Central Government Scheme

UGC Research Grant for In-Service Faculty 2026: Rs 10 Lakh Grant, 200 Slots, Eligibility & Apply Online

Apply online, check eligibility, required documents, benefits, application process, beneficiary list and all important details about UGC Research Grant for In-Service Faculty 2026: Rs 10 Lakh Grant, 200 Slots, Eligibility & Apply Online.

Last Updated: 28 Aug 2026 By Read Time: 6 min

Quick Overview

Scheme Name
Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members (UGC)
Ministry
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
Grant Amount
₹10,00,000 (₹10 Lakh)
Tenure
2 years
Total Slots
200 (or as decided by UGC)
Application Mode
Online (frg.ugc.ac.in)
Current Status
Active
Max Age
50 years (not eligible above 50)
Ph.D. Supervision Required
Minimum 5 full-time Ph.D. candidates
Official Portal

What is Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members?

The Research Grant for In-Service Faculty Members is introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education (DoHE), Ministry of Education. The objective of this research grant is to provide opportunities to regularly appointed faculty members of Universities, Institutes, and Colleges to pursue research in their area(s) of interest.

The scheme offers a research grant of ₹10,00,000 (₹10 Lakh) with a tenure of 2 years. The grant can be utilized for purchasing minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, fieldwork, travel, and other research-related expenses. A total of 200 slots (or as may be decided by UGC) are available under this scheme. The grant is released in 3 installments to the university — 50% initially, 25% on submission of utilization certificate, and the final 25% on reimbursement basis.

Benefits of the Research Grant

The scheme provides the following financial benefits:

Grant Amount₹10,00,000 (₹10 Lakh)
Tenure2 years from release of first installment
Total Slots200 (or as may be decided by UGC)
Payment Mode3 installments to the university
First Installment50% (₹5 Lakh) on joining report
Second Installment25% (₹2.5 Lakh) on utilization certificate
Third Installment25% (₹2.5 Lakh) on reimbursement + utilization certificate

What the Grant Can Be Used For

  • Purchasing minor equipment
  • Consumables and contingencies
  • Fieldwork expenses
  • Domestic travel for research
  • Other research-related expenses as decided by the recipient

What the Grant Cannot Be Used For

  • International travel
  • Purchasing furniture items
  • Appointing a project assistant or research fellow

Note: Items/equipment purchased from this grant shall be the property of the University.

Eligibility Criteria

Faculty members regularly appointed and working in the following institutions are eligible:

Eligible Institutions

  • Universities (including constituent and affiliated colleges/institutions) included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, with valid NAAC accreditation
  • Deemed to be Universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, with valid NAAC accreditation
  • Institutions fully funded by Central or State Governments and empowered to award Degrees
  • Institutions of National Importance

Individual Eligibility

Age LimitNot greater than 50 years (faculty above 50 years not eligible)
Service LeftMinimum 10 years of service left from date of application submission
Ph.D. SupervisionMust have successfully supervised Ph.D. dissertation of 5 full-time candidates
Research ProjectsMust have completed at least 2 sponsored research projects funded by national/international government or private agencies
Appointment TypeMust be regularly appointed and working

Who Cannot Apply

  • Faculty members above 50 years of age
  • Faculty with less than 10 years of service remaining
  • Faculty who have not supervised at least 5 full-time Ph.D. dissertations
  • Faculty who have not completed at least 2 sponsored research projects
  • Faculty not regularly appointed or working in non-eligible institutions
  • Faculty already receiving financial assistance under other Ministry of Education schemes for the same purpose

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before applying:

  • Scanned copy of passport-size photograph (size up to 1MB, format: jpg)
  • Scanned copy of signature (size up to 1MB, format: jpg)
  • Complete research proposal (size up to 5MB)
  • Research abstract (size up to 1MB)
  • Auto-generated application form (printout signed by HoD/Registrar, uploaded before submission)
  • Proof of Ph.D. supervision of 5 full-time candidates
  • Proof of completion of 2 sponsored research projects
  • Institutional verification documents

How to Apply

Applications are invited online once a year through advertisements in leading newspapers and Employment News. The short notification is also uploaded to the UGC website.

Step-by-Step Online Application

  1. Read Guidelines: Visit frg.ugc.ac.in and read the UGC guidelines carefully. Ensure your eligibility.
  2. Registration: Click on "New User" for the scheme. Fill in all details and provide a valid email address. Keep a scanned copy of passport-size photo and signature ready (size up to 1MB, format: jpg).
  3. Login: After registration, you will receive an email from ugchelp@mail.inflibnet.ac.in with login credentials. Login and change your password.
  4. Dashboard: Complete all required details in your profile. Icons will turn from red to green when all details are filled.
  5. Eligibility Criteria: Click on "Eligibility Criteria" button. Read all criteria and click on the check box next to UGC guidelines.
  6. Eligibility Form: Fill in all required eligibility details and upload the single girl child affidavit (if applicable). Click Submit.
  7. PG Details: Click "Apply Now" and fill in PG Educational Qualification details. Submit.
  8. Ph.D. Details: Fill in Ph.D.-related details and upload required documents. Submit.
  9. Declaration: Read the declaration carefully. If you agree, click on the check box next to "I Agree with above" and Submit.
  10. Save Application: Save your application for future use.

Note: No hard copies of the application form will be accepted or entertained at any point of time.

Important Dates

Application WindowOnce a year through UGC advertisements
Application ModeOnline only (frg.ugc.ac.in)
Grant Tenure2 years from release of first installment
First Installment50% on receipt of joining report
Second Installment25% on submission of utilization certificate of first installment
Third Installment25% on reimbursement basis with claims and utilization certificate of second installment

Important Links

Application Fee

There is no application fee. The scheme is completely free to apply. The research grant of ₹10,00,000 is provided to eligible faculty members for pursuing research.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general purposes only. Please visit the official website for more details.
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