The HSCST Fellowship Programme, run by the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology, provides financial support to NET-qualified science postgraduates pursuing full-time Ph.D. research at eligible institutions in Haryana. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 35,000, depending on their NET qualification and fellowship level. The host institution also receives a Rs. 20,000 annual contingency grant for eligible research expenses. The fellowship can continue for up to five years, subject to the programme rules. The 2026 application round has closed; candidates should check the official website for the next advertisement.
Haryana HSCST Fellowship Programme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | HSCST Fellowship Programme |
| Awarding Body | Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology |
| Implementing Department | Directorate of Science and Technology, Government of Haryana |
| Objective | To support full-time Ph.D. research in Science and Technology |
| Eligible Subjects | Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Earth Sciences |
| JRF-NET Stipend | Rs. 31,000 per month as JRF and Rs. 35,000 per month as SRF |
| LS-NET Stipend | Rs. 18,000 per month as JRF and Rs. 21,000 per month as SRF |
| Annual Contingency Grant | Rs. 20,000 per year to the host institution for eligible research expenses |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 3 years, extendable up to 5 years, subject to the prescribed conditions |
| Educational Qualification | M.Sc. or equivalent degree with at least 55% marks and the required CSIR-UGC NET qualification (JRF or LS) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years, with up to 5 years of relaxation for eligible SC, ST, OBC, women and physically handicapped candidates, as per the rules |
| Place of Research | Eligible universities and recognised research institutions in Haryana |
| Application Status | The 2026 round is closed; check for the next advertisement |
| Helpline Number | 0172-2560339 |
| Apply Online | HSCST Fellowship Application Portal |
Introduction of Haryana HSCST Fellowship Programme: A Brief Insight
Many science graduates qualify for the CSIR-UGC NET but struggle to pursue a Ph.D. because of financial limitations or a lack of fellowship support. The HSCST Fellowship Programme aims to support eligible researchers and encourage them to pursue full-time research at universities and laboratories in Haryana.
The programme is run by the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology, which works under the Directorate of Science and Technology, Government of Haryana. Its main objective is to encourage meritorious students to undertake Ph.D. research and strengthen the availability of trained scientific professionals in the state.
Under the programme, eligible JRF-NET fellows receive Rs. 31,000 per month during the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) period and Rs. 35,000 per month after upgrading to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). Eligible LS-NET fellows receive Rs. 18,000 per month as JRF and Rs. 21,000 per month as SRF.
In addition to the monthly stipend, the host institution receives a Rs. 20,000 annual contingency grant to cover eligible research expenses. The fellowship can continue for up to five years, subject to the prescribed conditions. The programme also provides eligible fellows with leave and maternity benefits under its rules.
Applicants must hold an M.Sc. or equivalent degree with at least 55% marks in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences or Earth Sciences. They must qualify for the NET session specified in the advertisement, meet the applicable age limit of 28 years with eligible age relaxation, and pursue full-time research at an eligible institution in Haryana. Candidates receiving another fellowship or financial assistance are not eligible under the stated conditions.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the HSCST fellowship section of the Har Chhatravratti portal when the Council releases a new advertisement after the NET results. The 2026 application round has closed, so interested candidates should check the official website for the next notice. For assistance, candidates can contact the Council at 0172-2560339.
Students who are still completing their postgraduate studies can explore the State Merit Scholarship to UG/PG Students, which also supports M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars. Students who top their stream in a Government College may also check the Haryana State Meritorious Incentives Scheme.
Families with very low incomes can explore the Lower Income Group Scheme, which also covers research students. For more education and research support programmes, visit our Welfare Schemes of Haryana Government page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The HSCST Fellowship Programme provides monthly financial support to Ph.D. researchers for up to five years, along with an annual research grant. This assistance helps scholars meet their living expenses and research costs while pursuing full-time research in Haryana.
