Gujarat SHODH Scholarship Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Research and innovation are not limited to classrooms, universities or academic institutions. They play an important role in building a developed, progressive and innovation-driven country by generating new knowledge, improving existing practices and finding solutions to emerging economic, social and technological challenges. Recognising the importance of nurturing research and supporting young scholars, the Government of Gujarat introduced the SHODH – Scheme of Developing High Quality Research.

The scheme is implemented by the Education Department, Government of Gujarat through the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG). It supports eligible scholars pursuing regular, full-time Ph.D. research in recognised universities and institutions across the state. The scheme is intended to create opportunities for scholars to explore new areas of knowledge and undertake research that can contribute to academic development as well as wider social and practical needs.

To support scholars in carrying out their research work, SHODH provides financial assistance for permitted requirements such as books, research material, equipment, travel and other approved academic expenses. Selected scholars receive a monthly stipend of ₹15,000 for up to two years, along with ₹20,000 per year as contingency assistance. The combined assistance can amount to up to ₹4 lakh over two years, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions and scheme requirements.

The scheme follows a research-focused selection process rather than providing assistance solely on the basis of eligibility. After the application and required documents are submitted, the application is verified by the University SHODH Nodal Officer. The research proposal is then evaluated by the SHODH Scrutiny Committee on parameters including originality, research objectives, literature review, methodology, expected results, social usefulness and feasibility. This process helps identify research proposals with academic merit and potential for meaningful contribution.

Benefits of the SHODH Scheme

• Selected Ph.D. students receive a ₹15,000 monthly stipend.
• The monthly stipend is available for a maximum period of 2 years.
• Students can receive ₹20,000 per year as contingency assistance for permitted research-related expenses.
• The maximum combined assistance under the scheme is ₹4 lakh for two years.
• Contingency assistance can support permitted expenses related to research material, books, stationery, equipment, travel, data analysis and other approved academic requirements.
• The scheme supports students undertaking quality and innovative Ph.D. research.
• Approved assistance is transferred to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account through the prescribed payment process.

Financial Assistance Under the Scheme

Important: The maximum assistance of ₹4 lakh is the combined value of the stipend and contingency assistance. It is not a separate lump-sum amount paid after completion of the Ph.D.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply under the SHODH Scheme, the student must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Government of Gujarat.

• The applicant must be pursuing a regular full-time Ph.D. programme.
• The applicant must have obtained admission to the Ph.D. programme after 1 July 2018, as prescribed under the scheme.
• The applicant must have secured at least 55% marks in the postgraduate degree.
• A 5% relaxation in the postgraduate marks requirement is available for SC, ST, OBC-NCL and Differently Abled candidates as per the prescribed rules.
• Students of Institutes of National Importance are not eligible
• The Ph.D. must be pursued at an eligible recognised university or institution
• Ph.D. programme/institution must meet the prescribed UGC recognition/regulatory requirements.
• The applicant must satisfy the prescribed research proposal and selection requirements.
• The student must not receive another research scholarship or fellowship prohibited under the SHODH rules.
• The student must not be employed or earning income while receiving SHODH assistance, as prescribed under the scheme.

Research Proposal and Selection Criteria

Selection under the SHODH Scheme is based on the quality of the applicant's research proposal. The proposal is evaluated by the Scrutiny Committee according to prescribed criteria.

Selection Process

The SHODH selection process involves verification of the application and supporting documents followed by evaluation of the research proposal.

1. The student submits the SHODH application online.
2. The University SHODH Nodal Officer verifies the application and supporting documents.
3. The applicant's research proposal is evaluated according to the prescribed criteria.
4. Eligible proposals meeting the required evaluation threshold are considered by the Scrutiny Committee.
5. Selected students receive SHODH assistance according to the prescribed rules.
6. The approved assistance is transferred to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Required Documents

Students should keep the following documents ready before submitting the SHODH application. The exact documents may vary depending on the applicant and university requirements.

• Aadhaar Card
• Ration Card and applicant's member ID
• Bank passbook first page or cancelled cheque
• SSC marksheet/certificate
• HSC marksheet/certificate, where applicable
• School Leaving Certificate
• Graduation marksheet and degree certificate
• Postgraduation marksheet and degree certificate
• Ph.D. registration certificate
• Ph.D. registration/fee receipt, wherever applicable
• Bonafide Certificate
• Research Proposal
• Research Proposal PPT
• Self-Declaration in the prescribed format
• University ID Card
• Anti-Plagiarism Report of Research Proposal
• Any other document required by the University Nodal Officer or KCG

Important Instructions for Documents

• Upload documents that are clear and readable.
• If the university has not issued a Bonafide Certificate, the applicant should obtain it from the concerned college, department or institution.
• The Guide's signature is required on each page of the Research Proposal and PPT.
• The Guide and HOD's stamp/signature should be provided on the first page as prescribed.
• The Self-Declarationmust be filled manually and signed by the Guide, HOD and Nodal Officer before scanning and uploading.
• Students must check the Aadhaar bank seeding status of their bank account before submitting the application. If the SHODH application is approved, the assistance will be deposited into the bank account linked with the student's Aadhaar on the NPCI server. Therefore, students should ensure that the bank account details entered in the application are correct and that the account is properly linked with Aadhaar before completing the application.
• Ration card details are required during the online application process. Students should enter the ration card number mentioned on the first page of the ration card and the member ID shown against their own name on the family details page. Students should not enter the member ID belonging to another family member. If a student does not have a ration card, the student must apply for a new ration card independently.

