National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme

Description
Launched in 2021, the scheme "National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme" has been launched by the Human Resources Development Division, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy MNRE , Government of India, aims to promote education and research in renewable energy. The scheme provides financial fellowships to meritorious students and researchers for higher studies like M.Tech, M.Sc., PhD, and post-doctoral research. It focuses on advanced and industry-relevant research in renewable energy technologies. The scheme is implemented with a total budget of ₹200 crore for the period 2021–22 to 2025–26. Around 375 fellowships will be awarded over five years based on merit and industry demand. It also aims to create skilled manpower and support innovation and commercialisation in the renewable energy sector.

Exclusions
• <br>

Benefits
• **Category****Fellowship (**₹**/month)****HRA****Contingency (₹/annum)****Duration**JRF₹31,000/-As per the central govt. norms₹20,000/-Per Month2 yearsSRF₹35,000/--do--do-2 yearsPDF/RA₹47,000/- (Level I), ₹49,000/- (Level II), ₹54,000/- (Level III).-do--do-2 yearsM.Tech/M.S ₹12,400/---20-24 months (as per the institute norm)M.Sc (Renewable Energy)₹4,000/---24 months (as per the institute norms)<br>
• **Notes:**
• **Flexible Allocation:** The number of fellowships in each category (M.Tech, M.Sc, JRF, SRF, RA) is interchangeable based on the quality of research proposals and industry demand. - **Monthly Disbursement:** All fellowships are disbursed on a monthly basis directly into the beneficiary&amp;#39;s bank account via DBT mode upon receipt of attendance/continuation reports from host institutions.
• &lt;br&gt;
• <br>

Eligibility Criteria
1. &gt; **Eligibility Criteria for the Applicant**
2. The applicant must be pursuing higher studies in renewable energy, viz. M.Sc, M. Tech, PhD in Renewable Energy technologies **OR** The applicant must be a Research Associate or post-doctoral Fellow pursuing advanced research in MNRE institutions and other key institutions. 1. These Fellowships will exclusively be awarded for Courses on Renewable Energy related subjects only.
3. These Institutions will select the students for M.Tech /PhD courses through GATE Score, CSIR Score, or CSIR-JRF /AICTE/NET Qualified Score only.
4. M.Sc fellowships will be provided only to students pursuing an M.Sc in renewable energy qualified with NET.
5. **NOTE 1:** The Ministry would be guided by the norms of CSIR/DST/UGC for the eligibility of the candidates for JRF/SRF/RA/PDF.
6. **NOTE 2:** The Ministry would be guided by the AICTE guidelines for M.Tech and the Department of Biotechnology norms for M.Sc in renewable energy.
7. &gt; **Eligibility Criteria for the Institute**
8. Only those institutes will be considered for the allocation of fellowship slots that are in the Top 100 institutes under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), with faculty for the required expertise in relevant areas of RE and infrastructure facilities available at such institutes for RE education and research in RE, etc.
9. The scheme is open for Universities, Technical Institutions, and national laboratories having facilities for research in the identified thrust areas of RE, and institutes having M.Tech./ Integrated M.Sc. courses in energy studies/ renewable energy with specialisation in any branch of renewable energy.
10. <br>

Required Documents
• Passport Sized Photograph
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Proof of Indian Citizenship
• Aadhaar Card
• Academic Transcripts From All Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees
• Research Proposal
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• SC/ST/OBC Certificate (if Applicable)
• PwD Certificate (if Applicable)
• Income Certificate (if Applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What role do the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode and beneficiary Bank Accounts play in disbursing fellowships?
A: DBT mode ensures direct, transparent, and efficient transfer of fellowship funds to beneficiaries' bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and enhancing accountability.

Q: Can you elaborate on the payment schedule and the importance of attendance from host institutions?
A: Payments begin from the Date of Joining, and the Ministry disburses fellowships monthly based on attendance and continuation reports provided by host institutions.

Q: What is the role of the Scientist-in-charge, HRD in the selection process for institutes?
A: The Scientist-in-charge, HRD acts as the convener of the selection committee, facilitating coordination and ensuring a smooth selection process.

Q: Could you explain the reasons for interchangeability of the number of fellowships in different categories?
A: Interchangeability depends on factors like the number of applications received, the quality of proposed research work, and the demand from the industry, which can vary annually.

Q: Are there any specific provisions for fellowships targeted at renewable energy research related to cutting-edge technologies?
A: Yes, the scheme is designed to support research in cutting-edge technology areas related to renewable energy, aligning with the Ministry's thrust areas.

Q: What measures are in place to ensure transparency in the selection process of institutes and candidates?
A: The selection committees consist of eminent scientists, experts, and professionals, which helps ensure a transparent and unbiased selection process.

Q: How do the funding rates for fellowships for M.Tech and M.Sc compare to the rates for JRF, SRF, and RA/PDF?
A: Funding for M.Tech and M.Sc is comparatively lower, indicating the Ministry's focus on promoting advanced research through JRF, SRF, and RA/PDF.

Q: Can you explain the liability for fellowships sanctioned from 2022-23 onwards spilling over beyond the scheme period?
A: Fellowships awarded after 2022-23 may extend beyond the scheme period as per their fellowship duration, ensuring that students have adequate time to complete their research.

Q: How does the Ministry ensure that fellowship slots are allocated to institutes with the required expertise in renewable energy areas?
A: Institutes are considered based on their ranking under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the presence of faculty and infrastructure for research and education in renewable energy.

Q: Could you elaborate on the significance of technology areas not being of a generic nature in the fellowship scheme?
A: The fellowship scheme focuses on frontier-edge research in technology development. It means the research undertaken should be at the cutting edge of technology and not general or commonly practiced research.

Q: What is the selection process for the institutes applying for fellowship slots?
A: Institutes are selected by a committee chaired by eminent scientists/professors, and the selection committee includes experts from reputed academic institutions, DG, NISE, NIWE, and NIBE, Group Head, and HRD.

Q: How does the application process work for institutes and universities interested in these fellowships?
A: MNRE publishes annual advertisements inviting applications from universities and institutes for fellowships for higher education and research in renewable energy thrust areas.

Q: What is the mode of disbursal for the fellowships?
A: Fellowships are disbursed on a monthly basis through beneficiary Bank Accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

Q: How are the fellowship payments structured in terms of duration?
A: Fellowship payments commence from the Date of Joining of the candidates and continue on a monthly basis.