Delhi Archive Research Fellowship

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Fellowship for Research & Development in the Field of Archives is a prestigious fellowship programme launched by the Department of Delhi Archives, Government of NCT of Delhi, to promote research, preservation, and documentation of Delhi's rich archival heritage. The programme is open to residents of the Union Territory of Delhi who possess the required educational qualifications and have an interest in archival research, conservation, records management, digitization, publication, and other related fields.

Through this fellowship, the Department of Delhi Archives aims to engage talented researchers and professionals to support its work in preserving historical records, promoting archival studies, and creating greater public awareness about Delhi's heritage. The fellowship also provides an opportunity for selected candidates to work closely with the department and contribute to research, documentation, conservation, exhibitions, oral history programmes, and other archival activities.

The fellowship is offered under two categories-Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF). Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 (SRF) or ₹25,000 (JRF) for a maximum period of one year, which may be extended based on performance and approval of the competent authority.

This article provides complete information about the fellowship, including its objectives, eligibility criteria, fellowship duration, stipend, selection process, required documents, application process, important guidelines, FAQs, and other key details based on the official fellowship guidelines.

Scheme Benefits

Under the scheme, selected fellows are entitled to the following benefits:

• Monthly Stipend of ₹50,000 for Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and ₹25,000 for Junior Research Fellow (JRF), subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) as per the Income Tax Act.
• Requisite infrastructure and stationery provided for research and development work.
• Travelling Allowance (TA) admissible for official travel outside Delhi for scheduled programmes, as per Government rules.
• 8 Casual Leaves, 2 Restricted Holidays, and usual Gazetted Holidays, subject to prior approval.
• Opportunity to work closely with the Department of Delhi Archives and gain direct exposure to government functioning and heritage-sector projects.
• Fellowship may be extended by one additional year (maximum), based on satisfactory performance review and approval of the Competent Authority.

Note: Fellows are not entitled to any other allowances admissible to regular Government employees, and the fellowship does not confer any claim to a regular government post.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Fellowship for Research & Development in the Field of Archives, applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions prescribed by the Department of Delhi Archives.

1. Residence

• The applicant must be a resident of the Union Territory of Delhi.
• Proof of residence in Delhi must be submitted along with the application.

2. Age Limit

• The upper age limit is 40 years as on the last date for submission of the application.
• Applicants must submit valid proof of age.
• There is no upper age limit for applicants applying under the Oriental Languages (Urdu/Persian) fellowship.

3. Educational Qualifications 

Applicants must possess the educational qualification prescribed for the research field they wish to apply for.

Other Eligibility Conditions

Applicants must also fulfill the following conditions:

• The applicant must not be serving in any Government department at the time of applying.
• The applicant must not be receiving any grant, fellowship, scholarship, stipend, or other financial assistance from the
• Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Corporations, or any other organization.
• An undertaking confirming the above must be submitted along with the application.

Fellowship Duration & Stipend

The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of one year. During this period, fellows work full-time with the Department of Delhi Archives on their assigned research projects and activities.

The Department conducts a performance review every three months to assess the fellow's progress. Based on the review, the fellowship may be extended for a further period on the recommendation of the Committee and with the approval of the Competent Authority.

The fellowship is initially awarded for one year and may be extended for one additional year only, subject to satisfactory performance, the recommendation of the Selection Committee, and approval of the Competent Authority. Selected fellows receive the following monthly stipend:

Fellowship Category Monthly Stipend

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

Note: The monthly stipend is subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act.

Selection Process

Selection is carried out through a 100-mark evaluation system. Candidates are assessed based on their academic qualifications, higher qualifications, research synopsis, work experience, specialized diplomas or certificates (where applicable), and interview performance. The weightage differs according to the research field.

Records Management

Research & Publication / Oriental Languages

Digitization

Dissemination of Information/Data

Conservation

Micro-filming

Note: The final selection is made based on the prescribed weightage applicable to the respective research field.

Scope of Work for Dissemination of Information/Data (SRF)

Applicants applying for the Dissemination of Information/Data (SRF) fellowship should understand that the role focuses on promoting the activities and heritage of the Department of Delhi Archives through digital communication and public outreach. The selected fellow may be required to:

• Develop communication channels for the Department.
• Assist in designing and publishing heritage journals and newsletters.
• Support content management and documentation activities.
• Maintain and update the Department's official website.
• Create audio-visual and digital content related to archives.
• Manage social media platforms and online awareness campaigns.
• Increase public awareness about Delhi's archival heritage.
• Coordinate outreach programmes with educational institutions and other organizations.
• Prepare publicity and promotional material for exhibitions and events.
• Support branding and communication strategies of the Department.
• Perform other related work assigned by the Department.

