✨ Should I Apply for Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Doctoral Research Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
Low (Highly competitive)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately INR 31,000 to INR 35,000 per month plus HRA
⏱
Duration
Up to 5 years (Initial 2 years as JRF, followed by 3 years as SRF upon evaluation)
🗓
Deadline
Usually March or April annually
🔬
Fields
Social Sciences, Social Work, Health Studies, Management and Labour Studies, Habitat Studies, Disaster Studies, Development Studies
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies by department (approximately 40-60 per intake cycle)
🏛️
Provider
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 5% - 8%
The TISS Fellowship is a prestigious award for doctoral students pursuing research in social sciences. It is designed to support scholars who aim to contribute to the understanding of social issues through rigorous academic inquiry. The fellowship covers living costs and research expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their doctoral studies.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to Indian and International students who have completed a postgraduate degree in a relevant social science discipline with high academic standing.
🏛️ Host University
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
🤝 Sponsor
Tata Institute of Social Sciences and University Grants Commission (UGC)
🔬 Fields of Study
Social Sciences, Social Work, Health Studies, Management and Labour Studies, Habitat Studies, Disaster Studies, Development Studies
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship provides a comprehensive package including a monthly living allowance, HRA, full tuition coverage, and a contingency fund for research-related costs.
🎯 Target Students
Research Scholars and Academic Professionals
🏷 Tags
PhD
Social Science
Research
Fellowship
India
TISS
Fully Funded
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (Full tuition waiver for fellowship holders)
Living Stipend
INR 31,000 (JRF level) to INR 35,000 (SRF level) per month
Total Award
Approximately INR 31,000 to
✈️ Travel: Contingency grant covers approved field-work travel expenses
🏠 Accommodation: House Rent Allowance (HRA) provided if campus hostel is not occupied
💊 Health Insurance: Provided through the TISS Health Care Scheme
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: INR 1,500 (Varies based on category)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (Full tuition waiver for fellowship holders)
🏠 Living Stipend
INR 31,000 (JRF level) to INR 35,000 (SRF level) per month
🏡 Accommodation
House Rent Allowance (HRA) provided if campus hostel is not occupied
✈️ Travel Allowance
Contingency grant covers approved field-work travel expenses
💊 Health Insurance
Provided through the TISS Health Care Scheme
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to high-end research infrastructure, annual contingency grant for books and supplies, and international networking opportunities
📋 Renewal Conditions
Subject to satisfactory performance reviews by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and completion of coursework
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Master's or equivalent degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NC/PWD); must pass the TISS Research Aptitude Test (RAT)
🎓 Academic Level
PhD / Doctoral
📊 Minimum GPA
55% aggregate marks in Master's degree
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English is required as the entrance exam and medium of instruction are in English
🎂 Age Limit
Generally 28-35 years for Junior Research Fellowship (Relaxation as per GOI norms)
💼 Work Experience
Not mandatory, but relevant field experience is highly valued during the interview stage
🏆 Leadership
Not mandatory, but demonstrated social commitment is preferred
💰 Financial Need
No (Primarily merit and research-potential based)
🎯 Target Students
Research Scholars and Academic Professionals
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed Research Proposal and Statement of Purpose)
Rec Letters
Yes (Two Academic References)
Interview
Yes (Personal Interview and Research Proposal Presentation)
Application Fee
INR 1,500 (Varies based on category)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Two Academic References) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficiency in English is required as the entrance exam and medium of instruction are in English
- Interview: Yes (Personal Interview and Research Proposal Presentation)
- Min GPA: 55% aggregate marks in Master's degree
📋 Application Process
Focus on developing a socially relevant and methodologically sound research proposal. Align your research interest with the expertise of TISS faculty members.
💡 Insider Tip: Prepare thoroughly for the TISS RAT, focusing on research methodology, analytical reasoning, and domain-specific social science knowledge.