Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has established the Annie Besant Fellowship to encourage outstanding students to pursue a PhD programme at BHU immediately after completing their postgraduate degree.
The scheme was launched as part of the Institution of Eminence – BHU programme. Students who excelled academically at BHU will be able to join the PhD programme immediately after graduation, saving time in the transition from PG to PhD.
These students will also be able to complete their PhD work more quickly than their peers.
Eligibility for the fellowship
Final-year postgraduate students will be eligible to apply for the fellowship. They should be in the top 5% of their class, with a minimum CGPA of 8.5. The student’s acceptance into this fellowship is contingent on achieving a minimum specified rank and CGPA in final passing examinations. Those who accept the fellowship must complete their PhD thesis within four years of beginning the programme.
Fellowship incentives
The selected candidates will be provided JRF with contingency similar to that of CSIR/UGC during their PhD programme.
• If the student qualifies for JRF/NET (UGC, CSIR, INSPIRE, etc.), within one year BHU will provide Rs. 5000/- per month as cash incentive.
• If the student has not qualified JRF/NET (UGC, CSIR, INSPIRE, etc.), BHU will provide fellowship at the same rate as prevailing for JRF in the first year. However, it is expected that the student will qualify for JRF within the year.
• If the student does not qualify for JRF/NET (UGC, CSIR, INSPIRE, etc.), from second year onwards, BHU will reduce the fellowship to 50% of the JRF rate.
• In case a student receives PMRF at any stage, BHU will not provide top-up fellowship.
Implementation of fellowship scheme
A four-person committee has been formed to oversee the scheme’s implementation. The committee is chaired by Prof. Rakesh Raman of the Department of Economics. The committee is comprised of Prof. Rakesh Pandey of the Department of Psychology, Prof. Sangeeta Pandit of the Department of Vocal Music, and Prof. Ajay Kumar of the Department of Physics.
How to apply
The application process for the fellowship is underway. August 5 is the last date of receiving applications.
BHU plans to award Annie Besant Fellowship for the current session by mid of September.
