Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship 2026 for PhD: ₹18,000 Monthly, Apply by 31 August
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship 2026: If you’re a full-time PhD scholar registered in fields like Indian History, Sociology, Economics, or Ecology, the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship could give you ₹18,000 per month plus ₹15,000 a year for books and study tours.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) runs this scheme to support serious doctoral research in India. It is open to Indian nationals and a few spots for nationals of other Asian countries.
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. Always cross-check details and download the latest form from the official website before applying.
Who Can Apply
You need to meet these conditions:
- Be below 35 years as on 1 October 2026 (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/women/third-gender and armed forces veterans, max 5 years total)
- Hold a first-class postgraduate degree with at least 60% marks at both graduation and post-graduation
- Be a full-time PhD scholar already registered or admitted at a recognised Indian university or institution
- Work in one of these areas: Indian History & Civilisation, Sociology, Comparative Studies in Religion & Culture, Economics, or Ecology & Environment
You cannot hold another scholarship or funding at the same time. Candidates who have only applied for PhD registration but are not yet registered are not eligible.
Scholarship Amount
Selected scholars get ₹18,000 per month (this covers maintenance and tuition fees) for up to 2 years. You also receive ₹15,000 once a year for study-related expenses inside India, books, and stationery. The scholarship usually starts from 1 April 2027.
Documents You Need
- Passport-size photograph
- Synopsis of your proposed PhD project (as per the given format)
- Doctoral Monitoring Committee or Supervisor’s report/recommendation
- PhD registration certificate
- Self-attested copies of certificates and marksheets (age and education proof)
- Caste or special category certificate (if applicable)
- Postal order or demand draft of ₹100 (SC/ST candidates are exempt)
How to Apply (Offline Process)
- Go to the official website and download the application form.
- Fill it carefully with all required details.
- Attach all documents listed above.
- Prepare a ₹100 postal order or demand draft in favour of ‘Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund’.
- Send the complete set by post to reach the office before the deadline.
Address: Administrative Secretary, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi – 110011.
Last Date: 31 August 2026. The Fund is not responsible for postal delays.
Is This Scholarship Worth Applying For?
This is one of the better options for humanities and social science PhD scholars because the amount is decent and it runs for two years. Selection includes shortlisting followed by interview (usually in January-February). Competition is there, especially in popular subjects, but if your research fits the specified areas and you have a strong proposal, it is worth the effort. Note that you must not be getting any other funding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending incomplete applications or missing the supervisor’s recommendation
- Applying without confirmed PhD registration
- Forgetting the ₹100 demand draft (or claiming exemption without belonging to SC/ST)
- Submitting after 31 August – even one day late won’t work