UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women 2025

The UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship program is a unique opportunity for women to support their higher studies in research after their Ph.D. but are unable to continue their studies due to unemployment or financial pressure.

A Ph.D. degree in itself, is a challenging degree which requires full dedication and focus. Without any stable income, it is hard to manage. It might be tougher for women to fill the gap between career and personal life. This program offers financial support to women scholars to pursue their academic journey in research without any hurdle

The UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship program steps in to encourage and give financial assistance to them. This program is designed to support young women scholars who have interruption in career due to personal financial and social responsibilities.

If you are interested in continuing your research goals but want financial opportunity. Just submit an application before the deadline. Make sure your eligibility.

Objective Of UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women

The main objective of UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women is to support young women who are financially weak, and much dedicated towards their research goal. Continuing a Ph.D. degree is not easy, it is even harder without any financial support. The primary goal of this program is to help women scholars so they can grow in research field without any financial burden.  If you meet the eligibility criteria for a Ph. D candidate, you can apply online through their official website.  If you are selected you will receive benefits that are following

A selected candidate will receive a monthly stipend of 46,500 rupees for the duration of their Ph.D. A selection process must be competitive based on their academic marks, research performance, merit and the process of interview.

Benefits Of Postdoctoral Fellowship to Women Candidates

If you are selected, you will get the following financial support on a monthly basis that helps you to cover your research expenses. The fellowship amount 38,800 rupees will be granted for the first two years and 46,500 rupees per month from the third year onward.

  Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be unemployed.
• The applicant must have a Ph.D. degree or provisional certificate will be accepted if you have not yet been awarded a Ph D degree.
• You must secure 55% in bachelor and 60% in masters for general category. In case of reserved candidates ST/SC/PwD/OBC, you must have 50% in Undergraduate and 55% in post graduate.
• You must have no objection certificate, approved by the university’s HOD.
• This program is specially for women candidates who are researchers at recognized institutes under UGC rules—this includes government colleges, Institutes of National Importance and universities.
• Transgender candidates are also eligible to apply.
• A candidate must commit to full time research work during the fellowship program
• Some candidates may ask for a certificate of medical fitness.
• You should not be awarded any fellowship at the time of application submission.

Selection Procedure for UGC Postdoctoral Fellowship

•  An online application will be reviewed by a selection committee to ensure.
• A selected candidate will be invited by the selection committee for an interview.
• After the interview, the decision will be finalized by the selection committee.
• A selected candidate will be awarded a stipend after joining the university.
• You must join the fellowship program within one month from the date mentioned in the offer letter.
• The UGC can cancel the fellowship at any time without giving a specific reason.

UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidate Apply Online

• Visit the official website of the University Grants Commission using the link provided.
• Read all details about fellowship guidelines.
• Check your eligibility criteria.
• Apply online by clicking the button on the homepage.
• Fill application form
• Submit your application.

FAQS

1. What is the UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidates?

It is a five-year fellowship offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to unemployed women holding a Ph.D. degree, allowing them to carry out advanced research in any subject area.

2. Who is eligible?

• Must be an unemployed woman with a Ph.D. degree or provisional certificate.
• General category: Minimum 55% marks at UG and 60% at PG.
• Age limit: Maximum 55 years as of the last date; 5-year relaxation for reserved categories.
• Must have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the host institution.
• Transgender candidates are also eligible.

3. What is the duration and how many awards are there?

• Duration: 5 years (non-extendable).
• Number of fellowships: About 100 per year.

4. What financial support is provided?

• Allowance amount: ₹38,800 per month (initial 2 years), ₹46,500 per month (next 3 years).
• Contingency grant: ₹50,000 per year.
• Reader/escort assistance: ₹2,000 per month (for PWD/blind candidates).
• HRA: As per institutional rules or hostel fee reimbursement.

5. How are candidates selected?

• Screening of applications by UGC.
• Interview of shortlisted candidates by a selection committee (no TA/DA for attending).
• Final approval by the Commission.
• Candidates must join within 1 month of award notification.

6. How to apply?

• Apply online at: https://pdfw.ugc.ac.in
• Upload all required documents as per instructions.
• For queries: sosa3ugc@gmail.com

7. What documents are needed?

• Ph.D. degree/provisional certificate.
• Mark sheets of UG and PG.
• Age proof.
• Caste/disability certificate (if applicable).
• NOC from host institution.
• Research proposal.

8. Is there a last date to apply?

• Not yet announced for 2025. Applicants should monitor the UGC website and fellowship portal for updates.