Preference: Candidates with 3–10 years of experience in media management, communication technology, social media management, content creation, or public outreach will be preferred.

Desired Skills

Besides the prescribed educational qualifications, applicants should preferably have the following skills:

• Excellent communication skills, a high degree of empathy, and the ability to pay attention to detail, along with the ability to work effectively in challenging environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in Hindi and English.
• Proficiency in basic word-processing, data-processing, and presentation tools such as MS Office, Excel, and
• PowerPoint, along with the ability to communicate through online mediums and conduct research on the internet.
• Willingness to work with integrity and commitment, with flexible working hours, since events and programmes often take place over weekends and holidays.
• Comfort with extensive travelling across the city, using own or public transport, to engage with multiple stakeholders.

Required Documents

TApplicants must submit the following documents along with the prescribed application form:

• Research brief containing the title, summary, brief literature review, scope, and methodology of the proposed research. The brief should not exceed three A4 pages and must be prepared in 12-point font.
• Bank Draft of ₹500 drawn in favour of the DDO, Department of Delhi Archives. SC/ST candidates are required to submit a Bank Draft of ₹250 only.
• Application Form in the prescribed format.
• Up to three letters of recommendation supporting the proposed research. Each letter should not exceed one A4 page.
• An essay (maximum 1,000 words) explaining why the applicant wants to undertake the research and how it will benefit their career. The essay may be written in Hindi or English.
• Proof of residence in Delhi.
• Copy of PAN Card.
• An undertaking stating that the applicant is not in Government service and is not receiving any grant, fellowship, scholarship, stipend, or any other financial assistance from the Central Government, State Government, PSU, Corporation, or any other organization.

Steps to Apply

Applicants can apply for the fellowship by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Obtain the Prescribed Application Format Applicants should obtain the prescribed application format from the Department of Delhi Archives and complete it with the required information.
• Step 2: Prepare the Research Proposal
• Prepare a research brief including the title, summary, literature review, scope, and research methodology of the proposed study.
• Step 3: Arrange the Required Documents
• Collect all the required documents, including the bank draft, recommendation letters, essay, proof of residence, PAN card, and undertaking.
• Step 4: Submit the Application
• Submit the completed application form along with all the required documents to the Department of Delhi Archives in the prescribed manner.

Note: The official fellowship guidelines do not mention an online application portal, submission address, or application deadline. Applicants should follow the instructions issued by the Department of Delhi Archives for submitting the application.

Important Guidelines & Terms

Applicants and selected fellows must follow the guidelines and conditions prescribed by the Department of Delhi Archives.

• Only one application in a single research field will be accepted from an applicant.
• Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• Any false or incorrect information may lead to rejection of the application or termination of the fellowship.
• Applicants must inform the Department in writing if there is any change in their address or contact details.
• Selected fellows will be provided the necessary infrastructure and stationery for research work.
• Travelling Allowance (TA) is admissible only for approved travel outside Delhi as per Government rules.
• The fellowship is a full-time engagement, and fellows cannot undertake any other work during the fellowship period.
• Fellows are entitled to 8 Casual Leaves, 2 Restricted Holidays, and the usual Gazetted Holidays with prior approval.
• No additional allowances available to regular Government employees will be provided.
• The fellowship does not create any claim for regular Government employment.
• Performance is reviewed every three months, and the fellowship may be extended or discontinued based on the review.
• If a fellow leaves the programme before completion or discontinues the research, the fellowship amount received must be refunded along with 12% annual interest.
• If any information submitted by a fellow is found to be incorrect, the fellowship will be terminated and the amount received must be refunded with 12% annual interest.
• The copyright of any research published under the fellowship will remain with the Department of Delhi Archives.
• Fellows are expected to participate in workshops, seminars, symposia, and other events organized by the Department.
• Selected fellows must comply with all instructions issued by the Department during the fellowship period.
• A fellow who wishes to discontinue the fellowship must give one month's prior written notice to the Department.
• The fellowship can be extended for a maximum of one additional year only after a satisfactory performance review and approval by the Competent Authority.
• In the event the fellowship is cancelled during the half-yearly performance review, the fellow will not be eligible to re-apply for this fellowship, unless otherwise determined by the Selection Committee.
• The Department may increase or decrease the number of fellowship positions depending on administrative requirement

Relevant Links

• Official Website of Department of Delhi Archives
• Guidelines of Department of Delhi Archives

Contact Information

Department of Delhi Archives, Government of NCT of Delhi

• Office Address: 18-A, Satsang Vihar Marg, Special Institutional Area (Near Eastern Gate of JNU), New Delhi – 110067
• Contact Numbers: 01126535611, 01126962800
• Email ID: [email protected]