24 Sep 2021
Candidates Can Apply For Ph.D Fellowships At IITs, IISc with GATE score
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IIT Mumbai had announced the result of the Graduate Aptitude Test For Engineering (GATE 2021) on its official website – Click here on March 19, 2021. The exam was held primarily for the admissions in M.E/ M. Tech programs and selection for the top PSU jobs. However, as per the new rules and regulations, direct entry to Ph.D. with the Prime Minister Research Fellowships (PMRF) in the top-tier engineering colleges is also provided through GATE scores. As per the sources, a total of 1,26,813 candidates were qualified for the GATE 2021 examination this year.
The institutes that will offer PMRF include all the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, all Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and a section of the other centrally-funded technical institutions.
In May 2020, the Education Minister ‘Ramesh Pokhriyal ’Nishank’ had announced significant amendments in the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme. In a world that is increasingly propelled with innovative technologies and systems, university research stands will be the foundation for any nation’s economic growth. Therefore, these amendments have been carried out in the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme to boost research programs in the country that will help us for the upliftment of various segments and development of the nation. It was announced since most of the seats were going vacant every year. After making these changes in eligibility criteria, the HRD ministry now hopes that more seats will get filled up through the GATE score for IITs.
Under these amendments, two entry channels to the IIT Ph.D. admissions and fellowship programs were created i.e direct and lateral. While one requires a valid GATE 2021 scorecard to get the entry, the other doesn’t. Now a student can pursue a research fellowship under PMRF from all the IITs, the IISERs, the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, some of the top central universities and NITs that offer science or technology degrees.
Our blog will help you understand the eligibility criteria for the two paths – direct and lateral. As far as the selection process is concerned, HRD Minister said, “The candidates will be selected through a rigorous selection process and their performance will be reviewed suitably through a national convention. From starting the academic year 2020-21, candidates can apply for PMRF through either direct entry channel or lateral entry channel.” [Read GATE Preparation 2022 | Best Tips to Prepare for GATE Examination]
Eligibility Criteria For the Two Paths – Direct and Lateral Ph.D. Fellowships with PMRF at the IITs, IISc, IISERs, and other CFTIs are given below:
With GATE 2021 Score Card: Direct Entry
To apply for PMRF through the direct entry channel, candidates must meet the following criteria relevant for their group in order to be eligible.
The candidate should have completed or been in the final year of a Bachelors's or Master’s degree program in Science & Technology at a recognized institute or University in India with a CGPA of 8 or above.
Other than this, the candidate should have attained a GATE score of 650 or above in the relevant subject in the previous three years. GATE 2021 was conducted in 27 subjects/papers.
However, if the candidate obtained their degree from a CFTI, a GATE score is not necessary.
The candidate should have qualified GATE and completed or be pursuing M. Tech or M.S by research at one of the PMRF-granting institutes. He or she must have a minimum CGPA of 8 or above at the end of the first semester with a minimum of four courses.
[Read What Is The Meaning Of GATE Score Validity | Ekeeda]
Without GATE 2021 Score Card: Lateral Entry
In the lateral entry, candidates who are pursuing a Ph.D. in PMRF-granting institutions can also apply to become a fellow under the scheme. However, they need to have spent 12 months or 24 months -- depending on whether they joined with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree -- in the Ph.D. program before getting eligible for Ph.D. Fellowships.
Reduction In GATE Score
In order to boost the fellowship programs, for candidates from any recognized institute or university other than IISc, IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIEST, IIITs, and CFTIs, the requirement of GATE score has been reduced to 650 from 750 apart from a minimum CGPA of 8 or equivalent. The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) among the top 25 institutions as per NIRF ranking will also be eligible to grant the fellowship.
To gain an edge over the competitors candidates can opt for GATE online courses and study material provided by Ekeeda – India’s leading tech educational platforms for aspirants. Our video lectures and study material is exclusively designed keeping in mind the latest trends and GATE syllabus. Our handpicked educators from IITs have years of experience in preparing candidates for GATE and other competitive exams. Through live lectures, you will get instant solutions to your doubts and move up the preparation ladder.
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