August 2021

GUIDELINES FOR
AICTE DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP (ADF)
2021-22

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 AICTE DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP (ADF)
1.0 OBJECTIVES: -
The objectives of the ADF scheme are:
 To promote research culture in AICTE approved Institutions.
 To promote collaborative research between Institute and Industries leading to start-ups.
 To nurture talents for technical research.

2.0 BRODD THRUST AREAS FOR THE RESEARCH: -

Some of the broad thrust areas (but not limited) for the research are as follows: -
 Green Technologies
 Big Data, Machine Learning & Data Sciences
 Block Chain
 Artificial Intelligence
 Energy Production and Storage
 Electronics & Photonics
 Nuclear Engineering and Allied Technologies
 Robotics and Mechatronics
 Augmented Reality (AR)/ Virtual Reality (VR)
 Energy Efficiency, Renewable and sustainable Energy
 Electric and Hybrid Mobility
 Smart Cities, Housing and Transportation
 Internet of Things (IoT)
 3D Printing
 Quantum Computing
 Smart Technologies for Agriculture and Food Industry
 Water purification, conservation and management
 Public Policy
 Social & Organizational Psychology & Behaviour
 Cyber Security

3.0 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD OF FELLOWSHIP: -

The detailed criteria for the award of fellowship are as follows:
a) The candidate must have secured the minimum percentage of educational qualification
prescribed for eligibility as in Under Graduate and Post Graduate be 70% (69.5 % and above) for
General/OBC candidates, whereas for SC/ST/Physically Handicapped (PH) be 65% (64.5 % and
above). In the absence of percentage, the candidate must have secured minimum cumulative
grade point average (CGPA) of 7.5 on the scale of 10 or equivalent at Bachelors and Masters
whereas for SC/ST/Physically Handicapped (PH) it is 7.0 on the scale of 10. In addition to above,
the candidate should have qualified GATE/ NET during the last 5 years.
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  The students serving as faculty under TEQIP scheme can also be given preference for admission
in this programme.
 The minimum percentage criterion for the Indian students’ qualified Bachelor/Master’s degree
from Foreign Universities shall be waived off but student will have to qualify GATE exam during
last 5 years.

b) The candidate should be less than 30 years of age as on date of admission in respective
University. However, age relaxation of 5 years would be applicable to candidates belonging to
SC/ ST/Women/Physically challenged category.

c) AICTE supported ADF fellowship is not admissible to left out students, who have already availed
the ADF fellowship from AICTE, on his/her taking admission for the 2nd time in any other
University/Institutes.

4.0 DURATION OF THE SCHEME: -

a) The duration of the scheme shall be for a period of 3 Years. Normally, no further extension will
be granted. In exceptional cases the duration is extendable by 1 year as a special case only on
fulfilling the minimum eligibility and on the recommendation of University in the prescribed
format duly filled in and signed for consideration of extension of fellowship beyond 3 years as
per Annexure-B.

b) The criteria for extension is that a candidate must fulfill the following conditions:
i) The candidate must score a minimum overall score of 10 marks under different
parameters as prescribed in the format.
ii) Completed the Course work.
iii) Completion of the Registration of the Ph.D. Programme & approval of the Research
proposal by the University.
iv) Must have published One paper in SCI/SCI-E/Scopus journal.

c) The assessment shall be carried out by the concerned University for final recommendation for
extension of fellowship of research scholars under AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) scheme for
one more year after completion of 03 years of fellowship. On the basis of this recommendation
AICTE will process for the release of fellowship for the extended period.

Scholars who failed to secure the minimum eligibility condition for extension of one year beyond
36 months may continue their Ph.D. programme beyond 36 months without any fellowship under ADF
Scheme as per term & condition of respective Universities. In future, if they are able to complete the
minimum requirement within 48 months from date of start of their fellowship, their case may be
considered from that month upto the remaining period of the fellowship i.e. maximum upto 4 years.

5.0 AMOUNT OF FELLOWSHIP: -

The fellowship will be Rs. 31,000/- pm for the first two years followed by Rs. 35,000/- pm for
the third year. HRA will be provided at the rate of 8%, 16% and 24% as per the Government of India
(GoI) norms as applicable in the city/ location where the Research Fellow is pursuing their research.
HRA will not be admissible to those scholars who are availing hostel facility of the University/Institute.
In addition, Contingency Grant will be admissible to the scholars at the rate of Rs.15, 000/- per annum
to meet the miscellaneous expenditures.
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 After completion of two years the upgradation from JRF to SRF shall be subject to fulfilling the
following mandatory eligibility conditions: -

i) Completed the Course work.

ii) Submission of Registration letter from the University.
iii) Research Proposal submitted and approved.
iv) Recommendation of the Institute in prescribed format as per Annexure-C.