Steps to Apply

Eligible students can apply online through the SHODH portal. Applicants should read the latest guidelines and Government Resolution before starting the application.

1. Visit the official SHODH portal.
2. Read the SHODH guidelines, Government Resolution and application instructions carefully.
3. Click on the Login option and complete the registration process.
4. Enter the required registration details and submit the registration form.
5. A password is sent to the registered mobile number after successful registration.
6. Change the password through the Change Password option before continuing with the application.
7. Login using the registered email ID and password.
8. Enter the required personal, academic, Ph.D., bank and ration-card details.
9. Enter the Ph.D. research details, including the research laboratory, main stream, subject specialisation, thesis title and Guide details.
10. Upload all the required documents in the prescribed format.
11. Check every uploaded document carefully before proceeding.
12. Complete the application and use the Print Preview option to check all details.
13. If all information is correct, click on Lock for final submission.
14. After locking the application, print the application form using the Print Form option.
15. Visit the University SHODH Nodal Officer with the original documents for verification.

Important: Check all the information and uploaded documents carefully before clicking "Lock". Once the application is locked, the applicant cannot normally make changes. If a correction is required while the application is still pending, the University SHODH Nodal Officer can unlock it as per the prescribed procedure.

Application Status

Students can check their application status through the Student Status option available on the SHODH portal.

• If the application status is pending, the student should contact the concerned University SHODH Nodal Officer.
• For queries arising after Application Lock, the applicant should contact the University Nodal Officer.
• The Nodal Officer can unlock a pending application when correction is required, according to the prescribed procedure.

Important: If a proposal is rejected, the student cannot reapply in a subsequent year with the same registered subject/title.

Monthly Attendance and Progress Report

SHODH scholars are required to submit their monthly attendance and progress report through the prescribed online process. The report must be uploaded by the student between the 1st and 2nd of every month, after which it is verified by the concerned University SHODH Nodal Officer by the 5th of the month.

Maintaining the prescribed attendance is important for continued release of the stipend. A scholar must maintain at least 75% attendance every month. If the attendance falls below 75%, the student's SHODH portal account is automatically blocked, and the stipend for that month is not released without the required verification.

Students are responsible for submitting their monthly report within the prescribed time. Failure to submit the report can result in the stipend for the following month being deducted, as prescribed under the SHODH guidelines.

Leave Rules

SHODH scholars can avail leave as per the prescribed conditions and limits under the scheme guidelines.

Medical Leave

• A SHODH scholar can avail medical leave for up to 30 days in a year, subject to the prescribed conditions and submission of the required medical documents.
• Medical leave can be extended up to additional 2 months with Civil Hospital certificate. Stipend during medical leave is limited.

Maternity Leave

• Female SHODH scholars can avail maternity leave for up to 180 days, subject to the prescribed conditions and submission of the required documents.
• The stipend during the leave period is governed by the applicable provisions of the SHODH guidelines.

Contingency Assistance

The annual contingency assistance of ₹20,000 is intended for permitted research-related expenses.

• Books and research material
• Stationery
• Small research equipment
• Typing, printing and photocopying
• Data analysis and related research expenses
• Permitted travel expenses
• Seminar and conference-related expenses
• Research-related training and registration expenses
• Other approved research expenses

Students must retain the required bills, receipts and supporting documents for claiming permitted contingency expenses.

Thesis Submission

After completing the Ph.D. research and submitting the final thesis, the scholar must submit the prescribed Thesis Submission Form to KCG. The form should include the following details:

• Ph.D. Registration Number
• SHODH Application/Reference Number
• Ph.D. Subject
• Department and University Name
• Name of the Ph.D. Guide
• Title of the Ph.D. Thesis
• Ph.D. Registration Date
• SHODH Fellowship Joining Date
• Total SHODH Assistance Received
• Thesis Submission Date
• Final Viva-Voce Date, wherever applicable
• Mobile Number and Email ID

Important Terms and Conditions

• The student must satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed under the SHODH Scheme.
• The Ph.D. programmer must be pursued on a regular full-time basis.
• The student must maintain the prescribed minimum attendance.
• The student must submit monthly attendance and required progress reports within the prescribed time.
• A student cannot receive prohibited scholarships or fellowships simultaneously with SHODH assistance.
• The student must not engage in employment or earning activities prohibited under the scheme.
• The research proposal must satisfy the prescribed evaluation criteria.
• The research subject/title and university should not be changed without following the prescribed procedure.
• The fellowship period starts from the date of Scrutiny Committee approval, rather than simply from Ph.D. registration/enrolment.
• Students must submit the required documents, reports and certificates within the prescribed timelines.
• The stipend is available for a maximum period of two years, subject to continued eligibility.

Important: If the scholar provides false information or violates the eligibility conditions of the scheme, the amount received may be recovered along with 18% interest, as prescribed. If the scholar abandons the Ph.D. programme or remains continuously absent for more than 6 months, the assistance may be recovered with 12% interest, as prescribed under the scheme guidelines.

Important Links

• Official SHODH Portal
• SHODH Application Portal
• SHODH Guidelines and Government Resolution
• Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) Portal
• SHODH Scheme Developing High Quality Research Information in KCG Portal
• How to apply for SHODH Scheme Online
• Self Declaration Form for SHODH Scheme
• University SHODH Nodal Officer List

Contact Information

Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG)

• Address: Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) Education Department, Government of Gujarat Pragna Puram Campus, Opp. PRL, Near L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad – 380015
• SHODH Helpline: 9979200152
• Email: [email protected]