- A synopsis of the proposed PhD research project.
- PhD registration certificate from your university.
- Recommendation report from your Doctoral Monitoring Committee or Supervisor.
- Self-attested photocopies of mark sheets and certificates for age and educational qualifications.
- Category certificate (if applicable) from a competent authority.
- Postal Order/Demand Draft for the application fee (if applicable).
Key Dates and Deadlines to Remember
For the 2026 academic cycle, the key dates are as follows:
- Application Deadline (2025): August 31, 2025 (Closed).
- Interview Dates (2026): February 26 & 27, 2026.
- Scholarship Commencement: April 1, 2026.
For future cycles, prospective applicants should prepare to apply by late August of the preceding year.
Important Guidelines and Reservation Policy
- Reservation: Seats are reserved as per government norms for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), General-EWS (10%), and PwD candidates (5% horizontal reservation).
- Exclusivity: Selected scholars cannot hold any other grant, fellowship, or scholarship concurrently.
- Final Authority: The decision of the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund regarding interviews and final selection is final.
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