Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026 | Last Date to Apply

Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026 : The ICAR Fellowships for Post-Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences are among the most prestigious and sought-after financial awards for students who dream of advancing their careers in agriculture and allied sciences in India. Officially offered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), these scholarships not only recognize academic talent but also empower aspiring researchers with the support they need to pursue Master’s (M.Sc. / M.V.Sc.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs at India’s leading Agricultural Universities and Institutions.

These fellowships are designed to nurture innovative minds, encourage commitment to scientific research, and ensure that the best agricultural talent contributes to India’s food security, sustainability, and scientific excellence. Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s or a Ph.D., understanding ICAR’s fellowship structure—from eligibility to application, benefits to mistakes to avoid—is crucial for a successful journey.

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Eligibility Criteria for Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship

To ensure that only qualified and deserving candidates receive the fellowship, ICAR has established clear eligibility conditions for both the Junior Research Fellowship (ICAR-JRF PGS) and the Senior Research Fellowship (ICAR-SRF PGS).

Junior Research Fellowship (ICAR-JRF PGS) Eligibility

You must meet all the following criteria:

1. Educational Qualification
   – You must have completed your Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or allied sciences under the 10+2+4, 10+2+5, or 10+6 schemes, or be appearing in the final semester at the time of application.
2. Minimum Marks Requirement
   – General, OBC, and Under-Privileged States (UPS): 60% marks or equivalent OGPA (6.60/10.00; 3.25/5.00; 2.60/4.00)
   – SC/ST/Physically Challenged (PC): 55% marks or equivalent OGPA (5.50/10.00; 2.75/5.00; 2.20/4.00)
3. Minimum Age Limit
   – Candidates must be at least 19 years old on the date of the examination. No relaxation of the minimum age criteria is provided.
4. Admission Requirement
   – You must secure concurrent admission in an eligible Agricultural University through the ICAR entrance exam.

Senior Research Fellowship (ICAR-SRF PGS) Eligibility

For the SRF award (Ph.D. level), the eligibility standards are as follows:

1. Postgraduate Degree
   – A Master’s degree in an accredited discipline from any recognized university in India or abroad.
2. Minimum Marks/OGPA
   – General and OBC: 6.50/10.00 OGPA or 60% marks
   – SC/ST/PC: 5.50/10.00 OGPA or 50% marks
   – If grade points are not awarded, percentage marks will be considered directly.
3. Age Limit
   – General category: Up to 30 years
   – SC/ST/Women/PC/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Age relaxation by 5 years
   – In-Service AU Candidates: Age up to 45 years (with eligibility requirements unchanged)
4. Other Conditions
   – You must pursue your Ph.D. in an ICAR-accredited Agricultural University different from the one where you earned your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Benefits of Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship

One of the most important questions applicants ask is: What are the exact benefits of ICAR fellowships? Here’s a detailed breakdown.

ICAR-JRF (PGS) Benefits

The fellowship provides financial assistance to support your Master’s level studies:

• Monthly Fellowship Stipend
  – ₹8,640 per month for most agricultural and allied science disciplines (current standard; can be updated as per ICAR norms).
  – Certain fields like Veterinary Sciences may receive higher monthly support (historically up to ₹12,000 per month).
• Annual Contingency Grant
  – ₹6,000 per year to cover essential academic and research expenses such as chemicals, field travel, books, and related materials.
• Duration
  – The fellowship is awarded for two years and will not be extended beyond this period.

ICAR-SRF (PGS) Benefits

For those pursuing a Ph.D. degree:

• Monthly Fellowship Amount
  – Financial support varies depending on the academic year and discipline. ICAR periodically revises stipend rates, but many scholars receive amounts based on national norms (updated periodically by the Council).
• Annual Support for Research
  – Additional research contingency funds may be provided to support fieldwork, essential equipment, travel, and other research necessities as per ICAR policy.
• Duration
  – Fellowship is awarded for three years and cannot be extended beyond this period.

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Documents Required for Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship

Before you apply, make sure you have the following documents ready, as they are commonly required during the application and counseling stages:

1. Passport-Size Photographs (Recent)
2. Government ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
3. Academic Certificates and Mark Sheets
   – Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree Certificates
   – Final Year mark sheet (if final degree not yet received)
4. OGPA/Percentage Certificate
5. Category Certificate (if applicable)
6. PH/BPL Certificates (if applicable)
7. Proof of Admission or Rank Card from ICAR Competitive Examination
8. Bank Account Details (for fellowship payment)
9. Any other document stipulated by the participating Agricultural University or ICAR

How to Apply for Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship

Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:

1. Click on the “Click Here To Apply” button provided at the end.
2. Carefully review the scholarship details provided.
3. Complete the application form and ensure all required information is accurately filled out.
4. Attach the necessary documents as specified in the scholarship requirements.
5. Finally, click the “Submit” button to submit your scholarship application.