Monthly Stipend
| NET Qualification | JRF Stipend (Monthly) | SRF Stipend (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| JRF-NET (CSIR/UGC) | ₹31,000 | ₹35,000 |
| LS-NET (Lectureship) | ₹18,000 | ₹21,000 |
At these rates, JRF-NET fellows receive ₹3.72 lakh annually as JRF and ₹4.20 lakh as SRF. LS-NET fellows receive ₹2.16 lakh annually as JRF and ₹2.52 lakh as SRF. The fellowship stipend is exempt from income tax under Section 10(16) of the Income Tax Act, as stated in the scheme details.
Five-Year Fellowship Structure
| Stage | Fellowship Progress |
|---|---|
| Years 1 and 2 | Work as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and receive the applicable JRF stipend. |
| End of Year 2 | A three-member expert committee reviews research progress and may recommend promotion to Senior Research Fellow (SRF). |
| Year 3 | Continue as an SRF if upgraded, or remain a JRF. Published research work is expected by the end of this year. |
| Year 4 | SRF continuation depends on the supervisor’s recommendation and progress report. |
| Year 5 | Further continuation depends on the committee’s recommendation and published or submitted research papers. |
Annual Research Contingency Grant
The host institution receives a contingency grant of ₹20,000 per fellow per year to support approved research expenses. Any unspent amount can be carried forward to the following year.
| Permitted Expenses | Expenses Not Permitted |
|---|---|
| Chemicals, consumables and equipment required specifically for research | Furniture and office equipment |
| Research books unavailable in the library, up to 25% of the grant | Foreign travel and expenses incurred abroad |
| Travel and daily allowance for fieldwork, seminars and conferences in India, with DA limited to 50 days a year | Pens, pencils, folders, file covers and similar items |
| Conference registration fees in India and abroad, reprints and computation charges | |
| Stationery and postage, up to 20% of the grant, along with Ph.D. registration and thesis submission expenses |
Leave and Other Support
- Paid leave of 45 days per completed year, with up to 90 days carried forward.
- 135 days of maternity leave with full stipend for eligible women fellows with fewer than two surviving children.
- Permission to take a temporary teaching or research position for up to one year in total after completing the first year. No fellowship stipend is paid for that period.
- Research guidance from experienced faculty at recognised institutions across Haryana.
How the Fellowship Amount Is Paid
The fellowship amount is released to the scholar’s university or host institution, which then pays the monthly stipend. The first release follows submission of the joining report. Subsequent releases depend on research progress reports and the institution’s statements of accounts.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The HSCST Fellowship Programme supports science postgraduates who have qualified the national-level NET examination and wish to pursue full-time Ph.D. research in Haryana. Applicants must meet the prescribed academic, NET qualification, age and research institution requirements.
Academic Qualification
- M.Sc. or an equivalent degree with at least 55% marks.
- The degree must be in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences or Earth Sciences.
NET Requirement
- Must have qualified the Joint CSIR-UGC NET conducted by the National Testing Agency for JRF or Lectureship (LS).
- The applicable advertisement specifies the accepted NET session. Check this requirement before applying.
- JRF-NET qualified candidates may receive this fellowship only if they are not receiving the CSIR or UGC fellowship for a valid reason.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age for JRF |
|---|---|
| General candidates | 28 years |
| SC, ST, OBC, women and candidates with disabilities | 33 years, with a relaxation of 5 years |
The applicable advertisement specifies the cut-off date for calculating age.
Where the Research Must Happen
Selected candidates must conduct their research at a recognised institution in Haryana, such as:
- Universities and postgraduate colleges
- Government research establishments and national laboratories
- Recognised public or private sector R&D establishments
- Industrial firms and other recognised institutions
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Candidates already receiving a fellowship or financial assistance from another source.
- Applicants with less than 55% marks in M.Sc. or an equivalent degree.
- Candidates who have not qualified the NET session specified in the advertisement.
- Applicants planning part-time research or employment alongside the fellowship, which requires full-time research.
Research Fields Accepted
The fellowship covers subject areas listed in the award forms, including Physics, Pure and Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Meteorology, Oceanography, Medical and Allied Sciences, and Engineering and Technology.
