Emeritus Fellowship

Emeritus Fellowship (उपाध्याय फेलोशिप)

The Emeritus Fellowship, initiated by the University Grants Commission (UGC), is a distinguished program designed to empower retired educators to engage in active research within their specialized fields at Indian universities, colleges, and institutions. This initiative is open to a wide array of educational establishments across the country, fostering academic growth and innovation.

Scheme Overview

This fellowship scheme facilitates an opportunity for superannuated teachers to engage in meaningful research relevant to their areas of expertise. The eligible institutions include:

• Universities and institutions recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(b) of the UGC Act, 1956.
• Deemed universities established under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, that qualify for grants from the UGC.
• Universities and colleges funded by the Central or State Government.
• Institutes designated as National Importance.

Currently, the scheme allocates a total of 200 slots, divided equally with 100 positions for Science disciplines and 100 for Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages.

Joining the Fellowship

Selected candidates are required to commence their fellowship within three months of receiving the award letter. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of the award.

Feedback and Reporting

Fellows must submit a detailed report outlining their research activities. Upon completion of their work, they are required to upload their research findings to the INFILIBNET Centre repository and provide published research papers by the end of their fellowship period. A Completion Certificate will be awarded following the successful submission of the comprehensive report.

Research Place Transfer

Any request for transferring the research location must be communicated to the UGC and the designated agency by the concerned university, college, or institution. Such transfers are permissible only once during the fellowship tenure.

Resignation Protocol

In the event of resignation, the concerned institution must forward the resignation to the designated agency, keeping the UGC informed. The fellowship grant will be disbursed only until the resignation date.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants in this scheme will receive the following financial and practical benefits:

• A monthly honorarium of ₹31,000 for a duration of two years (non-extendable).
• A non-lapsable contingency grant of ₹50,000 per annum, which can be utilized for secretarial support, domestic travel related to research, stationery, postage, consumables, books, journals, and equipment. Note that any equipment or materials purchased will belong to the respective institution.
• International travel related to the approved research will be permitted once a year, contingent upon prior approval from the institution and the UGC, without any financial liability on UGC’s part.
• All expenditures will undergo audit like any other departmental spending, and fellows will enjoy additional privileges similar to those provided to university faculty, excluding housing provisions.

Eligibility Criteria

• Target Group: Highly qualified and experienced retired educators from recognized universities, colleges, and institutions.
• Eligibility: Candidates must demonstrate a high standard of research and published work throughout their career. The fellowship is available until the age of 70 or for a maximum of two years, whichever occurs first. No extensions are permitted, hence proposals should be well-defined and time-bound.

Application Process

The application process occurs once annually, announced through leading newspapers and the employment news. Interested candidates can apply online by following these steps:

1. Visit the official UGC website.
2. Navigate to the Scholarships/Fellowships section.
3. Select the ‘Apply Online’ option.
4. Complete the registration form with necessary details.
5. Finalize registration with a username and password.
6. Attach all required documents.
7. Submit the application.

Note: Adherence to the online application guidelines is essential. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Additionally, candidates must upload an Undertaking Certificate from the proposed research center, duly signed by the HOD and Registrar/Principal/Director of the respective institution.

Selection Process

Selection for the Emeritus Fellowship is based on recommendations from an Expert Committee formed by the UGC. Applicants must not hold any other position or be employed elsewhere at the time of accepting the fellowship. The award will take effect from April 1 of the selection year or the actual joining date, whichever is later. The UGC reserves the right to withdraw or cancel the award without providing a reason.

Grant Release Procedure

The fellowship amount will be transferred directly to the awardee’s bank account through a UGC-designated bank. Awardees must visit the designated branch with a copy of the Award Letter and a Joining Report, including their photograph, address, and contact information in the prescribed format.