Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship (DSKPDF) Scheme by UGC

DR.-D.-S.-KOTHARI-POSTDOCTORAL-FELLOWSHIP-SCHEME-Researchersjob

Designation/Position- Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship (DSKPDF) Scheme

University Grants Commission (UGC), India invites application for Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship (DSKPDF) Scheme from eligible and interested candidates 

About- Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship (DSKPDF) Scheme was introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in the year 2007 on the recommendation of the Empowered Committee (EC) chaired by Professor M. M. Sharma. In addition to the existing RA/PDF positions provided by various funding agencies, a need was felt for PDF scheme running in a flexible mode, with fast track, on-line handling, and decision making. It was envisaged that the new PDF scheme must be tuned to the ground realities prevailing in our university system. The DSKPDF Scheme was also expected to provide an opportunity for many fresh Ph. D.’s to overcome the deficiencies in training at the doctoral level research and to explore new areas of research in better settings in the Indian University Sector.

DSKPDF Scheme is open for full-time research work, predominantly to young researchers preferably below 35 years of age who have awarded their Ph. D. Degree under science faculty. The Reservation Policy of Government of India with regard to SC/ST/OBC/PH is followed. Appropriate age relaxations for reserved category/women candidates are given as per UGC guidelines. It is necessary that candidates identify Mentor for their postdoctoral Research work and obtain his/her consent for the guidance. DSKPDF is tenable only at the Science Departments of Indian Universities and UGC-funded inter-University centers (such as IUCAA, IUAC, UGC-DAE-CSR, etc.) which are eligible to receive Development grants from the UGC. Thus the fellowship is not tenable in I.I.T.’s or CSIR/DRDO/DAE laboratories etc. These are also not tenable in colleges (either Autonomous or affiliated). In general, the postdoctoral work should be undertaken in a place different from where the candidate has carried out his/her doctoral studies. The Ph. D. Guide of the candidate cannot be chosen as his/her mentor for DSKPDF.

Research/Job Area- 

Sciences, Medical and Engineering Sciences

Location- India

Skype Interview Tips and Tricks – Best Practices in the Video interview

Eligibility/Qualification–

  • It is mandatory that the applicant has received a Ph.D. degree in an appropriate subject (Sciences including Engineering and Medicine).
  • It is also necessary to obtain the concurrence of the mentor (affiliated to institution wherein DSK Fellowship is tenable) to accept the applicant as a postdoctoral fellow.
  • The proposed mentor must have at least three Ph.D. students guided/supervised towards successful completion of the Ph.D. work.
  • The application will be processed further on satisfying these preliminary requirements.
  • According to the latest UGC guidelines, the Ph.D. supervisor of a candidate cannot be selected as DSKPDF Mentor by him/her. Working in the same workplace where the candidate did doctoral studies is also not encouraged in general.

Job/Position Description- 

The peer group review process is expected to be completed typically within 8-12 weeks of the receipt of individual application. The result of the application will be displayed by UGC on the UGC website followed by DSKPDF website in about 16 weeks from the date of receipt of the hard copy of the application.

The whole process would be akin to that employed for manuscript handling and evaluation by leading international journals and will be a paperless exercise. No interim queries will be entertained. These PDFs also have an international flavor and are open to students from other parts of the world, particularly to those from developing and neighboring countries.

  • The committee will access the applications on the web and grade them electronically.
  • On the basis of the grades received (electronically) from the peer committee, the National Coordinator of the scheme will make the final recommendation to UGC. Since this is a promotional scheme to inculcate postdoctoral research culture, the emphasis during the review process/selection will be on an appropriate mix of the candidate’s accomplishment at the Ph.D. level, the professional standing of mentor and the institution where the postdoctoral research is to be carried out.
  • In general, candidates would be encouraged to move to other institutions and newer areas of research. 

Follow-up email to a professor: When and how you should write

The monthly stipend for these awards would be as follows

  • Normal fellowship for First, Second, and third-year is Rs. 43,400/-, Rs. 45,000/- and Rs. 46,500/- respectively
  • Higher fellowship for First, Second, and Third year: Rs. 46,500/-
  • The Fellow is provided with a contingency grant of Rs. 1,00,000 p.a.

How to Apply- 

  • Applications should be filed electronically using the forms that are available on the website. 
  • However, it is necessary that a signed printout of the application must be received by the National Coordinator of the Scheme, along with the documents supporting candidature, such as degrees of graduation/postgraduation certificates, Ph. D. degree, etc. within 10 days from date of online application.
  • In case Ph.D. viva is defended however degree certificate is awaited, duly signed certificate by the guide or the Registrar of University/Institute must be attached.
  • Further, a signed letter (in prescribed format) from the proposed mentor indicating his/her willingness to accept the candidate for postdoctoral work must be attached.
  • After scrutinizing the documents sent by the applicant, the National Coordinator of the scheme will constitute a standing (core) peer committee of reviewers as per the area of research mentioned by applicant.

Application steps

  • The candidate should apply for Login ID and Password before uploading the actual application.
  • After verification of the information at DSKPDF Cell, the candidate will receive a mail containing a Login ID and Password at the E-mail address provided by the candidate within 10 working days of your request
  • The candidate has to fill the application form. Login ID and Password will expire after 10 days. 
  • All the valid applications will receive a system-generated acknowledgment from Dr. D. S. Kothari Fellowship Cell. This will be accompanied by a file containing your complete application. A unique Application No. (ID) will be assigned to each application. Please note this number for further reference.
  • The candidates are requested to take a printout of the Application file provided at the end of the Application Filling procedure. He/she has to affix his/her recent photograph and sign on the application at indicated places.
  • Attach duly attested copy of following documents 
  1. Summary of Ph.D. Work, in the prescribed format. Same as uploaded online
  2. Concept proposal of the postdoctoral research, in the prescribed format. Same as uploaded online
  3. A brief Mentor CV, in the prescribed format. Same as uploaded online
  4. Copy of your Graduation and Post-graduation certificate
  5. Copy of your S.S.C.(10th Class Certificate)/Age Proof Certificate
  6. Ph.D. Degree Certificate Or Certificate by the Ph.D. guide/Registrar of University/Institute
  7. Original Certificate of Mentor on proper letterhead specifying that he/she is willing to guide you for your Postdoc Research work, in the prescribed format
  8. NET/SET Certificate if applicable
  9. Reserved Category/Physically Handicapped Certificate if applicable
Dr DS Kothari Post Doctoral Fellowships

If employed as a teacher (on a confirmed position), please submit a certificate from your Head of the Institution (Registrar of University / Principal of a college) that you will be given three years of sabbatical/special leave for carrying out postdoctoral work.

The candidate has to arrange to send the signed hard copy with the application form along with aforementioned documents to the following address 

The National Coordinator,
Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Cell
C/o Interdisciplinary School of Scientific Computing
Savitribai Phule Pune University
Ganeshkhind Post Office, Pune 411 007.
India

  • Please mention the application ID on the envelope. The result about the award of Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship will be displayed by UGC on the UGC website followed by the DSKPDF website typically within 16 weeks from the date of receipt of the hard copy of your application. No interim correspondence will be entertained within this period.
  • If the candidate has already applied for Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship and has been declared as unsuccessful, he/she is permitted to apply again with new research proposal only after one year from date of declaration of result

Last Date for Apply– The application process will be open all the year round in ‘…as and when…’ mode and not restricted by any specified deadlines.

Click here to see details- 

Click Here for Official Website-

Click here to apply- 

Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here