Documents Required to be Attached
The HSCST Fellowship Programme of the Haryana Government requires documents at two stages: during online application and after selection. Applicants must upload their academic and identity documents first, followed by the joining documents after receiving the award letter.
Stage 1: Documents to Upload While Applying
- Class 10 certificate
- Recent photograph
- CSIR-UGC NET certificate
- M.Sc. final-year certificate showing at least 55% marks
- Caste certificate for SC, ST or OBC candidates claiming age relaxation
- Disability certificate for candidates claiming age relaxation on disability grounds
Women candidates are also eligible for age relaxation, verified through their Class 10 certificate and application details.
Stage 2: Documents Required After Selection
- Undertaking accepting the fellowship award and its conditions.
- Joining report signed by the fellow and countersigned by the supervisor or Head of Department.
- Supervisor’s attestation confirming the research topic and availability of facilities.
- Consent from the Head of Department or institution for joining and Ph.D. registration.
- Photograph attested by the research supervisor.
- Research topic, subject area and a brief description of the proposed work.
- CSIR-UGC NET roll number and examination date.
- Signed declarations and oath of allegiance included in the award forms.
Things to Arrange Before Applying
- Personal email address and active mobile number.
- Details of the university or institution in Haryana where you plan to pursue your Ph.D.
- Discussion with a potential research supervisor regarding your research topic.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme
The HSCST Fellowship application process starts after the CSIR-UGC NET results are announced. Eligible candidates must apply online through the fellowship section of the Har Chhatravratti portal when the Council releases a new advertisement. The 2026 application round closed in September 2026, according to reports. Candidates who missed that deadline should prepare for the next advertisement. Follow the steps below to understand the process, from checking the notice to joining the institution.
Part 1: Keep an Eye Out for the Advertisement
Step 1: After your NET result is declared, regularly visit the News and Events section of the Directorate of Science and Technology, Haryana website. The Council publishes fellowship-related notices there.
Step 2: When a new advertisement appears, read it carefully. Check which NET session it covers, the age cut-off date and the last date to apply. These details help you confirm whether you can apply in that round.
Step 3: Read the complete HSCST Fellowship guidelines and terms. They explain the fellowship rules, required documents and conditions you must follow.
Part 2: Fill the Online Fellowship Form
Step 1: Open the HSCST fellowship application page when applications are open.
Step 2: Find the current advertisement in the list and select its Advertisement Number. Make sure you choose the correct application round.
Step 3: Enter your personal and educational details in the form. Use your own email ID and mobile number so you can receive important messages and verification codes.
Step 4: Generate the OTP and enter it on the screen to continue with the application.
Step 5: Upload the required documents, including your Class 10 certificate, recent photograph, CSIR-UGC NET certificate and M.Sc. final-year certificate. If you claim age relaxation, also upload the applicable caste or disability certificate.
Step 6: Check every detail and document before submitting the form. The Council allows only one application, so do not submit multiple forms. Submit your application before the deadline.
Part 3: Selection and Award Letter
Step 1: After the application process, the Council ranks candidates based on their NET performance. Your selection depends on the prescribed selection rules for that round.
Step 2: If the Council selects you, it issues an award letter. This letter tells you about the fellowship grant and the conditions you must follow.
Step 3: Check the validity period mentioned in the award letter. The offer is valid for one year, so complete the joining formalities within the permitted time.
Part 4: Joining Your Host Institution
Step 1: Choose a recognised university or research institution in Haryana where you want to conduct your research. Discuss your research topic with a suitable supervisor who can guide you during the fellowship.
Step 2: Get the required attestation form signed by your research supervisor. You must also obtain the consent of the Head of the Department or the concerned institutional authority.
Step 3: Complete the undertaking, declarations and oath required by the Council. Then prepare your joining report and submit it through your research supervisor with the necessary signatures.
Step 4: After the Council receives and processes the required joining documents, it releases the first grant to your host institution. The institution then pays your fellowship stipend.
