NREFS

National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme

6.1/10

The National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme provides financial support for individuals pursuing higher studies or advanced research in renewable energy. It offers fellowships for various academic levels, including M.Tech, M.Sc, and research roles, with monthly stipends ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹54,000 depending on the fellowship category. The scheme aims to support a total of 375 fellows over five years, aligning with the research priorities set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Eligible candidates include those enrolled in recognized institutions for renewable energy studies, with selection based on academic performance and research proposals. The fellowships are disbursed monthly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, ensuring transparency and efficiency in fund allocation. The scheme also emphasizes flexibility in the number of fellowships awarded across categories based on research quality and industry demand, fostering innovation in renewable energy technologies.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of New and Renewable Energy

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): Yes

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Renewable Energy, Fellowship, MNRE, Research

Details

Launched in 2021, the scheme "National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme" has been launched by the Human Resources Development Division, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, aims to promote education and research in renewable energy. The scheme provides financial fellowships to meritorious students and researchers for higher studies like M.Tech, M.Sc., PhD, and post-doctoral research. It focuses on advanced and industry-relevant research in renewable energy technologies. The scheme is implemented with a total budget of ₹200 crore for the period 2021–22 to 2025–26. Around 375 fellowships will be awarded over five years based on merit and industry demand. It also aims to create skilled manpower and support innovation and commercialisation in the renewable energy sector.

Benefits

  • Category Fellowship ( ₹ /month) HRA Contingency (₹/annum) Duration JRF₹31,000/-As per the central govt. norms₹20,000/-Per Month2 yearsSRF₹35,000/--do--do-2 yearsPDF/RA₹47,000/- (Level I), ₹49,000/- (Level II), ₹54,000/- (Level III).-do--do-2 yearsM.Tech/M.S ₹12,400/---20-24 months (as per the institute norm)M.Sc (Renewable Energy)₹4,000/---24 months (as per the institute norms) Notes:
  • Flexible Allocation: The number of fellowships in each category (M.Tech, M.Sc, JRF, SRF, RA) is interchangeable based on the quality of research proposals and industry demand. - Monthly Disbursement: All fellowships are disbursed on a monthly basis directly into the beneficiary& 39;s bank account via DBT mode upon receipt of attendance/continuation reports from host institutions

Category*Fellowship (/month)HRAContingency (₹/annum)*DurationJRF₹31,000/-As per the central govt. norms₹20,000/-Per Month2 yearsSRF₹35,000/--do--do-2 yearsPDF/RA₹47,000/- (Level I), ₹49,000/- (Level II), ₹54,000/- (Level III).-do--do-2 yearsM.Tech/M.S ₹12,400/---20-24 months (as per the institute norm)M.Sc (Renewable Energy)₹4,000/---24 months (as per the institute norms)

Notes:

  • Flexible Allocation: The number of fellowships in each category (M.Tech, M.Sc, JRF, SRF, RA) is interchangeable based on the quality of research proposals and industry demand. - Monthly Disbursement: All fellowships are disbursed on a monthly basis directly into the beneficiary's bank account via DBT mode upon receipt of attendance/continuation reports from host institutions.


Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for the Applicant

  1. The applicant must be pursuing higher studies in renewable energy, viz. M.Sc, M. Tech, PhD in Renewable Energy technologies OR The applicant must be a Research Associate or post-doctoral Fellow pursuing advanced research in MNRE institutions and other key institutions.
  2. These Fellowships will exclusively be awarded for Courses on Renewable Energy related subjects only.
  3. These Institutions will select the students for M.Tech /PhD courses through GATE Score, CSIR Score, or CSIR-JRF /AICTE/NET Qualified Score only.
  4. M.Sc fellowships will be provided only to students pursuing an M.Sc in renewable energy qualified with NET.

NOTE 1: The Ministry would be guided by the norms of CSIR/DST/UGC for the eligibility of the candidates for JRF/SRF/RA/PDF.
NOTE 2: The Ministry would be guided by the AICTE guidelines for M.Tech and the Department of Biotechnology norms for M.Sc in renewable energy.

Eligibility Criteria for the Institute

  1. Only those institutes will be considered for the allocation of fellowship slots that are in the Top 100 institutes under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), with faculty for the required expertise in relevant areas of RE and infrastructure facilities available at such institutes for RE education and research in RE, etc.
  2. The scheme is open for Universities, Technical Institutions, and national laboratories having facilities for research in the identified thrust areas of RE, and institutes having M.Tech./ Integrated M.Sc. courses in energy studies/ renewable energy with specialisation in any branch of renewable energy.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.1
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 5.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 9.0/10 Challenging
Financial impact 8.0/10 Good
Literacy barrier 6.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact8.0
  • Rural utility5.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity1.0
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme provides significant support for individuals pursuing advanced studies in renewable energy, promoting education and research in a critical sector.