6.0 NUMBER OF FELLOWSHIP: -

Maximum of 363 Nos. of fellowship may be granted to 42 Universities in a year. The University-wise
number of fellowship are enclosed in Annexure A.

7.0 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIVERSITIES: -

a) University will assign one faculty as Nodal Officer for the scheme who will act as an interface
between the University and AICTE on various operational aspects of the scheme.
b) Universities will admit candidates in their research programme as per their procedure following
minimum eligibility criteria as prescribed by AICTE.
c) University will update joining report of the scholar on the online portal of AICTE along with bank
accounts details and subsequently monthly attendance of the enrolled scholars through online
portal for the disbursement of the fellowship directly in the scholar’s account.
d) University will ensure that scholar must be registered in the PhD programme and his/her
research proposal is approved within one year of start of fellowship after completion of
mandatory course work etc. falling which fellowship will be discontinued.
e) Annual progress report of the enrolled scholar will be submitted online to AICTE for the
continuation of fellowship.

8.0 CANCELLATION OF AWARD: -

The fellowship is liable to cancellation in case of:

a) Non Completion of course work, non-registration in Ph.D. and non-approval of research proposal
within one year from date of joining.
b) Misconduct.
c) Unsatisfactory progress of research work/ failure in any examination related to Ph.D.
d) He/ She is found ineligible later.
e) Any false information furnished by the applicant or any fraudulent activity by the Scholar/
Fellow/ Research Awardees shall lead to Penal action against him/ her.
f) The fellowship may be terminated at any time during the tenure and the decision of the AICTE
shall be final and binding.

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9.0 TERMS AND CONDITIONS: -

a) The fellowship/ HRA/ contingency will be granted to research scholars admitted in the
Universities in the identified thrust areas of the scheme.

b) Completion of course work, Registration for Ph.D. and approval of research proposal is
mandatory within one year from the date of joining as a research fellow. If candidate has not
completed above within one year from date of joining, then fellowship will be discontinued upto
his/ her registration for Ph.D.

c) In the cases where the fellowship has been discontinued as per clause (b) above, the fellowship
may be resumed after the completion of above. However, the maximum tenure of fellowship in
such cases will be limited to as mentioned in clause 4.0 above.

d) The awardees shall submit an annual report on the progress, each year through the Research
Supervisor, Head of the Department and Head of the Institute and University Nodal Officer to
AICTE on the online portal for the continuation of fellowship.

e) The final progress report should be submitted by the awardees through the concerned University
to AICTE.

f) The awardees shall not be allowed for transfer of fellowship from the Institution where the
awardees are presently working for Ph.D. during the entire tenure of the fellowship.

g) The awardees shall devote full-time to research during the tenure of fellowship and will not be
permitted to take any part-time/ full-time assignment. He/ She will not accept any salary,
fellowship or any type of financial assistance offered during the tenure of fellowship through any
other source. Otherwise, the fellowship will have to be refunded for the entire period of getting
financial assistances from other sources. The nature of the candidature (Full-time AICTE
sponsored Doctoral Fellow) will not be changed during the program.

h) The awardees shall give a declaration that if the results of research are such that can be exploited
commercially by taking a patent or otherwise, commercial exploitation and patent rights should
be with the Institute, candidate and supervisor. However, the rules of respective research
University/Institute, if any, in this regards will be applicable.

i) AICTE online portal will have mechanism for the purpose of releasing fellowship/ HRA/
contingency etc. amount directly in the bank account of the beneficiary through DBT.

j) The term & conditions as notified by Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human
Resource Development vide F. Number 15-2/2019-TC dated 16.07.2019 shall be applicable to
awardees.

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 k) If the progress of the candidate is not satisfactory as reported by the Supervisor/ Head of the
Department /Head of the Research Institute/ University, the fellowship of the research scholar
shall be terminated with immediate effect. This will not be revoked under any circumstances.

l) The Ph.D. rules/ regulations of the affiliating University will be applicable to all admitted
candidates under this scheme.

m) No separate/ fixed medical assistance is provided. However, the research scholar may avail the
medical facilities available in the Institution/ University/ College.

n) Leave:-

(i) Research scholars are entitled for a maximum period of 15 days Casual Leave (CL) and 30
days Medical Leave (ML) in a year in addition to public holidays. They are not entitled to any
other vacations.

(ii) Research Scholars are eligible for maternity/ Paternity leave as per GoI norms issued from
time to time at full rates of fellowship etc. once during the tenure of their award. However,
maximum duration of fellowship will not be extended under any circumstances.

