The Kothari Fellowship 2025, officially known as the Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship, is a prestigious initiative launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It aims to support talented Ph.D. holders across India in pursuing high-level postdoctoral research in various disciplines. With financial assistance and a flexible, all-year-round application process, this fellowship promotes a robust research ecosystem in India.
Short Summary
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Fellowship Name: Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025
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Launched By: University Grants Commission (UGC), India
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Target Group: Ph.D. holders seeking postdoctoral research opportunities
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Total Fellowships: Up to 500 per year
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Fellowship Duration: 3 years
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Application Mode: Online
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Official Website: http://ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in
Objective of the Fellowship
The core objectives of the Kothari Fellowship are:
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To nurture young Ph.D. scholars by offering postdoctoral research opportunities
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To strengthen India’s research infrastructure by retaining talent in academic careers
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To promote interdisciplinary and innovative research across higher education institutions
Fellowship Duration
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The fellowship is awarded for a maximum of 3 years
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Applicants can apply any time during the year
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Once selected, candidates must join the host institution within 6 months of receiving the award letter
Fellowship Amount & Rewards
| Year | Monthly Fellowship | Contingency Grant | HRA (if hostel not provided) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | ₹43,800 | ₹1,00,000/year | As per Govt. rules |
| 2nd Year | ₹45,000 | ₹1,00,000/year | As per Govt. rules |
| 3rd Year | ₹46,500 | ₹1,00,000/year | As per Govt. rules |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, the candidate must:
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Hold a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (with research publications)
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Be unemployed at the time of application
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Be under 35 years of age
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Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/Women/PwD candidates
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Have a willing mentor and host institution willing to support their research
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and attach the following documents:
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Summary of Ph.D. work (in prescribed format)
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Research proposal for postdoctoral work (in prescribed format)
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Mentor’s CV (in prescribed format)
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Proof of Ph.D. degree or completion certificate
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Proof of age (Class 10 certificate or equivalent)
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Graduation and Postgraduation degree certificates
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Willingness letter from mentor (on institution letterhead)
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Category certificate (if applicable)
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NET/SET certificate (if applicable)
Selection Process
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Applications are accepted year-round (rolling advertisement)
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Selection is conducted via an online peer-review process
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A designated review panel evaluates academic accomplishments, mentor profile, and host institution credentials
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Final selection is based on merit, innovation, and alignment with research objectives
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The decision is made within 6 weeks of application submission
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Up to 500 candidates are selected each year
How to Apply for Kothari Fellowship 2025
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Visit the official UGC DSKPDF website: http://ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in
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Carefully read the official guidelines and notification
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Download and print the application form
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Fill in all required fields and attach the necessary documents
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Send the complete application package to:
The National Coordinator
Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Cell
C/o Interdisciplinary School of Scientific Computing
Savitribai Phule Pune University
Ganeshkhind Post Office, Pune – 411007
Maharashtra, India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much amount can I receive through the Kothari Fellowship?
A: The fellowship amount ranges from ₹43,800 to ₹46,500 per month over 3 years, along with ₹1,00,000/year as a contingency grant.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Unemployed Ph.D. holders under the age of 35 (relaxable for reserved categories) with research publications.
Q: How can I check the application status?
A: The status will be communicated via the email ID provided during application submission. There is no public tracking tool.
Q: What is the selection criteria?
A: Based on Ph.D. accomplishments, mentor and host institution profile, and quality of the proposed research project.
Q: Can I apply at any time during the year?
A: Yes, applications are open throughout the year on a rolling basis.
Q: Is it necessary to shift to a different institution for postdoc?
A: Yes, applicants are encouraged to conduct their postdoctoral work at institutions other than where they earned their Ph.D.
Contact Information (Sources And References)
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UGC Kothari Fellowship Portal: http://ugcdskpdf.unipune.ac.in
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Email Support: [email protected] (verify for updates)
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Mailing Address:
Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Cell
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune – 411007