Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Research Fellowship
₹25,000 per month state fellowship for meritorious TN students pursuing full-time PhD at recognised state universities, with a three-year tenure and.
About this scheme
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Research Fellowship (CMRF) is a state-sponsored scheme designed to cultivate a robust academic research ecosystem by financially supporting meritorious students pursuing full-time Ph.D. programs in recognized state universities and government colleges. Running under a structured three-year tenure framework, the initiative enables scholars to focus on advanced academic research across diverse fields, including Science, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Selected research fellows go through a phased progression overseen by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Collegiate Education (TNDCE). This progression includes a performance review at the end of the first year (Phase I), an evaluation at the end of the second year (Phase II) to transition to senior fellowship status, and a final thesis and report submission along with a formal Utilization Certificate at the completion of the third year (Phase III).
Eligibility
- Domicile: Must be a native resident of Tamil Nadu
- Qualification: Hold a postgraduate degree from a UGC-recognized institution located within Tamil Nadu
- Academic merit: Minimum 60% marks in postgraduate studies (5% relaxation for SC, ST, differently-abled, and women applicants)
- Final semester students: Final-semester PG students may sit for the eligibility test, but selection is conditional upon passing the qualifying degree exams
Benefits
- ₹25,000 per month stipend for the fellowship duration
- Three-year structured tenure with phased progression
- Phase I: Performance review at end of first year
- Phase II: Evaluation at end of second year to transition to senior fellowship
- Phase III: Final thesis submission and Utilization Certificate at completion of third year
- Research across Science, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Required documents
- Aadhaar card
- Nativity or Domicile Certificate proving Tamil Nadu residency
- Community Certificate
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
- Graduation degree certificates and mark sheets
- Postgraduation degree certificates and mark sheets
- Ph.D. admission or registration letter
- Signed certificate of confirmation from research supervisor or head of department
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