Part 5: Keeping the Fellowship Going
Step 1: Submit your quarterly and annual progress reports in the prescribed format through your supervisor. Follow the reporting schedule and submit each report within 15 days of the relevant period, as specified in the guidelines.
Step 2: Whenever you publish a research paper, acknowledge the Council’s support in the paper. You must also send copies of your published research papers as required.
Step 3: At the end of your second year, prepare for a review by the expert committee. The committee checks your research progress before deciding whether to upgrade your fellowship from Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to Senior Research Fellow (SRF).
Step 4: If you plan to appear for a competitive examination, first obtain your supervisor’s permission and inform the Council as required under the fellowship rules.
Part 6: If You Need to Leave or Move
Step 1: If you want to leave the fellowship, submit your resignation through your supervisor at least one month in advance. Clearly mention your reasons for leaving.
Step 2: If you want to transfer to another institution, explain the reasons and obtain no-objection letters from both the current and proposed institutions. The guidelines do not permit transfers during the last six months of the fellowship or after thesis submission.
Step 3: After leaving the fellowship, submit your final consolidated research report within one month. Settle any outstanding claims within one year, as required under the rules.
Important: During the fellowship, send all correspondence to the Council through your research supervisor and obtain approval from the Head of your institution. Do not send official communications independently unless the guidelines permit it.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- HSCST Fellowship online application portal
- HSCST Fellowship notice, guidelines and annexures (PDF)
- Directorate of Science and Technology, Haryana, for new advertisements
- Har Chhatravratti scholarship portal of Haryana
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Awarding Body: Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology (Directorate of Science and Technology, Government of Haryana)
- Address: Bays No. 35-38, Sector 2, Panchkula, Haryana – 134109
- Phone: 0172-2560339, 0172-2561339 (Ext. 107)
- Email: dsthry1@gmail.com
- During the Fellowship: All queries to be sent through your research guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The HSCST Fellowship Programme provides financial support to eligible NET-qualified science postgraduates who pursue full-time Ph.D. research at a recognised institution in Haryana.
Ans. HSCST stands for the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology. It works under the Directorate of Science and Technology, Haryana.
Ans. A JRF-NET fellow receives Rs. 31,000 per month during the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) period and Rs. 35,000 per month after upgrading to the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF).
Ans. Eligible LS-NET candidates receive Rs. 18,000 per month as JRF and Rs. 21,000 per month as SRF.
Ans. Yes. The programme provides a contingency grant of Rs. 20,000 per year to the host institution to meet eligible research expenses.
Ans. Applicants must have at least 55% marks in M.Sc. or an equivalent degree in an eligible science subject.
Ans. The maximum age limit is 28 years. SC, ST, OBC, women and physically handicapped candidates can receive a relaxation of up to five years, subject to the applicable rules and age cut-off date.
Ans. The fellowship initially covers three years and may continue into the fourth and fifth years, subject to research progress and the Council’s approval. The total duration cannot exceed five years.
Ans. After completing two years, the fellow’s research progress is assessed by a three-member expert committee. The committee may recommend an upgrade to SRF based on its assessment.
Ans. No. Candidates receiving another fellowship or financial assistance from another source are not eligible under the stated programme conditions.
Ans. The programme guidelines do not specify a Haryana domicile requirement. However, applicants must carry out their research at an eligible institution in Haryana and meet all other conditions.
Ans. Apply through the HSCST fellowship section of the Har Chhatravratti portal. Select the current advertisement number and complete the online application when applications are open.
Ans. No. According to the information provided, the 2026 application round closed in September 2026. Check the Directorate of Science and Technology, Haryana website for the next advertisement.
Ans. The scheme information states that the fellowship stipend is exempt from income tax under Section 10(16) of the Income Tax Act. For your individual tax position, check the applicable provisions and seek professional advice if needed.
Ans. No. The fellowship provides financial support for a fixed period to help you conduct research. It does not guarantee a government job or give you a right to permanent employment with the Council.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.