Gujarat SHODH Scheme: ₹4 Lakh Fellowship for PhD Research

The Gujarat SHODH Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible full-time Ph.D. scholars pursuing research in recognised universities and institutions across Gujarat. Under the scheme, selected scholars receive a monthly fellowship of ₹15,000 along with an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000, providing total support of up to ₹4 lakh over a two-year period. Implemented by the Education Department, Government of Gujarat, through the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), the scheme aims to promote high-quality research and strengthen the state’s academic and innovation ecosystem. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official SHODH Portal.

Introduction of Gujarat SHODH Scheme: A Brief Overview

The SHODH (Scheme Of Developing High Quality Research) Scheme provides financial support to full-time Ph.D. scholars so that they can devote their time and energy to research without facing constant financial constraints. The Education Department, Government of Gujarat, introduced this fellowship through a Government Resolution dated 5 August 2019 with the vision of promoting high-quality research and strengthening Gujarat’s academic ecosystem.

The scheme aims to encourage talented students to pursue doctoral research across diverse disciplines, improve the overall quality of research in higher education institutions, and foster studies that contribute to industry, society, public policy, and knowledge creation. At the same time, it seeks to develop a vibrant research culture by connecting scholars, universities, and recognised academic institutions working in different fields of study.

The Education Department, Government of Gujarat implements the scheme through the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), which is responsible for managing applications, document verification, scrutiny of research proposals, fellowship administration, and fund disbursement.

Under the scheme, selected research scholars receive a monthly fellowship of ₹15,000 for a period of 2 years. In addition, scholars receive an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 to meet research-related expenses such as data collection, field work, study material, and other academic requirements. Together, the fellowship and contingency assistance can provide financial support of up to ₹4,00,000 during the complete fellowship period. The assistance is transferred directly into the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through the prescribed mechanism.

To become eligible under the scheme, an applicant must secure at least 55% marks in Post-Graduation or an equivalent qualification. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, and differently abled categories receive a relaxation and can apply with a minimum of 50% marks. The applicant must have obtained confirmed admission in a regular full-time Ph.D. programme on or after 1 July 2018 at an eligible university or research institution located in Gujarat.

Additionally, the scholar should not be employed anywhere and must not be receiving any other research fellowship such as UGC-JRF, Rajiv Gandhi Doctoral Fellowship, Maulana Azad Doctoral Fellowship, ICSSR, ICAR, CSIR, ICPR, ICMR, or ICHR fellowships. Scholars studying in Institutes of National Importance situated in Gujarat are not eligible under the scheme.

Eligible scholars can submit their applications online through the official SHODH Portal. The application process involves registration, submission of academic and personal details, uploading of research proposals and supporting documents, and verification by the University’s SHODH Nodal Officer. After verification, the application is forwarded to the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, where a Scrutiny Committee evaluates the research proposal before recommending eligible candidates for fellowship assistance.

Students who may have previously benefited from educational support programmes such as the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana (MYSY) or the Chief Minister Scholarship Scheme can also apply to avail the benefit of this scheme. The SHODH Scheme complements these initiatives by providing dedicated financial assistance during the research phase of higher education.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Gujarat SHODH Scheme provides financial assistance to eligible Ph.D. scholars pursuing research in recognised universities and research institutions across Gujarat. The fellowship helps scholars focus on their research work without facing significant financial constraints during the initial years of their doctoral studies.

• The Corporation provides a monthly fellowship of ₹15,000 to each selected research scholar for a period of 2 years
• The scholar also receives an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 to meet research-related and incidental academic expenses
• The annual financial assistance under the scheme amounts to approximately ₹2,00,000
• The total assistance available during the complete fellowship period reaches ₹4,00,000 over two years
• The Corporation transfers the fellowship amount directly into the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• The scheme supports research scholars pursuing doctoral studies in disciplines such as Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management, Law, Education, Pharmacy, Medical Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences
• The fellowship enables scholars to devote greater attention to research activities by reducing financial pressure during their Ph.D. programme
• The scheme contributes towards strengthening Gujarat’s research ecosystem by encouraging high-quality doctoral research in recognised universities and institutions

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

An applicant must satisfy the prescribed academic, Ph.D. admission, and fellowship-related conditions to receive assistance under the Gujarat SHODH Scheme. The scheme supports eligible research scholars pursuing full-time doctoral studies in recognised universities and research institutions located within Gujarat.

