Odisha Research Fellowship (ORF) in STEM 2026-27 – PhD Fellowship under State Council on Science & Technology
ODISHA RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (ORF) IN STEM 2026
Fellowship Amount
Contingency Grant
Departmental Assistance
Key Provisions of the Odisha Research Fellowship (ORF) in STEM 2026
- Introduction: The Odisha Research Fellowship (ORF) has been established to attract young talent with innovative ideas for doctoral research in emerging areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics).
- Objective: To promote advanced research in frontier areas of STEM, provide financial assistance to meritorious students for Ph.D., and build a skilled human resource base in STEM for academia, industry, and societal applications.
- Priority Thematic Areas: Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical & Computer Science (including AI, IoT, Big Data, Robotics), Biological Science, Engineering Sciences, Mining, Materials & Manufacturing, Environmental, Earth & Climate Science. (List is suggestive but not restrictive.)
- Eligibility – Domicile: Applicant must be a domicile of Odisha.
- Eligibility – Enrollment: Must be a registered full-time Ph.D. candidate in any Public University of the State or State/Central Govt. Institute established in Odisha.
- Eligibility – Academic: Must have passed M.Sc./M.Tech. in any STEM branch with 1st division or equivalent grade, or hold a four-year undergraduate degree as per NEP-2020.
- Eligibility – No Other Scholarship: Must not be receiving financial assistance from any other source or scheme at the time of application.
- Financial Assistance: Fellowship ₹30,000/month for 3 years; Contingency ₹50,000/year; Departmental Assistance ₹10,000/student/year. Total 20 fellowships per year.
- Screening & Selection: Two-stage process – screening based on career marks (50 marks) followed by PowerPoint presentation and interview (50 marks). Career marking: Class 10 (5), +2 Science (10), +3 Sc. (15), M.Sc./M.Tech (20).
- Selection Committee (PERC): Project Evaluation & Review Committee chaired by Director, Science & Technology, with representatives from Govt. Departments and subject experts.
- Supervisor Eligibility: Must be recognized guide with at least 4 years of service left; regular faculty of Govt. University/College of Odisha or regular Scientist of State/Central Govt. research institute in Odisha.
- Publication Requirement: All scholars are required to publish at least two papers prior to submission of Ph.D. thesis in reputed journals.
- Cancellation of Fellowship: If incorrect information is furnished, conduct is unsatisfactory, or course is changed, the fellowship shall be discontinued and the amount may be recovered.
- Funding Agency Acknowledgment: In all research publications and IP generation, the funding agency (Science & Technology Department, Govt. of Odisha) must be acknowledged.
Financial Assistance Details
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | ₹30,000/- P.M. for three years |
| Contingency (Chemicals, Glassware, Travel, Seminars, etc.) | ₹50,000/- P.A. |
| Departmental Assistance to Host Institution (Infrastructure) | ₹10,000/- per student P.A. |
| Tenure | 3 Years |
| Total Number of Fellowships / Year | 20 Nos. |
Career Marking Scheme (Total: 50 Marks)
| Examination | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Class 10 | 5 |
| +2 Science | 10 |
| +3 Sc. (Hons)/Equivalent | 15 |
| M.Sc./M.Tech | 20 |
Career weightage = (Percentage of Marks Scored × Weightage) / 100
Composition of PERC (Project Evaluation & Review Committee)
| Role | Designation |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Director, Science & Technology, S&T Department |
| Member/s | Representatives of relevant Govt. Departments/Organizations |
| Member/s | Subject Experts (Academic/Research Institutes/Industry) |
| Member Convenor | Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary/Senior Scientist/Junior Scientist |
Important Points to Note
- Domicile Requirement: Applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- Ph.D. Registration: Must be a registered full-time Ph.D. candidate in a Public University or State/Central Govt. Institute in Odisha.
- Academic Qualification: First division in M.Sc./M.Tech or four-year undergraduate degree as per NEP-2020.
- No Other Scholarship: Candidates cannot be receiving any other financial assistance for Ph.D.
- Fellowship Amount: ₹30,000 per month for 3 years + ₹50,000 per year contingency + ₹10,000 per year departmental assistance.
- Total Seats: 20 fellowships per year.
- Selection Process: Career marks (50%) + Presentation & Interview (50%) = 100 marks total.
- Supervisor Eligibility: Must have at least 4 years of service left and be a recognized guide.
- Publication Requirement: At least two papers in reputed journals before Ph.D. submission.
- Funding Acknowledgment: Must acknowledge Science & Technology Department, Govt. of Odisha in all publications.
- Transfer of Fellowship: Not allowed without prior permission from S&T Department.
- Application Mode: Online/offline through website: https://st.odisha.gov.in.
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