Note: All kinds of leave should be approved at the level of the University/ College/ Institute. Prior
approval of the University/ Institution/ College is mandatory for all types of leaves.

o) Teaching Assistance (Work Load)

Teaching assistantship of not more than 8 hours/ week may be given to full time research scholars
availing fellowship under ADF scheme and may include assistance in lab classes, tutorial support etc.

p) For those scholars who left the course midway, the fellowship shall be stopped.

q) The fellow shall not undertake any paid assignment during the tenure of the fellowship (Except
in case of leave without fellowship up to one academic year during the entire tenure).

r) In case any research scholar avails the break during the fellowship period on medical ground
with due permission of the University/Institute, the fellowship will be discontinued from the
month of such break and shall be resumed on rejoining the program for the remaining period of
fellowship.

s) In case any research scholar receives any financial assistance from any other organization during
the tenure of course, with due permission of the university/institute, the scholar will not be
entitled for the fellowship for the duration in which he/ she is availing such financial assistance
and it shall be resumed on discontinuance of such external financial assistance. Further the
period for which the scholar has received external financial assistance shall be deducted from
the maximum duration of the fellowship.

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 Annexure A

UNIVERSITIES WISE ALLOCATION OF FELLOWSHIP

No of Seats
S. No. Name of University State
allotted
1 Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur Andhra 8
2 Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada Pradesh 8
North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology Arunachal
3 8
(Deemed to be University) Pradesh
4 Assam Science and Technology University, Guwahati 5
Assam
5 Tezpur University, Tezpur 11
6 Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna Bihar 10
7 Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University, Bhillai Chhattisgarh 10
8 Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi 5
9 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi Delhi 8
10 Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi 6
11 Gujarat Technological University, Gujarat Gujarat 15
12 Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar 6
J. C. Bose University of Science and Technology (YMCA),
13 Haryana 7
Faridabad
Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology,
14 7
Murthal
Himachal
15 Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur 10
Pradesh
16 Jharkhand University of Technology, Ranchi Jharkhand 5
17 Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi Karnataka 10
18 APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 10
Madhya
19 Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal 10
Pradesh
Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Vishnupuri,
20 4
Nanded
21 Mumbai University, Mumbai 6
22 Shivaji University, Kolhapur 9
23 Savitribai Phule Pune University, formerly University of Pune 8
Maharashtra
24 Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University , Amravati 9
25 Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 11
26 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere 5

27 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad 5

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28 Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Rourkela 10
Odisha
29 Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla 8
30 Puducherry Technological University, Puducherry Puducherry 3
31 I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (PTU), Jalandhar 5
32 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bhatinda 5
Punjab
Sant Longowal Institute of Engg & Technology (Deemed
33 8
University)
34 Bikaner Technical University (BTU), Bikaner 8
Rajasthan
35 Rajasthan Technical University (RTU), Kota 8
36 Anna University, Chennai Tamil Nadu 15
37 Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad Telengana 10
38 Tripura University (Central University) Tripura 8
39 Dr. A. P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh 18
40 Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun Uttarakhand 15
41 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata 10
West Bengal
42 Jadavpur University, Kolkata 16
Total 363

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 Annexure-B
ALL INDIA COUNCIL FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION
AICTE DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP (ADF)
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR GRANTING EXTENSION OF ONE YEAR AFTER COMPLETION
OF THREE YEARS
1. Name of the Research Scholar: Ms/ Mr
2. Contact No.:
3. Email ID:
4. AICTE Student ID:
5. Date of Admission:
6. Department (Under which Ph.D. registered):
7. Name of the Institution / College:
(with complete address)
8. Name of the University:
(with complete address)
9. Ph.D. Registration Details
(a) Date of Ph.D. Registration:
(b) Registration No.:
(with reference No.)
10. Course Work Details
(a) Course work completed: Yes/ No
(b) If Yes, Date of completion of course work:

11. Research Proposal:

(a) Research proposal approved: Yes/No
(b) If yes date on which research proposal approved:
(c) Title of the Research Proposal:
(d) Name of the Research Supervisor:
(e) Designation of the Research Supervisor:
(f) Address :

(g) Mobile Number:

(h) Email:

12. a) Whether JRF to SRF under ADF scheme granted: Yes/No

b) If yes, date on which granted:

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 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

S.No. PARAMETERS SUB-PARAMETERS Marks Nos. Marks

Allocation Scored by
Criteria Scholar
SCI 5
Journal E-SCI/SCI-E 4
1. Publications Scopus 3
(marks per paper) UGC Approved (Non Paid 2
journal)
International Professional
Society conducted like 3
IEEE/ASME/ACE etc.
Paper presented and published
in proceeding
International Professional
Society conducted like 2
2. Conference/ IEEE/ASME/ACE etc.
Seminar Paper presented but not
Publications published in proceeding
(marks per paper) International/National Elsevier
or Springer sponsored
conference/ seminar supported
by National/Regional 1.5
professional body. Paper
Presented and published in
proceeding
Others including
conference/seminar Presented 1
and published in
proceeding
Developed Prototype/ Product Developed 5 marks
3. Innovative and work started
Product/ Started Only Prototype/Product 3 marks
Startup Developed
Awarded and Technology 10 marks per
transferred patent
Awarded 5 marks per
Patent (per patent
patent/disclosure) Filed and registered 3 marks per
4. patent
2 marks per
Invention disclosure filed disclosure

