Details about ICAR-CIFE Institutional Fellowship Program
The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) offers fellowship opportunities for postgraduate and doctoral studies in fisheries sciences. With options for a two-year Master’s (M.F.Sc.) and a three-year Ph.D. program across eleven specialized fields, CIFE is a unique institution globally for fisheries science education. Recognized as a Deemed University in 1989, CIFE grants its own degrees under the UGC Act of 1953.
Fellowship Details
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for M.F.Sc.
- Amount: Rs. 5760 per month for two years, plus an annual contingent grant of Rs. 6000.
- Purpose: Supports essential research needs, including chemicals, equipment, books, and travel for data collection.
- Eligibility: JRF is available to students joining an M.F.Sc. program at a different institution from where they obtained their Bachelor’s degree. Renewal after the first year depends on maintaining the required OGPA.
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for Ph.D.
- Amount: Rs. 7000 per month for the first two years and Rs. 5600 in the third year, with an annual contingent grant of Rs. 10,000.
- Purpose: Covers essential research-related expenses, including up to Rs. 2500 for books and thesis preparation.
- Institutional Fellowship
- M.F.Sc.: Rs. 5040 per month for two years, with an annual contingent grant of Rs. 6000.
- Ph.D.: Rs. 7000 per month for three years, with an annual contingent grant of Rs. 10,000.
- Funds are designated for essential research tools, thesis preparation, and related academic resources.
The CIFE fellowship program is designed to support and advance fisheries science research, offering structured financial aid to help students pursue in-depth studies in this specialized field.
Benefits of the ICAR-CIFE Institutional Fellowship Program
A. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for M.F.Sc.
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 5760 per month for two years.
- Annual Contingent Grant: Rs. 6000 for essential research materials, equipment, books, and travel expenses.
- Eligibility and Renewal: Available to students joining an M.F.Sc. program at a different institution than where they completed their Bachelor’s degree. Continuation after the first year requires maintaining the specified OGPA. Students who meet the OGPA requirements, even if they have pending exams, are still eligible but may be on ‘Scholastic Probation.’
B. Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for Ph.D.
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 7000 per month for the first two years, Rs. 5600 in the third year.
- Annual Contingent Grant: Rs. 10,000, which includes up to Rs. 2500 for books and Rs. 2500 for thesis preparation.
C. Institutional Fellowship
- For M.F.Sc. Programs: Rs. 5040 per month for two years, with a contingent grant of Rs. 6000 per year.
- For Ph.D. Programs: Rs. 7000 per month for three years, with a contingent grant of Rs. 10,000 per year.
- Research Support: Grants cover essential chemicals, research tools, and travel for data collection. Rs. 2500 can be allocated for books and thesis preparation in the first year.
This fellowship program provides vital financial support for research students in fisheries sciences, enabling them to focus on their studies and advance their research with comprehensive funding for resources and materials.
What is the eligibility criteria for ICAR-CIFE Institutional Fellowship Program?
Eligibility Criteria for ICAR-CIFE Fellowship Program is as follows:
- For M.F.Sc. (Master’s in Fisheries Science)
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries or related field under a 10+2+4 system.
- Minimum Marks: General/OBC candidates need at least 60% marks or an OGPA of 6.50/10, 3.25/5, or 2.60/4. SC/ST candidates require 55% marks or an OGPA of 6.00/10, 3.00/5, or 2.40/4.
- For Ph.D. in Fisheries Science
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed B.F.Sc. & M.F.Sc. (4+2 years) or B.Sc. & M.Sc. (3 years, from CIFE before 1995). Alternatively, candidates with a D.F.Sc. from CIFE with a Bachelor’s in Biological Science and two years of fisheries development experience are also eligible.
- Minimum OGPA: For General/OBC candidates, an OGPA of 7.5/10 or 3.75/5 is required. SC/ST candidates need an OGPA of 7.00/10 or 3.50/5.
- Sponsored Candidates: M.Sc. in Fish and Fisheries or a related discipline with at least two years of fisheries development experience.
- Foreign Students
- Admission Process: Foreign candidates are exempt from the written test and interview. Admission is based on bio-data review and recommendations from the Head of the concerned discipline.
These eligibility criteria ensure that candidates with the appropriate background and academic performance can pursue advanced research and academic careers in fisheries science at ICAR-CIFE.
How to apply for ICAR-CIFE Institutional Fellowship Program?
Application Submission
- Application Forms can only be submitted online mode on the Official Website. CLICK HERE
- The Application Form other than online mode will not be accepted.
Selection Process
- For M.F.Sc. (Master’s in Fisheries Science)
- Entrance Exam: A combined exam for ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and admission to all Master’s seats at CIFE is conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in early June.
- Merit-Based Selection: Candidates are chosen based on their performance in the entrance exam, followed by counseling.
- For Ph.D. in Fisheries Science
- Selection Criteria: Admissions are based on a written test and interview. The academic score contributes 20%, the written test score contributes 70%, and the interview contributes 10%.
- National Testing Agency (NTA): Since 2020, NTA administers the national-level Ph.D. entrance exam for CIFE admissions.
- For Foreign Students
- Application and Admission: Foreign nationals residing in India must submit applications by the same deadline as Indian candidates. Eligible self-financing foreign students may be invited for the written test and interview if they meet the qualification criteria for Indian applicants.
This selection process ensures that candidates are chosen based on a thorough assessment of academic and exam performance, making ICAR-CIFE a competitive choice for advanced fisheries science studies.
What are the documents required to apply for ICAR-CIFE Institutional Fellowship Program?
Candidates need to upload scanned images of the below documents with the Application.
- Photograph
- Signature
- Thumb impression
No certificates are required to be uploaded along with the Application Form at the time of online submission.