Delhi Archaeology Research Fellowship

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Delhi Research Fellowship in Archaeology Scheme is a fellowship programme launched by the Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi, to promote research and development in archaeology and the conservation of monuments. The fellowship encourages talented researchers to study Delhi's archaeological heritage, explore the history of its lesser-known monuments, document their historical significance, and contribute to preserving the Capital's rich cultural heritage.

The programme provides an opportunity for researchers to work closely with the Department of Archaeology while gaining practical experience in government-led heritage conservation projects. It aims to bring fresh ideas and innovative research methods that can support the preservation and documentation of Delhi's archaeological sites and monuments.

Latest Update: The Delhi Cabinet has approved updated Research Fellowship Schemes for Archives and Archaeology. Under the approved programme, 27 researchers will receive monthly fellowships ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 every year to undertake research, documentation, digitisation, and conservation of Delhi's archival and archaeological heritage. A revised notification containing the application schedule and other implementation details is expected to be issued by the Government.

Scheme Benefits

Selected fellows will receive several academic and professional benefits under the scheme, including:

• Monthly fellowship ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the fellowship category.
• Opportunity to work directly with the Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi.
• Financial support for conducting archaeological research.
• Opportunity to document and study Delhi's lesser-known monuments and historical sites.
• Participation in conservation and heritage preservation projects.
• Experience in government policy implementation related to archaeology and heritage management.
• Exposure to documentation and digitisation of archaeological records.
• Opportunity to contribute research that helps preserve Delhi's cultural heritage.
• Infrastructure and stationery support required for research work.
• Travelling Allowance (TA) for approved official travel outside Delhi as per Government rules.

Fellowship Categories and Monthly Stipend

The fellowship is offered under two categories:

Fellowship Category Monthly Fellowship

• Senior Research Fellow (SRF) ₹50,000
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF) ₹25,000

The fellowship amount is subject to deduction of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) as per the Income Tax Act.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of one year.

During the fellowship period:

• Fellowship is for one year, it is extendable by one more year for outstanding fellows with approval.
• Fellows must work on a full-time basis.
• Quarterly progress reports must be submitted to the Department.
• Performance is reviewed every quarter.
• If the progress is found unsatisfactory, the fellowship may be withheld or terminated.
• Outstanding fellows may receive an extension with the recommendation of the Selection Committee and approval of the Competent Authority.

Scope of Research and Work Areas

The fellowship encourages research and development in various fields related to archaeology and heritage conservation. Fellows may work on activities such as:

• Archaeological research.
• Conservation of historical monuments.
• Documentation of lesser-known monuments in Delhi.
• Research on the historical significance of archaeological sites.
• Heritage documentation.
• Digitisation of archaeological records and manuscripts.
• Preservation of Delhi's cultural heritage.
• Preparation of detailed research reports.
• Supporting departmental heritage conservation projects.
• Assisting in developing new research methodologies for archaeology.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must fulfil the following eligibility conditions to apply for the Delhi Research Fellowship in Archaeology Scheme:

• The applicant should have been residing continuously in Delhi for the prescribed period and must provide valid proof of residence.
• The applicant should have been residing continuously in Delhi for the last four years as on the date prescribed by the Government and must produce valid proof of residence.
• The upper age limit is 40 years as on the last date of submission of the application. Valid age proof must be submitted.
• The applicant must possess the prescribed educational qualifications for the fellowship category and field of research.
• Candidates who are employed in any Government Department or are already receiving any fellowship, scholarship, stipend, grant, or other financial assistance from the Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or Government Corporations are not eligible for this fellowship.

Educational Qualifications

The fellowship is offered in two research fields, Archaeology and Conservation, under both Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) categories.

1. Archaeology

• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Applicants should possess a Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Government of India.
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Master's Degree in Archaeology, or Master's Degree in Ancient Indian History, or Master's Degree in Medieval Indian History.

2. Conservation

• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Master's Degree in Conservation, Preservation and Heritage Management, or Master's Degree in Conservation.
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Applicants should possess a Diploma in Civil Engineering.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated by the Selection Committee on the basis of the quality and merit of the proposed research. The assessment generally considers the following factors:

• Level of innovation and originality in the research proposal.
• Ambition and scope of the proposed work.
• Clarity and quality of the research methodology.
• Significance of the proposed research in the field of archaeology and heritage conservation.
• Quality of the applicant's previous academic or research work.
• Relevance and timeliness of the proposed research topic.
• Skills and ability of the applicant to successfully complete the research.
• Practicality of the research plan and efficient use of available resources.
• Expected research outcomes and their contribution towards preserving Delhi's archaeological heritage.