Academic Eligibility

• The applicant secures a minimum of 55% marks in Post-Graduation or an equivalent qualification, without considering grace marks or rounding off
• Applicants belonging to SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and Differently-Abled categories receive a relaxation of 5%, requiring a minimum of 50% marks in Post-Graduation

Ph.D. Admission Eligibility

• The applicant holds confirmed admission in a regular full-time Ph.D. programme
• The Ph.D. admission is obtained in a State University, Sectoral University, Private University, or recognised Research Institute located in Gujarat
• The applicant has taken admission on or after 1 July 2018
• The admission complies with the applicable UGC Regulations in force at the time of admission
• Scholars pursuing Ph.D. studies at an Institute of National Importance located in Gujarat are not eligible under this scheme

Employment and Fellowship Eligibility

• The applicant is not engaged in any employment, service, or income-generating position at any institution or organisation
• The applicant is not receiving financial assistance under any other research fellowship or doctoral scholarship programme
• The applicant is not availing fellowships such as UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Rajiv Gandhi Doctoral Fellowship, Maulana Azad Doctoral Fellowship, or fellowships provided by ICSSR, ICAR, CSIR, ICPR, ICMR, or ICHR

Applicants who fulfil all the above conditions and submit the prescribed documents can be considered for fellowship assistance under the Gujarat SHODH Scheme, subject to verification and approval by the concerned authorities.

Documents Required to be Attached

An applicant needs to upload the prescribed documents while submitting the online application for the Gujarat SHODH Scheme. These documents help the concerned authorities verify the applicant’s identity, academic qualifications, Ph.D. admission status, research proposal, and eligibility before approving fellowship assistance under the scheme.

Identity and Family Documents

• Aadhaar Card of the applicant
• Ration Card number along with the applicant’s Member ID as reflected on the family details page
• Recent passport-size photograph of the applicant

Academic Qualification Documents

• Post-Graduation marksheet and degree certificate showing the prescribed minimum qualifying marks
• SSC Credit Certificate, or where unavailable, the SSC marksheet along with the Trial Certificate issued by the concerned Board

Ph.D. Registration Documents

• Proof of confirmed Ph.D. admission issued by the concerned university
• Bonafide Certificate issued by the university or department in the prescribed format

Research Related Documents

• Research Proposal and presentation, duly signed by the Research Guide on every page
• Research Proposal carrying the Guide’s seal and the Head of Department’s seal on the first page
• Self Declaration Form filled in handwriting and signed by the Research Guide, Head of Department, and University Nodal Officer before uploading

Bank and Category Documents

• Bank passbook of an Aadhaar-linked bank account mapped on the NPCI platform for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Caste Certificate or Disability Certificate, wherever the applicant seeks the 5% mark relaxation available to SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), or differently-abled candidates

Applicants who do not possess a Ration Card must obtain one separately before applying, as the Corporation requires the Ration Card Member ID during the application process and does not provide assistance for obtaining the card.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

The application process for the Gujarat SHODH Scheme is conducted entirely through the official SHODH Portal. Before starting the application, a research scholar should keep all academic documents, Ph.D. admission records, bank account details, research proposal, and supporting certificates ready. Since the application undergoes scrutiny at multiple levels, applicants should fill every section carefully and upload documents exactly in the prescribed format.

Eligible scholars can follow the step-by-step process given below to submit their application successfully.

Step 1: Visit the official SHODH Portal. Before starting the registration process, carefully read the SHODH Guidelines, Government Resolution (GR), and other instructions available on the portal to understand the eligibility conditions and document requirements.

Step 2: Click on the option for new applicant registration. Select the relevant application year and enter the required basic details such as name, mobile number, and other registration information.

Step 3: After successful registration, the system sends a password to the registered mobile number. Use this password to log in for the first time and create a new password of your choice for future access.

Step 4: After logging in, open the application form and complete the User Details section. Enter the Ration Card number and your Member ID exactly as shown against your name in the family details record.

Step 5: Provide your bank account details carefully. Before proceeding, ensure that the bank account is linked with Aadhaar and mapped on the NPCI platform, as the fellowship amount is released only through Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Step 6: Move to the Academic Details section and enter all required educational information, including Post-Graduation details, university information, and other academic records.

