MUKHYAMANTRI RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP 2025-26
The Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship 2025-26, part of the Mukhyamantri Research and Innovation Programme (MRIP), is a prestigious initiative by the Odisha government to support PhD scholars in the state’s public universities. The application process is likely to focus on direct submissions through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal. This blog post provides a clear and comprehensive guide for Odisha’s citizens on how to apply for this fellowship, its benefits, eligibility, and key differences from other schemes. Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship is designed to empower 300 scholars across 47 disciplines in Odisha.
What Is the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship 2025-26?
The Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship 2025-26 is a state-funded program to support PhD students in Odisha’s 15 public universities. It aims to foster research in diverse fields, from science to humanities, by providing financial aid to meritorious candidates.
The Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship was launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik under the Mukhyamantri Research and Innovation Programme (MRIP) in 2023. Administered by the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC), the scheme builds on the discontinued Odisha University Research and Innovation Incentivisation Plan (OURIIP), offering enhanced funding and broader eligibility to support Odisha’s research ecosystem.
How Many Fellowships Are Offered Under the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship Scheme 2025?
The Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship awards 300 fellowships annually to PhD candidates across Odisha’s public universities. This number ensures significant support for scholars in 47 academic disciplines, promoting research that addresses state-specific challenges like environmental conservation and tribal welfare. In 2024, 3,876 candidates applied for these 300 slots.
How to Apply for Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship 2025-26 in Odisha? A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship 2025-26 is straightforward via the SAMS portal (samsodisha.gov.in). Follow these steps:
- Registration: Visit samsodisha.gov.in, click “Registration,” and enter your name, mobile number, date of birth, and email ID. Verify with an OTP sent to your mobile. Save your login credentials.
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF): Log in to fill out the CAF with academic details, PhD subject, and personal information. Select one of the 47 eligible subjects. Ensure accuracy to avoid rejection.
- Upload Documents and Pay Fees: Submit scanned UG and PG mark sheets, ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar), and a photo. General candidates pay Rs 1,000, SC/ST candidates Rs 200, and PwD/transgender candidates are exempt. Use online payment methods like UPI or cards.
- Edit Application: An editing window (likely early July 2025) allows corrections to submitted applications. No new applications are accepted during this period.
Tip: Save screenshots of your CAF and payment receipt to resolve potential technical issues. Apply early to avoid SAMS portal slowdowns. Ensure documents are clear, in PDF format, and under 2 MB. Contact the SAMS helpline for OTP or verification issues. Use a desktop for uploads to prevent mobile browser errors.
What is the last date to apply for Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship 2025-26?
Applications opened on May 29, 2025, as announced by the Higher Education Department. The deadline is expected around June 30, 2025, based on previous cycles. Results, likely based on proposal reviews or interviews, are anticipated within 2-3 months on the SAMS or SSB portal. Follow @DHE_Odisha on X for updates.
How to Check the Status of My Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship Application?
To check your application status, log in to samsodisha.gov.in using your credentials. Navigate to the “Application Status” section, where updates on submission, verification, or selection are displayed. Results and merit lists will be published on the SAMS portal. For assistance, contact the SAMS helpline at 1800-345-6770.
What Is the Amount or Stipend Offered Under the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship?
Selected scholars receive Rs 30,000 monthly for four years, totaling Rs 14.4 lakh. Science students get an additional Rs 50,000 annually for lab expenses, while humanities scholars receive Rs 30,000 for research materials. Publication grants of Rs 50,000 are available for papers in top-25 global journals.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship 2025-26?
Applicants must:
- Hold first-class UG and PG degrees from a recognized university in one of the 47 eligible subjects.
- Be under 35 years old by January 1, 2025.
- Be enrolled in a PhD program at an Odisha public university.
- Not receiving other central government scholarships.
What Academic Disciplines Are Eligible Under the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship?
The Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship covers 47 disciplines, including sciences (e.g., physics, biotechnology), humanities (e.g., Odia, history), and social sciences (e.g., sociology, economics). This diversity supports research addressing Odisha’s unique challenges, such as coastal ecosystem preservation or tribal socio-economic development.
How Is Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship Different from UGC or CSIR Fellowships?
Unlike UGC-CSIR NET fellowships, which require national-level test qualifications and focus on science or humanities, the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship is Odisha-specific, open to non-NET candidates, and covers 47 subjects. It offers Rs 30,000 monthly compared to UGC’s Rs 31,000-35,000 for JRF, but its state-focused approach prioritizes local research.
Movies to Be Screened at Kalinga Art Gallery
As part of the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship’s cultural outreach, the Kalinga Art Gallery in Bhubaneswar will screen Chilika: A Living Lagoon (a documentary on Odisha’s Chilika Lake conservation, 45 minutes) and Kandhei (a feature film on Odia folk traditions, 90 minutes) on June 15, 2025. These screenings aim to inspire Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship applicants by showcasing Odisha’s environmental and cultural research areas.
