Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members: Eligibility, Benefits, Amount & How to Apply

The Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members is a research funding scheme of the University Grants Commission (UGC) designed to provide regularly appointed faculty members with an opportunity to pursue research in their respective areas.

Under the scheme, eligible faculty members can receive financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for a research project. The grant has a tenure of two years, and the UGC currently lists 200 slots or such number as may be decided by the Commission.

The scheme is particularly relevant for experienced faculty members who have already contributed to doctoral supervision and sponsored research projects and want to undertake further research while continuing their academic careers.

Important: The eligibility and financial-assistance details in this article are based primarily on the UGC’s published scheme information and guidelines. Applicants should always check the latest notification and guidelines on the official UGC research-grant portal before applying.

Key Highlights of the UGC Research Grant

The UGC’s current scheme page confirms the ₹10 lakh assistance, two-year tenure, 200 slots or the number decided by the Commission, and the age/service requirements.

Objective of the Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members

The primary objective of this scheme is to give regularly appointed faculty members an opportunity to undertake research in their areas of specialization.

Research funding can help faculty members:

• Conduct new research projects.
• Purchase eligible minor research equipment.
• Procure consumables required for research.
• Carry out fieldwork.
• Meet eligible contingency expenses.
• Undertake eligible domestic travel related to research.
• Strengthen their academic and research profile.
• Contribute to research publications and knowledge creation.

According to the UGC guidelines, the grant is intended to support research-related activities and expenses rather than general institutional expenditure.

Who Can Apply for the UGC In-Service Faculty Research Grant?

The scheme is intended for regularly appointed faculty members working in eligible higher-education institutions.

According to the UGC guidelines, eligible institutions include:

1. Universities, including constituent and affiliated colleges/institutions, covered under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 and having valid NAAC accreditation.
2. Deemed-to-be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 and having valid NAAC accreditation.
3. Institutions fully funded by the Central or State Governments and empowered to award degrees.
4. Institutions of National Importance.

In addition to institutional eligibility, applicants must satisfy the age, remaining-service, Ph.D. supervision and sponsored-research requirements.

Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should carefully check all eligibility conditions before submitting an application.

1. Regular Appointment

The applicant must be a regularly appointed faculty member working in an institution covered by the scheme’s eligibility conditions.

2. Age Limit

The applicant should be up to 50 years of age. Faculty members above 50 years are not eligible under the published guidelines.

3. Minimum 10 Years of Service Remaining

The applicant must have at least 10 years of service remaining in the university/institution from the date of submission of the application.

4. Ph.D. Supervision Experience

The applicant must have successfully supervised the Ph.D. dissertations of at least five full-time candidates.

5. Sponsored Research Projects

The applicant must have successfully completed at least two sponsored research projects funded by national or international government or private agencies.

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, an applicant should be able to answer Yes to the following:

• Are you a regularly appointed faculty member?
• Does your institution fall under one of the eligible institutional categories?
• Are you aged 50 years or below?
• Do you have at least 10 years of service remaining?
• Have you successfully supervised five full-time Ph.D. candidates?
• Have you completed at least two sponsored research projects?

If any of the mandatory conditions are not satisfied, the applicant should carefully review the latest UGC notification before proceeding.

How Much Financial Assistance Is Available?

The Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members provides financial assistance of ₹10 lakh.

The grant is intended to support eligible expenses associated with conducting the approved research project.

Expenses for Which the Grant Can Be Used

The UGC guidelines state that the grant may be used for items and activities such as:

• Minor equipment
• Consumables
• Contingencies
• Fieldwork
• Travel
• Other eligible research-related requirements

The distribution of funds among eligible heads can be decided according to the researcher’s requirements, subject to the applicable UGC rules.

What Expenses Are Not Allowed?

The grant cannot be used for certain expenses.

According to the published UGC guidelines, the grant cannot be used for:

• International travel
• Purchase of furniture
• Appointment of a project assistant
• Appointment of a research fellow

Equipment purchased through the grant is also treated as the property of the concerned university.

Therefore, applicants should prepare their research budget carefully and ensure that proposed expenditure falls within the permitted categories.

Duration of the Research Grant

The tenure of the Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members is two years. The UGC scheme page currently confirms the two-year tenure.

The published guidelines also state that the grant is to be utilized within the prescribed two-year period from the release of the first installment, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Applicants should therefore prepare a realistic research schedule covering the complete project period.

Number of Available Slots

The UGC currently lists 200 slots or such number as may be decided by the Commission.

This means the number of awards in a particular cycle can be determined by the UGC based on its decision and the applicable notification.

Selection Process for the Research Grant

The selection process is based on evaluation of the submitted research proposal and the applicant’s academic/research profile.

The published scheme guidelines describe the following broad process:

1. UGC invites online applications.
2. Eligible applicants submit their applications and research proposals.
3. Applications are evaluated by a minimum of three referees selected according to the proposed research area.
4. The proposed project’s merit is assessed.
5. The professional standing of the applicant is considered.
6. The institution where the research will be conducted is also considered.
7. Scores from the evaluation are used to prepare the final merit list.
8. Results are announced through the UGC website.
9. Selected candidates can download their award letters through the UGC system.

The UGC guidelines describe the evaluation as a paperless process based on expert review.