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 5. CGPA 10 6
CGPA 9 and less than 10 5
CGPA 8 and less than 9 4
Course Work 3 (Course
work passed
Rest all with less
than 8
CGPA)
DRC Committee Outstanding 6
Grading Recommended
Very good 5
6. (On the basis of the
presentation of Good 4
scholars &
evaluation by DRC or
Not Recommended No marks
equivalent
committee)
Total Marks:
I hereby declare that the information given in this application is true and correct to the best of
my knowledge and belief. In case any information given in this application proves to be false or
incorrect, I shall be responsible for the consequences.

Enclosed:
1) A copy of the Ph.D. Registration letter.
2) A copy of the mark sheet of course work.
3) Copy of approval of research proposal with topic details.

Date: Signature of the Research Scholar

Place: Name:

University/Institute level

The details of the publications/certificates etc. under which the research scholar has claimed
marks has been physically verified at the institute/university level and the claim submitted by him/her
as above is found correct.

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 In the view of the above and the marked scored by the scholar is more than 10 (minimum marks
required), and also the fact that he/she has published work to his/her credit, it is recommended to grant
him/her extension of one year as a SRF after completion of three years under ADF scheme.

Signature with seal of Supervisor (Guide) Signature with seal of Head of the Department

Name: Name:
Designation: Designation:
Email Id: Email Id:
Mobile No.: Mobile No.:

Signature with seal of ADF Nodal Officer: Signature with seal of Registrar/ Director/Principal:
(University Level)

Name: Name:
Designation: Designation:
Email Id: Email Id:
Mobile No.: Mobile No.:

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 Annexure-C
ALL INDIA COUNCIL FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION
AICTE DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP (ADF)
ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR UPGRADATION FROM JRF TO SRF UNDER THE ADF SCHEME

1. Name of the Research Scholar: Ms/ Mr

2. Contact No.:
3. Email ID:
4. AICTE Student ID:
5. Date of Admission:
6. Department (Under which Ph.D. registered):
7. Name of the Institution / College:
(with complete address)
8. Name of the University:
(with complete address)
9. Ph.D. Registration Details
(c) Date of Ph.D. Registration:
(d) Registration No.:
(with reference No.)
10. Course Work Details
(c) Course work completed: Yes/ No
(d) If Yes, Date of completion of course work:

11. Research Proposal:

(a) Research proposal approved: Yes/No
(b) If yes date on which research proposal approved:
(c) Title of the Research: Proposal approved:
(d) Name of the Research Supervisor:
(e) Designation of the Research Supervisor:
(f) Address :

(g) Mobile Number:

(h) Email:

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 Type Conference Workshop Seminar Total

International

National

Total

1. No. of Papers Published in index / peer Journal after the date of admission under the ADF
scheme with necessary proof:
Type UGC-CARE list Scopus Index SCIE Other Journal/ Conference
Proceeding

International

National

Total
I hereby declare that the information given in this application is true and correct to the best of
my knowledge and belief. In case any information given in this application proves to be false or
incorrect, I shall be responsible for the consequences.

Enclosed:
1) A copy of the Ph.D. Registration letter.
2) A copy of the mark sheet of course work.
3) Copy of approval of research proposal with topic details.

Date: Signature of the Research Scholar

Place: Name:

University/Institute level

1. Observation of Student Research Committee (SRC) (if existing)/ Supervisor (Guide)

(a) General Comments:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 (b) Recommendation of SRC/ Supervisor (Guide) to promote the Research Scholar from JRF to
SRF:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. The Student Research Committee/ Guide assessed the performance of the student through their
presentation followed by interview and recommended as follows:

(Tick whichever is applicable)

Satisfactory
Good
Very Good
Outstanding

3. In view of the above marked performance of the ADF scholar, and also the fact that he/she has
published work to his/her credit, the Student Research Committee/ Guide makes the following
recommendations.

Ms/ Mr………………… ………………. may be upgraded from JRF to SRF w.e.f………… (Date)

The details of the publications/certificates etc. under which the research scholar has claimed
marks has been physically verified at the Institute/University level and the claim submitted by him/her
as above is found correct.

Signature with seal of Supervisor (Guide) Signature with seal of Head of the Department

Name: Name:
Designation: Designation:
Email Id: Email Id:
Mobile No.: Mobile No.:

Signature with seal of ADF Nodal Officer: Signature with seal of Registrar/ Director/Principal:

Name: Name:
Designation: Designation:
Email Id: Email Id:
Mobile No.: Mobile No.:

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