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Last Date to Apply for Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship

Every year, ICAR announces specific application dates for its fellowship examinations:

• The typical application window opens in the first half of the year and closes after about 4–6 weeks.
• Official exam and application dates vary each cycle and are published on ICAR and NTA portals.

Since dates change yearly, you should check the official ICAR website close to the application period for the exact deadline.

Contact Details for Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship

If you need help or have queries regarding the application or fellowship process, you can reach out via the following official contacts:

• ICAR Main Official Website: icar.org.in
• NTA ICAR Portal: icar.nta.nic.in
• NTA Help Desk/Support Numbers: 011-40759000 / 011-6922770 (for application support)

For specific queries, your Agricultural University’s Head of Department or PG Coordinator can also provide guidance during counseling.

Top 5 Common Mistakes in ICAR Fellowship Applications and How to Avoid Them

Applying for ICAR Fellowships is competitive, and many deserving candidates miss out due to avoidable mistakes. Here’s how to learn from others’ errors and give your application the best chance of success:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Document Uploads

Many applicants upload blurry or wrong files.
Solution: Always verify each uploaded document for clarity, correct file type, and size before submission.

2. Missing the Application Deadline

A significant number of aspirants forget the last date and miss the window.
Solution: Set calendar reminders well in advance and apply early rather than waiting until the last minute.

3. Ignoring Category or Relaxation Rules

Some candidates don’t apply category certificates properly and lose out on reserved benefits.
Solution: Double-check eligibility criteria for your category and upload valid, government-issued certificates.

4. Not Preparing for the Entrance Exam

The fellowship is tied to competitive exam performance, yet many focus only on application.
Solution: Begin targeted preparation early using past papers, mock tests, and trusted study materials.

5. Skipping Counseling Requirements

Failing to attend counseling or missing verification sessions leads to loss of fellowship.
Solution: Stay updated with counseling schedules and attend all sessions with accurate originals and xerox copies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What exactly is the ICAR Fellowship for Post-Graduate Studies?

The ICAR Fellowship for Post-Graduate Studies is a government-funded scholarship awarded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to support talented young students pursuing Master’s (ICAR-JRF PGS) and Doctoral (ICAR-SRF PGS) degrees in agriculture and related sciences. It not only provides monthly financial assistance but also supports research and encourages innovation in fields critical to India’s agriculture sector.

Q2: Can I apply for both JRF and SRF in the same year?

No. ICAR JRF (PGS) is for Master’s level scholars, while SRF (PGS) is specifically for those pursuing a Ph.D.. You must meet the separate eligibility criteria for each and qualify in the respective competitive exams.

Q3: Are the fellowship amounts fixed?

The fellowship amounts are set by ICAR and can be revised periodically. It’s important to check the latest official notification, but generally, the fellowship includes a monthly stipend (e.g., ₹8,640+ for JRF) and an annual contingency grant to support academic work.

Q4: Do I need to repay the fellowship if I discontinue the program?

If you discontinue without fulfilling the conditions specified in your surety bond or without ICAR approval, you may be required to refund the fellowship amount received so far. This is strictly enforced to ensure commitment.

Q5: Is it mandatory to pursue studies only at ICAR-accredited Agricultural Universities?

Yes. Both JRF and SRF awards are granted only if you enroll in a recognized Agricultural University within the ICAR-AU system, such as State Agricultural Universities, Central Universities with agriculture faculties, and certain Deemed Universities.

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Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026

Scholarship id	CPSA26012300989
Scholarship Name	Icar Post Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026
Scholarship Open for	Boys & Girls
Scholarship Offered by	Government (offered by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, a Government of India body).
Who can Apply ?	Candidates with relevant Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree qualifying through ICAR AIEEA/AICE-JRF(SRF) exams and counseling for admission into Agricultural Universities for PG/Ph.D. programs.
Location of Students eligible	All Over India
Scholarship Benefits	Upto/- Rs.42,000 Per Month
Last Date to Apply	31 January 2026
Application Link	Click Here To Apply