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
Level
PhD / Doctoral
Acceptance
Approximately 5% - 8%
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
For students aiming to study in India, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Doctoral Research Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The award covers The fellowship provides a comprehensive package including a monthly living allowance, HRA, full tuition coverage, and a contingency fund for research-related costs. and is open to phd / doctoral students studying social sciences, social work, health studies, management and labour studies, habitat studies, disaster studies, development studies. The scholarship runs for up to 5 years (initial 2 years as jrf, followed by 3 years as srf upon evaluation) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on open to Indian and International students who have completed a postgraduate degree in a relevant social science discipline with high academic standing. The application deadline is Usually March or April annually, with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 5% - 8%. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Doctoral Research Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
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)
🌏
Study Country
India
🏛️
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.
INR 31,000 (JRF level) to INR 35,000 (SRF level) per month
Total Award
Approximately INR 31,000 to INR 35,000 per month plus HRA
✈️ 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
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 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)
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.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Usually December or January
⏰ Deadline
Usually March or April annually
🎤 Interview
Yes (Personal Interview and Research Proposal Presentation)
🎓 Study Starts
July
Usually December or January
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Usually March or April annually
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Personal Interview and Research Proposal Presentation)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
July
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Performance in the TISS Research Aptitude Test (RAT), quality of the Research Proposal, and performance in the Personal Interview.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Doctoral Research FellowshipCurrent
India
Full Funding
PhD / Doctoral
—
🇮🇳 Aditya Birla Capital Scholarship
India
Partial Funding
Class 1 to 12, Diploma, and Undergraduate (General and Professional)
Open to Indian and International students who have completed a postgraduate degree in a relevant social science discipline with high academic standing.
This scholarship covers: The fellowship provides a comprehensive package including a monthly living allowance, HRA, full tuition coverage, and a contingency fund for research-related costs.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Usually March or April annually. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low (Highly competitive). Acceptance rate: Approximately 5% - 8%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English is required as the entrance exam and medium of instruction are in English, Yes (Two Academic References) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.