Step 7: Enter your Ph.D. registration details. Select the relevant research stream such as Science, Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Agriculture, Medical Sciences, or any other applicable discipline.

Step 8: Mention your specific research area, registered thesis title, research laboratory details (where applicable), and complete information relating to your Research Guide.

Step 9: Upload all mandatory documents, including the Bonafide Certificate, Post-Graduation marksheet, SSC Credit Certificate or equivalent document, Ph.D. admission proof, photograph, and bank-related documents.

Step 10: Upload the Research Proposal and Presentation. Ensure that the Research Guide has signed every page and that the first page carries the signatures and official seals of both the Research Guide and the Head of Department.

Step 11: Download the Self Declaration Form from the “Format of Certificates” section available on the portal. Fill the form manually, obtain signatures from the Research Guide, Head of Department, and University Nodal Officer, scan the completed form, and upload it to the portal.

Step 12: After completing all sections, open the Print Preview option and carefully review every detail entered in the application form. Verify that all uploaded documents are correct, clear, and properly attached.

Step 13: Once satisfied, lock the application. Applicants should remember that no further corrections can normally be made after the application is locked.

Step 14: Download and print the final application form for record purposes.

Step 15: Submit the printed application along with the original supporting documents to the designated University SHODH Nodal Officer for verification.

Step 16: After verification, the University Nodal Officer forwards the application to the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) for scrutiny and further processing.

Step 17: The Scrutiny Committee evaluates the application, verifies eligibility conditions, and assesses the submitted research proposal before making recommendations for fellowship approval.

Step 18: Applicants can monitor the progress of their application through the Student Status section available on the SHODH Portal. If any clarification or additional document is required, they should coordinate with their University Nodal Officer to resolve the issue promptly.

After successful scrutiny and approval, the fellowship and contingency assistance are released directly into the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as per the scheme guidelines.

Important Links Available for Scheme

• Official SHODH portal
• Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat’s SHODH scheme page

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, Prajna Puram Campus, Opposite PRL, Between Government Girls Polytechnic and L.D. College of Engineering, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Helpline Number: 9979200152 (working days, 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM)
• Office Visit: Tuesday and Friday (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM)
• Email: shodhsupport-kcg@gujgov.edu.in

Frequently Asked Questions on Gujarat SHODH Scheme

Q. What is the SHODH scheme?
Ans. SHODH, which stands for Scheme of Developing High-quality Research, is a fellowship of the Education Department, Government of Gujarat, that provides financial assistance to full-time Ph.D. research scholars in Gujarat’s universities.

Q. Which department and agency run this scheme?
Ans. The Education Department, Government of Gujarat, runs this scheme, with the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat managing its implementation.

Q. What academic marks does an applicant need?
Ans. An applicant needs a minimum of 55% marks in Post-Graduation, relaxed to 50% for SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, and differently abled candidates.

Q. From when should an applicant’s Ph.D. admission be confirmed?
Ans. An applicant’s Ph.D. admission must be confirmed on or after 1 July 2018, in a regular, full-time programme at a recognised university in Gujarat.

Q. How much financial assistance does this scheme provide?
Ans. This scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹15,000 and an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000, together amounting to ₹4,00,000 over 2 years.

Q. Can a scholar receiving UGC-JRF or a similar fellowship apply for SHODH?
Ans. No, a scholar already availing the UGC Junior Research Fellowship, Rajiv Gandhi Doctoral Fellowship, Maulana Azad Doctoral Fellowship, or a fellowship from ICSSR, ICAR, CSIR, ICPR, ICMR, or ICHR cannot apply for this scheme.

Q. Are scholars from Institutes of National Importance eligible?
Ans. No, scholars studying at Institutes of National Importance located in Gujarat do not qualify under this scheme.

Q. Can a working professional apply for this scheme?
Ans. No, an applicant must not be earning an income or holding employment at any institute or organisation while pursuing the Ph.D.

Q. Who verifies the SHODH application?
Ans. The University’s SHODH Nodal Officer verifies the application and original documents before forwarding it to the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat for review by the Scrutiny Committee.

Q. How does the Corporation disburse the fellowship amount?
Ans. The Corporation deposits the entire fellowship amount directly into the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.