Government launches common portal easing the applications for PhDs and Post-doctoral aspirants

In a significant move aimed at simplifying and streamlining the application process for doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh unveiled a revolutionary common fellowship portal (fellowships.gov.in). This portal is a collaborative effort of various government departments, and promises to save time and energy for aspiring students and startups by providing a one-stop platform for accessing information and submitting applications.

The Ministeremphasised the importance of the common fellowship portal, stating that it will serve as a comprehensive resource for students seeking information and applying for fellowships across various government departments. The portal is initially set up by departments under the Ministry of Science and Technology, including the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

One of the primary benefits of this portal is its ability to centralise the application process, making it more accessible and efficient for applicants. Singh highlighted that the portal will significantly reduce the burden on students by offering a simplified and user-friendly experience, allowing them to submit applications with just a click of a mouse.

Efforts are also underway to expand the portal’s coverage to include other key departments like the Indian Council of Medical Research, the University Grants Commission, and the All India Council for Technical Education. This expansion will create a comprehensive platform covering a wide range of fellowship opportunities, catering to diverse fields of study and research.

The common fellowship portal also boasts an innovative feature – the ‘Eligibility Calculator.’ This tool enables applicants to assess their eligibility for various fellowship schemes by inputting specific details. This addition is expected to empower students and researchers, ensuring they apply only for fellowships for which they meet the criteria, thus streamlining the selection process.

The portal aligns with the government’s vision of fostering innovation and research by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and promoting a more transparent and accessible application process.