Skip to content

KSCSTE Research Fellowship

KSCSTERF

Published: Oct 2026

8 min read

Reviewed by Navin, Editor · First published: 7 Oct 2026

KSCSTE Research Fellowship
Avatar photo
Written by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 17 Oct 2026 · How we verify scheme facts

About this education scheme

The scheme “KSCSTE Research Fellowship” is for encouraging enthusiastic and passionate post-graduate science/ engineering students by supporting them financially in their Ph.D. studies.

The scheme “KSCSTE Research Fellowship” is for encouraging enthusiastic and passionate post-graduate science/ engineering students by supporting them financially in their Ph.D. studies. There are seven science streams in which the students can opt for fellowship. They are Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Earth-Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.

Under the scheme, the fellows are selected based on a rigorous online examination among bright post-graduate students. The following is the pattern of examination:

There are two papers for the entrance examination:

  • Paper A is general which evaluates the candidate’s general knowledge and research aptitude.
  • Paper B is the subject paper. The syllabus for paper B is similar to that of the CSIR examination and this will be available on the KSCSTE website.
Pattern of Examination Part A (General Aptitude) Part B (Subject)
Total Questions 20 100
Max no. of questions to attempt 20 50
  • There is no negative mark.
  • The total marks will be calculated as follows:
  • Out of 90 total marks, 70 marks are from the online examination and 20 marks from the Post-graduation degree marks.
  • The cut-off marks for selection to the fellowship are based on the number of fellowships available for each stream. For reservation candidates (SC/ST, persons with disabilities), there will be a 5% reduction in cut-off marks from that of the general (UR) / General-EWS and OBC candidates.
  • The maximum number of fellowships in each subject is given below:
Subject No. of Fellowships
Life Sciences 28
Chemical Sciences 16
Mathematical Sciences 10
Physical Sciences 16
Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences 10
Environmental Sciences 10
Engineering Sciences 10
Total 100
  • The number of fellowships may vary based on the availability of funds.
  • The selected candidates will be intimated by e-mail and post. A fellowship offer letter will be sent to the candidate.
  • Candidates are allowed for online examination provisionally. Any mismatch found in their submitted documents and or if the applicant is found to violate the KSCSTE Research Fellowship guidelines, the fellowship will be cancelled and the candidate will be debarred in future examinations.

Necessary conditions as per Scheme:

  • The fellowship is for pursuing Ph.D. and the candidate should register in any of the Universities in Kerala to avail of the fellowship.
  • The fellowship awardees should join and pursue their Ph.D. studies in any of the Universities/research centers in Kerala as soon as the fellowship offer letter is received.
  • Once the offer letter from the Council is received, the fellow should submit an acceptance letter within the time mentioned in the offer letter, else the fellowship will be cancelled.
  • The fellowship offer shall be valid for one year from the date of issuing of the offer letter.
  • As soon as the offer letter is received, the fellow should start initiating the registration process with the University in Kerala.
  • Once the registration order from the University is received, a copy of the same along with the Terms and Conditions, a letter from the supervising teacher showing that the fellow is not availing of any other fellowship, and a joining report (mentioning the effective date of joining at the Research Centre) should be sent to the Council for initiating the release of the fellowship.
  • If the fellow would like to terminate the KSCSTE fellowship, the same should be intimated to the Council through the Head of the Institution and forwarded by the supervising teacher, immediately. The fellow should take steps to ensure the submission of SE and UC and refund of unspent amount etc. by the Institute for issuing NOC.

Benefits at a glance

Scheme nameKSCSTE Research Fellowship (KSCSTERF)
Launched byScience and Technology Department
Benefit typeComposite (cash plus goods or services)
CategoryEducation
Level / StateState · Kerala
Official portalkscste.kerala.gov.in (link at the end of this page)

Key facts

Implementing agencyKerala State Council For Science, Technology And Environment
Scheme forIndividual
Application modeOnline
Last dateOngoing (no last date notified)
DBT (direct bank transfer)No

Who can apply (quick check)

  • 👤All genders
  • 🎂Age 0 to 35 years
  • 📝Online

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

What you receive

  1. The Fellowship carries a monthly stipend of Rs. 31,000/- for the first two years (JRF) and Rs. 35,000/- per month in the third year (SRF).
  2. There is an annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000/-.
  3. All Research Fellows shall be allowed hostel accommodation wherever available and those residing in a hostel provided by the University/Institute shall not be eligible for HRA. Reimbursement of hostel fee shall not be permissible, where the hostel facility is not possible. House Rent Allowance shall be allowed a maximum of 10% of their fellowship.
  4. The fellowship is for a period not exceeding three years.

