Keralam Chief Minister's Research Fellowship Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Chief Minister's Research Fellowship for Minorities 2025–26 is a scholarship launched by the Government of Kerala to nurture and support talented students from minority communities, Muslims, Christians (all sects), Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. It is specifically designed for students pursuing full-time Ph.D. programs at recognized institutions in India and is administered by the Department of Minority Welfare, Kerala.

This fellowship is more than just financial support, it is a stepping stone for meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds to focus entirely on their research and successfully complete their doctoral studies. Students, especially from BPL families, can receive Rs 20,000 per month (Rs 2,40,000 per year). The fellowship can be awarded up to three times during a Ph.D. spanning a maximum of five years, depending on academic progress and recommendations from their Research Guide or Advisory Committee.

To be eligible, applicants must be permanent residents of Kerala, below 40 years of age (with age relaxation for women and PwD candidates), and must not hold any other fellowship, stipend, or salary during the tenure.

Scheme Benefits

• Fellowship Amount: Rs 2,40,000 per year (Rs 20,000 per month).
• Tenure: Students can receive the fellowship up to three times during their Ph.D. course, which spans a maximum of 5 years.
• Support Beyond Money: Apart from financial assistance, the scheme encourages academic growth by linking continuation of the fellowship to research progress, publication, and course completion.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. program at a recognized government or government-aided institution in India.
• BPL students get preference; if none, APL students below government income limits may apply.
• Only one applicant per family is allowed.
• Must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• Below 40 years of age as of 01.10.2025; relaxation for women and PwD.
• Fellowship can be received up to 3 times during the Ph.D., based on satisfactory academic progress.
• Cannot hold any other fellowship, stipend, or salary during the tenure (except one-year academic leave).
• Previous Ph.D. fellowship recipients or those who do not complete their Ph.D. are not eligible.
• Employees of universities, colleges, or government are not eligible, even if on study leave.

Fellowship Selection Process

Duration of Fellowship

Required Documents

• Printout of the application form
• Mark sheets: SSLC, Graduation, Post-Graduation
• Bank passbook (first page, showing account details)
• Aadhaar Card
• Nativity Certificate
• Community/Minority Certificate
• Original Income Certificate
• Ration Card
• PwD Certificate, if applicable
• Ph.D. Admission/Registration letter
• Certificates proving academic progress (per above mention Table)
• Confirmation certificate signed by Research Guide/HoD
• Any other documents listed in the official notification

Steps to Apply

• Visit the official scholarship portal at minoritywelfare.kerala.gov.in.
• Download the application form.
• Carefully fill in the form with accurate and complete details to avoid any delays or rejection.
• Submit the completed application to the Directorate of Minority Welfare, 4th Floor, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram – 695033.
• You can submit it either by post or via email at scholarship.mwd@gmail.com.

Relevant Links

• Kerala Chief Minister's Research Fellowship for Minorities Guidelines.
• Kerala Chief Minister's Research Fellowship for Minorities Application Form.

Contact Information

• Directorate of Minority Welfare Contact Number
  • 0471 2300524
  • 04712300523
  • 0471 2302090
• Directorate of Minority Welfare Email Helpdesk: scholarship.mwd@gmail.com