The UGC Emeritus Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for experienced scholars who have retired from full-time academic employment to return to academic research. The fellowship was developed for senior scholars wishing to be involved in academic research following their super-annuation, and, therefore, it includes a modest monthly stipend, an allowance for research-related expenses, and allows fellows to base their research out of their host institutions.
Note that UGC is responsible for determining the amount, duration of fellowships, and the procedures to apply for the fellowship. Please refer back to the UGC announcements for the latest updates regarding this programme prior to applying.
Overview
The table below showcases the summary of the UGC Emeritus Fellowship:-
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Scheme name | UGC Emeritus Fellowship |
| Purpose | Enable retired academics to pursue research & mentorship after superannuation |
| Implementing body | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Typical duration | Up to 2 years (renewal/extension rules per current UGC notice) |
| Monthly honourarium | (As per UGC guideline — see official notification) — commonly reported around ₹31,000/month in recent calls. |
| Contingency grant | Annual contingency support to meet research expenses (figures in UGC notices; often ₹50,000 p.a. in prior schemes). |
| Eligible applicants | Distinguished retired faculty/researchers with a strong publication record and institutional support |
| Mode of application | Online portal/UGC calls (follow the current year’s advertisement) |
| Selection basis | Expert committee review of research proposal, record and institutional support |
Also Read: What Are The Different Scholarships Available On the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
What Is The Emeritus Fellowship?
The UGC Emeritus Fellowship is an institution-sponsored programme; the purpose of the fellowship is to allow retired faculty members to continue in their research-related activities. Sponsoring institutions will normally attach emeritus fellows to them so that the sponsoring institution provides both facilities and administrative support.
Objectives Of The Emeritus Fellowship
The objectives listed above reflect the overall intent of the UGC to achieve its goals for awarding Emeritus Fellowships.
Benefits Of The Emeritus Fellowship
Below are some examples of what benefits an awardee typically receives as a result of receiving this fellowship:
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Monthly honorarium for personal sustenance during the course of research (returnable to UGC per its notice).
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Annual disbursements of contingency grants for research-related expenses (travel, consumables, books, etc.)
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Institutional support for the hosting institution: Workspace, library access, and administrative assistance.
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Recognition as an academic and providing a supervision platform for students pursuing PhDs/or co-authoring papers and/or presenting seminars.
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Flexibility to set milestones, collaborate extensively, and attend conferences (which are still subject to the respective rules).
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Milestones provide direction for the amount of time you will be able to manage a project, and also when to submit milestone reporting for the respective milestones.
Duration Of The Emeritus Fellowship
The typical duration of these fellowships is two years; extensions and specific start and end dates should be specified within the formal offer letter. In most instances, periodic reports and final project statements are required at the conclusion of the fellowship.
What Is The Eligibility Ceriteria Of The Emeritus Fellowship?
Read carefully through the eligibility verification as the programme is intended for experienced, accomplished senior researchers, and typically requires backing by an institution.
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Academic institutions and colleges have retired faculty and/or researchers from legitimate/authorised institutions.
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Academic history must include a demonstrated body of research (e.g. Publications, citations, patents, grants, etc.) that is consistent with the specific discipline.
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The UGC notifications will identify an upper age limit and/or a maximum period of service to date for candidates; you should check the advertisement for this year.
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All applicants are to have been issued either a formal acceptance or a "no objection certificate" (NOC) from the proposed host institution to demonstrate their willingness to mentor the fellow.
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You must have Indian citizenship to apply; additional details may include additional documentation based on UGC requirements.
Also Read: Scholarship Scheme For Meritorious Students
Exclusion Of The Emeritus Fellowship
Common exclusions include the following categories; therefore, be sure to verify these categories before spending time on your application.
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Any individual currently receiving similar central government fellowships would result in duplication of both positions.
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Any candidate not qualified with an acceptable host institution or not in possession of institutional support.
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Those individuals recently awarded the same programme in a previous cycle (for additional information, refer to the cooling-off policy).
What Is The Application Process Of The Emeritus Fellowship?
To apply, you typically submit a proposal with institutional support. The following provides information on how to do this:
Step 1: Watch for the UGC's notice for fellowships on their website and through national portals.
Step 2: Prepare your proposal, which includes: objectives; methodology; timeline (this is two years); expected deliverables; justification of the budget for contingency funds.
Step 3: Gather your curriculum vitae and research history, including: Publications (listed), previous grants received, PhD students, awards and metrics of impact.
Step 4: An NOC or host letter from the institute providing: Workspace, access to the library and administrative support.
Step 5: Submit online with UGC instructions as per the advertisement current at that time. Also, provide submission of the scanned copies of the Certificate, Endorsement Letter and Project Plan.
Step 6: Track the status of your submission - proposals are reviewed by Selection Committees, and shortlisted candidates may need to provide more information or be interviewed.
List Of Documents Required For The Emeritus Fellowship
Most of the documents are entered well ahead of time; many of the documents required for the proposal are customary proof of academic identity.
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The detailed CV includes a list of published research.
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A research proposal (Project Plan) with a budget deemed for contingency use.
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Scanned Degree/Course certificates and Service/Retirement certificates.
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Confirmation/NOC from the Host Institution on their official letterhead.
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Evidence of significant awards and/or grants (if applicable).
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Identification proof (Aadhaar Card/Passport) and a recent Passport-sized Photograph.
UGC Emeritus Fellowship 2025 Assistance Amount
The amounts below reflect commonly reported figures from recent calls but are subject to change in the official UGC notification.
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Monthly Honourarium - According to various UGC publications and historical records, monthly honourariums are typically quoted at approximately ₹31,000 (details can be found in the archival notice).
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Contingency Grants - Contingency grants are usually up to ₹50,000 over a single year to allow travel, purchase of consumables, and small items/equipment, and to cover the expense of presenting at conferences.
NOTE: For specific amounts of assistance and provisions related to their distributions, UGC publishes the final amounts in a yearly advertisement, so interested parties should verify details using the latest UGC websites before preparing budgets.
What Is The Selection Process Of The Emeritus Fellowship?
Selection focuses on research excellence and feasibility. Read this to align your proposal to the evaluation criteria.
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Each application is also reviewed by multiple peers/experts, academic records, and the expected impact of the research.
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Applications are selected based on the degree of the novel idea, the applicant's ability to carry out the proposed idea and the applicant's institutional support and alignment with the Priorities of the National Government.
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Final recipients will receive letters that specify the exact terms under which they are to receive assistance (length of appointment, report requirements, disbursement schedule).
Conclsuion
The UGC Emeritus Fellowship offers an opportunity for distinguished retired academics to remain active in their field of research and mentor future generations. The fellowship consists of a modest monthly stipend to support research, assistance with travel to attend conferences or workshops, and access to university facilities and services to conduct research.
To be successful in applying for this fellowship, applicants must have a clearly defined, feasible research proposal that includes measurable outcomes, demonstrate a strong academic record, and receive full institutional support from a qualified host institution. Applicants should carefully read the UGC notification regarding this fellowship, create a concise two-year research proposal with measurable outcomes and have a supportive host institution before submitting their applications.
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