Scholarship
National Solar Science Fellowship Programme(NSSFP)
Overview
About NSSFP
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme is a research fellowship run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the central government body responsible for India's renewable energy sector. MNRE launched the programme in February 2011.
Its stated aim is to give top-quality scientists and engineers a platform to work on solar energy science, engineering and technology, drawing on research facilities at identified institutions in India and abroad to address problems in solar energy utilisation, including power generation. The support is a cash award: a fellowship paid to the researcher together with a grant to fund the research work.
The fellowship is meant for established researchers rather than students. It is open to scientists and engineers with advanced qualifications and a strong record in solar energy research, including those working in central or state government and public institutions, as well as researchers not currently attached to a public institution but active in the field. Selection is competitive and rests on the applicant's track record.
Sources: National Solar Science Fellowship Programme - India Science, Technology & Innovation (ISTI) Portal · Fellowships for Higher Studies and Research - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy · National Solar Science Fellowship Programme (NSSFP) - myScheme
Who runs it
Provider
Ministry Of New and Renewable Energy
Central Government
Ministry Of New & Renewable Energy
At a glance
Key details
| Level | Central |
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Benefit type | Cash |
| Application mode | Offline |
Calendar
Important dates
Across all open application cycles.
| Cycle | Stage | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Applications open | 2011-02-01 |
Who can apply
Eligibility criteria
| The applicant should be Indian or of Indian origin. | |
| The programme is open to all Scientists working in the field of solar energy sciences, engineering, and technology including those currently employed in the Government of India/ State Government/Public Institutions and those who are not currently associated with any public institution but are working in the area and eager to pursue specific research that is beneficial to the Government of India. | |
| The applicant should possess a doctorate or equivalent in the field of solar sciences/solar engineering, with an outstanding track record and proven leadership qualities in the area of solar energy research with experience of at least ten years including the period spent while undertaking research work for Ph.D. | |
| M.Tech. or M.S degree holder with good published work and lab/industry experience will also be considered as a special case provided Fellowship Management Committee feels that the proposal submitted by such candidates is worth considering. | |
| The applicant should have an appropriate background in academics and experience in R&D in the area of solar energy and other related areas that are directly or indirectly involved in solar sciences, engineering, and technology. | |
| There will be no age bar for the Programme. | |
| Note 01: The Fellowship Management Committee will have the right to suitably amend the eligibility criteria. | |
| Note 02: A comprehensive proposal should be submitted by all the candidates for the National Solar Science Fellowship for the consideration of the Fellowship Management Committee. |
What you get
Award & benefits
- Each selected Fellow will receive a total annual grant of up to ₹32.00 lakhs comprising (i) emolument of up to ₹12.00 lakhs (ii) contingencies of up to ₹5.00 lakhs and (iii) research grant of up to ₹15.00 lakhs. This will be pro-rated for the duration of the tenure of the particular Fellow.
- This grant will be released to the host institution for being granted to the Fellow.
- The Fellow may also raise additional resources from other sources such as the host Institution, grant providers, grant-in-aid Institutions, etc. for the purpose of carrying out his/her research.
- Note 01: On selection, the Fellow will be attached to one of the selected schools/institutions in consultation with the Fellow as well as the host institution.
- Note 02: Selected Fellows shall commit to work at the host institution for the full tenure of the fellowship and shall submit a bond in this regard to the host institution.
- Note 03: The Fellow must submit quarterly progress reports and a final technical report to the Fellowship Management Committee. The Fellowship Management Committee may from time to time, seek updates from the Fellow and provide inputs and guidance to the project of the Fellows so that the project remains relevant to the Government of India agenda and can be successfully completed on time.
- Note 04: An annual conference of the Fellows will be held, where the Fellows will be expected to present their findings to the Fellowship Management Committee and other invitees and share knowledge and learning and discuss areas for further collaboration and practical application of their research.
- Note 05: There would be a visible improvement in the quality of solar technology through the application of innovative solutions/technologies in the field arising out of the research under the programme.
- Note 06: The resources in terms of manpower and infrastructural facilities available at various schools/ institutions of the country would be enhanced /strengthened.
What to prepare
Documents required
Step by step
How to apply
- 1Apply offline
See the official links below for the application portal.
Source
Official links
Questions
NSSFP – FAQ
Disclaimer
Scheme details are compiled from myScheme, the Government of India’s official scheme-discovery platform, and are reproduced without alteration. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility change between cycles — always confirm on the official links above before applying. Expertie does not process applications or charge fees.