How to Apply for Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members?

Applications are submitted through the UGC Fellowship & Research Grant portal when a call for applications is issued.

Step 1: Read the Latest Guidelines

Before registering, carefully read the latest UGC guidelines and notification. This is important because application dates, requirements and procedural instructions can change between application cycles.

Step 2: Register on the UGC Research Grant Portal

The UGC’s general instructions state that applicants need to register on the research grant portal as a one-time registration for the applicable scheme. A Registration ID is generated and used for further communication.

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Enter your personal, academic, professional and institutional information accurately.

Applicants should be particularly careful while entering information because the UGC instructions state that submitted information cannot be modified after submission in the relevant stages.

Step 4: Complete the Eligibility Details

Provide information required to establish eligibility, including details related to:

• Institution
• Date of birth
• Superannuation/service
• Ph.D. scholars supervised
• Sponsored research projects

The UGC user manual specifically includes these types of eligibility information for the In-Service Faculty Research Grant application.

Step 5: Prepare the Research Proposal

A strong research proposal is an important part of the application.

The proposal should clearly explain:

• Research problem
• Background and significance
• Objectives
• Research methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Work plan
• Proposed budget
• Expected academic/research contribution

The proposal should be focused, practical and aligned with the applicant’s research expertise.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review all details before final submission. UGC’s general instructions warn that incomplete applications may be rejected and that errors or misinformation can result in cancellation of candidature.

Step 7: Save Your Registration/Application Details

Keep the Registration ID, login information and submitted application details safely for future communication and status tracking.

Documents and Information to Keep Ready

Applicants should follow the document list specified in the latest application notification and portal.

The UGC’s general instructions for its fellowship/research-grant portal require applicants to carefully upload the documents specified for the particular scheme.

It is advisable to keep the following information/documents readily available where applicable:

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Academic qualification details
• Ph.D. details
• Details of Ph.D. scholars supervised
• Details of completed sponsored research projects
• Employment/service details
• Institutional information
• Research proposal
• Research proposal abstract
• Supporting research documents, if required by the current notification

Do not rely on an old year’s document list. Always follow the requirements displayed in the current UGC application portal and notification.

Release of the Research Grant

The published scheme guidelines describe the release of the ₹10 lakh grant in three installments.

The structure is:

• First installment: 50% of the grant after submission of the joining report.
• Second installment: 25% after submission of the utilization certificate for the first installment.
• Final installment: 25%, released on a reimbursement basis after submission of applicable claims and utilization documentation for the second installment.

The grant is administered through the university/institution, and utilization must follow the applicable UGC financial rules.

Important Points for Applicants

Applicants should keep the following points in mind:

Apply Only If You Meet All Eligibility Conditions

Meeting only the age requirement is not enough. The published criteria also include remaining service, Ph.D. supervision and sponsored-project experience.

Prepare a Strong Research Proposal

The proposed research should have a clear research question, methodology, achievable objectives and meaningful expected outcomes.

Check Your Institutional Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your university/institution falls within the categories specified in the current UGC guidelines.

Enter Information Carefully

The UGC’s general instructions emphasize that applicants should check information carefully before submitting because submitted information may not be editable.

Follow the Latest Notification

Application windows are not necessarily open continuously. The UGC announces application calls through its official channels. Therefore, applicants should check the current notification before assuming that applications are open.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members?

It is a UGC research-support scheme intended to provide regularly appointed faculty members with an opportunity to pursue research in their respective areas.

What is the maximum amount of the grant?

The financial assistance under the scheme is ₹10 lakh.

What is the duration of the grant?

The tenure is two years.

What is the age limit?

The applicant must be up to 50 years of age according to the published eligibility criteria.

How many years of service should be left?

The applicant should have a minimum of 10 years of service remaining in the university/institution from the date of application.

How many Ph.D. students must the applicant have supervised?

The published guidelines require successful supervision of five full-time Ph.D. candidates.

How many sponsored research projects are required?

The applicant must have successfully completed at least two sponsored research projects funded by national/international government or private agencies.

Can the grant be used for international travel?

No. The published UGC guidelines specifically exclude international travel from the permitted use of the grant.

Can furniture be purchased using this grant?

No. Purchase of furniture is specifically excluded under the published guidelines.

Can a project assistant or research fellow be appointed using the grant?

No. The published guidelines state that the grant cannot be used to appoint a project assistant or research fellow.

Where can I check the official information?

Applicants should check the University Grants Commission’s official website and UGC Fellowship & Research Grant portal for the latest notification, guidelines, application status and other instructions.

Conclusion

The Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members is an important UGC initiative for experienced faculty members who want to strengthen their research activities while continuing in service. With financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for a two-year period, the scheme can support eligible research expenses such as minor equipment, consumables, fieldwork, contingencies and permitted travel.

However, this is a specialized research grant with strict eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet the conditions relating to age, remaining service, Ph.D. supervision and sponsored research experience and should prepare a well-structured research proposal.

For the most accurate and current information, applicants should always verify the latest notification directly with the UGC before submitting an application. The UGC’s current scheme page was updated on 14 August 2026.

Official Sources

• UGC – Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members
• UGC Fellowship & Research Grant Portal
• myScheme – Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members