Who qualifies

  1. Candidates, who have qualified for the post-graduate degree, shall have three consecutive chances to apply for the Fellowship programme. Thus, a candidate who has passed the examination in the current year can apply in this year, the next year, and the year after next.
  2. The candidates (General and OBC candidates) should have a minimum of 70% marks or equivalent CGPA in their PG examination and 65% for SC/ST and differently-abled candidates.
  3. Only candidates who have their qualifying degree (PG) from any of the Universities in Kerala are eligible to apply.
  4. Upper age limit: Maximum 35 years (Should not exceed 35 years as of the 1st of the month of the advertisement published on the website) for all applicants.

Papers to keep ready

1. Identity proof of applicant

2. Passport size photographs

3. PG Marks sheet & Degree certificate

4. Proof of age

5. Caste certificate for SC/ST candidates

6. Medical certificate for persons with disability

7. Any other document, as required

Registration walkthrough

Online

Step 01: Generally, applications are invited during September - October every year.

Step 02: Applications are invited through online mode and applicants need to visit the Official Website of KSCSTE.

Note 01: There is a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 750/- for general candidates and SC/ST/Persons with disability candidates are exempted.

Note 02: No hard copies of the application form will be accepted.

Note 03: Candidates who have registered for the fellowship have to appear for an examination which is conducted online at three centers across Kerala.

Contact Details:

The Head, Basic Science Division, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004,

Tel: +91 471 2548360/314

E-mail: bsd.kscste@kerala.gov.in

Frequently asked questions

What is the aim of this programme?

The scheme “KSCSTE Research Fellowship” aims to encourage enthusiastic and passionate post-graduate science/ engineering students by supporting them financially in their Ph.D. studies.

Which is the implementing agency of this programme?

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

Who are eligible to apply under the programme?

Only candidates who have their qualifying degree (PG) from any of the Universities in Kerala are eligible to apply.

In how many streams can a candidate apply for a fellowship?

There are seven science streams in which the students can opt for fellowship i.e. Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Earth Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.

What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the programme?

The age of the candidate should be 35 years (Should not exceed 35 years as on the 1st of the month of advertisement published in the website) for all applicants.

Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC categories under the programme?

No.

What is the qualification required to apply for the programme?

Candidates who have qualified the post-graduate degree are eligible to apply.

What should be the minimum marks for post-graduation?

The candidates (General and OBC candidates) should have minimum 70% marks or equivalent CGPA in their PG examination and 65% for SC/ST and differently-abled candidates.

How many chances will be given to the candidate to apply for the Fellowship programme?

The candidates shall have three consecutive chances to apply for the Fellowship programme.

How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible fellow?

The Fellowship carries a monthly stipend of Rs. 31,000/- for the first two years (JRF) and Rs. 35,000/- per month in the third year (SRF).

How much will the contingency grant to be paid under the programme?

An annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000/-. will also be paid under the programme.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship is for a period not exceeding three years.

How will the fellows be selected under the programme?

Under the scheme, the fellows will be selected based on a rigorous online examination among bright post-graduate students.

How can an applicant apply for the programme?

The applicant can apply online mode when the application is invited. The applicant needs to visit the Official Website of KSCSTE. https://kscste.kerala.gov.in

Is there any registration fee required to apply for the programme?

Yes, there is a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 750/- for general candidates and SC/ST/Persons with disability candidates are exempted.

Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?

The Head, Basic Science Division, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004, Tel: +91 471 2548360/314
E-mail: bsd.kscste@kerala.gov.in

Share on WhatsAppHelp others find this schemeTelegramFacebookX

tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.

Explore more

Avatar photo
Written and verified byNavinEditor

Ask a question

Do not post your Aadhaar, bank or mobile number. We usually reply within 1-2 days.