Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship 2025

The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) Scholarship, established in 1968 by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, supports Indian nationals and nationals of other Asian countries in pursuing full-time doctoral studies (PhD) in India. This merit-based scholarship aims to foster advanced research in fields aligned with India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision, including sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It provides financial assistance to PhD scholars for up to two years, covering maintenance allowances, tuition fees, and other expenses. Administered by the JNMF in New Delhi, the scholarship encourages academic excellence and contributions to India’s intellectual and cultural heritage, with a focus on interdisciplinary research.

To be eligible for the JNMF Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Indian national or a national of another Asian country (e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam).

• Be enrolled full-time in a PhD program at a recognized university or institution in India.

• Hold a first-class postgraduate degree with a minimum of 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

• Be under 35 years of age at the time of application (typically as of January 1, 2025).

• Have completed all academic requirements for PhD registration, including coursework, and be actively engaged in research (candidates should have started their PhD work but not yet submitted their thesis).

• Pursue research in one of the following fields:

  • Indian History and Civilization

  • Sociology

  • Comparative Studies in Religion and Culture

  • Economics

  • Geography

  • Philosophy

  • Ecology and Environment

• Exclusions:

  • Applicants already receiving a PhD scholarship or fellowship from another source are ineligible.

  • Part-time PhD scholars or those pursuing non-doctoral programs are not considered.

  • Employees of the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund or closely affiliated institutions are not eligible.

The JNMF Scholarship provides financial support for up to two years, including:

• Maintenance Allowance: INR 18,000 per month to cover living expenses.

• Tuition/Academic Fees: Actual fees, as applicable, paid directly to the institution.

• Contingency Grant: Up to INR 15,000 per annum for research-related expenses (e.g., books, stationery, travel for conferences or field research).

• Travel Expenses: Actual travel expenses (train fare, typically AC 3-tier) for approved research-related trips within India, subject to prior approval by JNMF.

• Total Value: Approximately INR 4.86 lakh over two years (INR 2.16 lakh/year + INR 15,000/year contingency), excluding variable travel and tuition fees.

• Note: The scholarship is disbursed monthly, and contingency/travel claims require receipts for reimbursement. The award does not cover personal expenses beyond the maintenance allowance.

Applications for the JNMF Scholarship 2025 are submitted via postal service to the JNMF office. Follow these steps:

1. Download Application Form: Obtain the form from the JNMF website (www.jnmf.in) or request it by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope (INR 10) to the JNMF office.

2. Complete Form: Fill out the application with accurate details about personal, academic qualifications, research topic, and financial status. Ensure the form is typed or neatly handwritten.

3. Prepare Documents: Gather required documents (listed below), including a research synopsis, recommendation letter, and academic certificates.

4. Write Synopsis: Submit a 1,500-word synopsis outlining the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes, emphasizing relevance to JNMF’s focus areas.

5. Submit Application: Send the completed application form and documents by registered mail to:

   Administrative Secretary
   Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
   Teen Murti House
   New Delhi – 110011

6. Selection Process:

   • Applications are reviewed by a selection committee appointed by JNMF, comprising experts in relevant fields.

   • Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview (typically in New Delhi) to discuss their research proposal.

   • Final selections are based on academic merit, research proposal quality, and alignment with JNMF’s objectives.

   • Results are communicated via mail or the JNMF website.

Note: Only applications sent by post are accepted; emailed or hand-delivered applications are not considered. Ensure the envelope is marked “Application for JNMF Scholarship 2025.”

• Completed JNMF Scholarship application form (available at www.jnmf.in).

• Research synopsis (1,500 words, outlining the research problem, objectives, methodology, and relevance to JNMF focus areas).

• Recommendation letter from the PhD supervisor, attesting to the candidate’s research progress and suitability for the scholarship.

• Attested copies of academic certificates and mark sheets (10th, 12th, undergraduate, postgraduate).

• Proof of PhD registration/enrollment from the university/institution.

• Proof of nationality (e.g., passport, voter ID, or Aadhaar for Indian nationals; passport for other Asian nationals).

• Recent passport-size photograph (affixed to the application form).

• Note: All documents must be attested by a gazetted officer or university authority. Incomplete applications or those missing required documents are rejected.

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 (applications must reach the JNMF office by this date).

• Selection Notification: Typically by August/September 2025, via mail or the JNMF website.

• Scholarship Start: January 2026 (or as specified by JNMF, usually aligned with the academic year).

• Note: Deadlines are strictly enforced. Applicants should send applications well in advance to account for postal delays. Check www.jnmf.in for updates or changes.

• Email: jnmf1964@gmail.com (for inquiries; note that applications cannot be submitted via email).

• Phone: +91-11-23013641, +91-11-23017173

• Address: Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi – 110011, India.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (IST).

• Website: www.jnmf.in