Required Documents

Applicants are generally required to submit the following documents along with the application:

• Duly filled Application Form in the prescribed format.
• Research Brief (maximum three A4 pages) containing:
• Title of the research.
• Summary.
• Brief literature review.
• Scope of the study.
• Research methodology.
• Purpose of undertaking the research.
• Bank Draft of the prescribed application fee.
• Up to three Letters of Recommendation supporting the proposed research.
• Essay of not more than 1,000 words explaining:
  • Why the applicant wishes to undertake the research.
  • How the fellowship will contribute to the applicant's career.
• Proof of Delhi residence.
• Copy of PAN Card.
• Undertaking stating that the applicant is not in Government service and is not receiving any other Government fellowship, scholarship, stipend, grant or financial assistance.

Desired Skills

Candidates applying for the fellowship should possess the following skills:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work with empathy and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently in challenging environments.
• Good oral and written communication skills in both Hindi and English.
• Working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Ability to conduct research using online resources.
• Good digital communication skills.
• Integrity, dedication and commitment towards research.
• Flexibility to work during weekends and holidays whenever required.
• Willingness to travel extensively across Delhi for field research.
• Ability to work on a full-time basis during the fellowship period.

Application Fee

According to the previous fellowship guidelines:

Category Application Fee

• General/OBC/EWS ₹500
• Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) ₹250

The fee is payable through a Bank Draft drawn in favour of the DDO, Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi. A revised fee structure, if any, will be announced in the updated notification.

How to Apply

The Delhi Government is expected to release a fresh application notification for the updated fellowship scheme. Once applications open, eligible candidates should follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of the Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi.
• Download the latest fellowship notification and application form.
• Carefully read the eligibility conditions and application guidelines.
• Prepare the research proposal and all required supporting documents.
• Arrange the prescribed application fee, if applicable.
• Complete the application form with accurate information.
• Attach all required documents in the prescribed format.
• Submit the application before the last date mentioned in the notification.
• Keep a copy of the submitted application and supporting documents for future reference.

Selection Process

The selection of fellows is carried out through a Government-appointed Selection Committee.

The process generally includes:

• Verification of eligibility.
• Examination of educational qualifications.
• Evaluation of the research proposal.
• Assessment based on the prescribed criteria.
• Review of previous academic or research work.
• Recommendation by the Selection Committee.
• Approval by the Competent Authority.
• Publication of the final list of selected fellows on the official website.

Important Guidelines & Terms

Applicants and selected fellows should carefully follow the important guidelines prescribed by the Department of Archaeology:

• Only one application in the prescribed format can be submitted by an applicant. If a candidate submits more than one application, none of the applications will be considered.
• Applications submitted in any format other than the prescribed application form will not be accepted.
• Incomplete application forms are liable to be rejected without any review.
• All information provided in the application must be true and accurate.
• If any information is found to be false or misleading, the application or fellowship may be cancelled.
• Selected fellows must inform the Department of Archaeology in writing if there is any change in their address or contact details within one week.
• The Department will provide the necessary infrastructure and stationery required for research work. Travelling
• Allowance (TA) for approved official travel outside Delhi will be paid as per Government rules.
• After selection, candidates must complete all formalities prescribed by the Department before joining the fellowship.

Fellowship Terms and Conditions

• The fellowship is a full-time assignment. Selected fellows are not allowed to take up any other job or paid work during the fellowship period.
• Fellows must submit a quarterly progress report. The Department of Archaeology will review their performance every three months. If the progress is not satisfactory, the fellowship may be withheld or terminated. Outstanding fellows may be considered for an extension with the approval of the competent authority.
• Selected fellows are entitled to 8 Casual Leaves (CL), 2 Restricted Holidays (RH), and Gazetted Holidays, subject to prior approval from the Department.
• The fellowship does not provide any right or claim to a regular Government job under the Government of NCT of Delhi.
• If the fellowship is cancelled during the half-yearly performance review, the fellow will not be eligible to re-apply for the fellowship unless the Selection Committee decides otherwise.
• If a fellow wishes to leave the fellowship before completing the one-year term, they must give one month's prior notice to the Department.
• If a fellow resigns or discontinues the research before completing the fellowship period, they will be required to refund the fellowship amount received along with interest at 12% per annum.
• If any information or document submitted by a fellow is found to be false or incorrect, the fellowship will be terminated, and the fellow will have to refund the fellowship amount received along with interest at 12% per annum.
• If the research work is published, the Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi will hold the copyright over the published material.
• Selected fellows are expected to participate in workshops, seminars, symposiums, and other programmes organised by the Department from time to time.
• Fellows must follow all instructions and guidelines issued by the Department of Archaeology during the fellowship period.

Relevant Links

• Official Website of Department of Archaeology Government of NCT of Delhi
• Guidelines of Delhi Fellowship for Research & Development in Archaeology

Contact Information

Department of Archaeology Government of NCT of Delhi

• Office Address: B Block, 2nd Floor, Vikas Bhawan-II, Upper Bela Road, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054
• Phone: 01123814026
• Email: [email protected]