What are the different types of full-time PhD research scholars in India?

Government/ Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients

PhD course scholars who fall under this category are offered financial assistance under Government/ Semi-Government fellowship schemes.

Institute research Scholars with Teaching Assistance

Aspirants falling under this category of PhD scholars are offered Institute Teaching Assistantships as specified by the MHRD.

Indian self-financed Candidates

Candidates are offered a seat in doctoral programmes at institutes depending on their track record and experience. Such candidates are offered admission in PhD programmes offered by the institute by taking part in the standard admission process for PhD courses but such candidates do not receive any financial assistance from the institute.

Foreign self-financed

Candidates are offered admission through the embassy of their respective country only after they get the necessary 'no objection certificate' from MHRD, Govt of India and other necessary approvals from India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Sponsored Candidates

Students who come in this category of PhD scholars are usually sponsored by Research and Development organisations to do full-time research at the concerned institute.

Study Leave Candidates

Aspirants falling under this category are given study leave by Government institutes/ companies/ educational institutes for a time duration of less than three years to perform research work at the specified institute. A letter of leave provided by the institute/ company is necessary to get admission as a PhD scholar in this category.