Key challenges addressed

  • Financial support for higher education in renewable energy
  • Encouragement of research in renewable energy technologies

Most beneficial for

  • Students pursuing M.Tech, M.Sc, PhD in renewable energy
  • Research Associates and post-doctoral fellows

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process
  • Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme's reliance on recognized institutions may limit access for some potential applicants.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to information and resources
  • Potential lack of support from local institutions

Digital challenges

  • Dependence on digital platforms for application
  • Need for mobile verification

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complex selection process for institutes
  • Need for high-ranking institutions to participate

Awareness challenges

  • Low visibility of the scheme in rural areas
  • Limited outreach efforts by the ministry

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline
Verification complexity
High
Office dependency
High
DBT dependency
Yes
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
High

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Moderate

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
Monthly
Benefit practicality
High, but dependent on institutional selection
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, varies by fellowship category
Long-term impact
Positive, fostering skilled manpower in renewable energy

Plain-language guidance

This scheme offers financial support for students and researchers in renewable energy. It helps cover costs for higher studies and research projects in this important field.

Who should apply
Students enrolled in renewable energy programs and researchers in related fields.
Who may struggle
Individuals unfamiliar with the application process or lacking digital access.
Best application route
Apply through recognized institutions and follow the offline registration process.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: Visit the official website in any browser (Preferable Browser: Chrome)
Step 2: Click on "Register" menu option on Home page of HRD portal for creating the account/registration.
Step 3: Download Sandes Application on Android/iOS mobile for mobile number verification.
Step 4: On Registration page, select "Student" category and other mandatory fields followed by clicking on Submit button.
Step 5: Check OTP in Sandes Application and enter the same received OTP to complete registration.
Step 6: Check your inbox for receiving temporary password. Login to account using your registered email ID and password shared via email. .
Step 7: After login, Click on "Entries" menu option followed by "Internship Form".
Step 8: Fill required fields in Internship application and click "Submit".
Step 9: Check your application status by logging to your account.

Call for Applications:

Step 1: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) publishes annual advertisements inviting applications from universities and institutes engaged in renewable energy education and research.
Step 2: Interested institutes or universities must apply for the allocation of fellowship slots against the advertisement to the Ministry.

Selection Process for the Institutes:

Step 3: The selection of these host institutes is conducted by a committee chaired by eminent scientists and professors, including experts from reputed academic institutions and Directors General of NISE, NIWE, and NIBE.
Step 4: Once an institute is selected and sanctioned with a specific number of fellowship slots, it conducts its own internal selection through its Research or Administrative committees.

Selection Process for the Candidates:

Step 5: The selected institutes identify meritorious candidates who meet the MNRE eligibility criteria and forward the details of these NREF fellows to the Ministry.
Step 6: The host institution must forward the specific details of the students every year against the sanctioned number of fellowship slots allocated to that particular institute.
Step 7: Upon receipt and verification of the names, the Ministry officially awards the fellowships to the individual students/candidates based on their eligibility.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What role do the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode and beneficiary Bank Accounts play in disbursing fellowships?

DBT mode ensures direct, transparent, and efficient transfer of fellowship funds to beneficiaries' bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and enhancing accountability.

Can you elaborate on the payment schedule and the importance of attendance from host institutions?

Payments begin from the Date of Joining, and the Ministry disburses fellowships monthly based on attendance and continuation reports provided by host institutions.

What is the role of the Scientist-in-charge, HRD in the selection process for institutes?

The Scientist-in-charge, HRD acts as the convener of the selection committee, facilitating coordination and ensuring a smooth selection process.

Could you explain the reasons for interchangeability of the number of fellowships in different categories?

Interchangeability depends on factors like the number of applications received, the quality of proposed research work, and the demand from the industry, which can vary annually.

Are there any specific provisions for fellowships targeted at renewable energy research related to cutting-edge technologies?

Yes, the scheme is designed to support research in cutting-edge technology areas related to renewable energy, aligning with the Ministry's thrust areas.

What measures are in place to ensure transparency in the selection process of institutes and candidates?

The selection committees consist of eminent scientists, experts, and professionals, which helps ensure a transparent and unbiased selection process.

How do the funding rates for fellowships for M.Tech and M.Sc compare to the rates for JRF, SRF, and RA/PDF?

Funding for M.Tech and M.Sc is comparatively lower, indicating the Ministry's focus on promoting advanced research through JRF, SRF, and RA/PDF.

Can you explain the liability for fellowships sanctioned from 2022-23 onwards spilling over beyond the scheme period?

Fellowships awarded after 2022-23 may extend beyond the scheme period as per their fellowship duration, ensuring that students have adequate time to complete their research.

How does the Ministry ensure that fellowship slots are allocated to institutes with the required expertise in renewable energy areas?

Institutes are considered based on their ranking under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the presence of faculty and infrastructure for research and education in renewable energy.

Could you elaborate on the significance of technology areas not being of a generic nature in the fellowship scheme?

The fellowship scheme focuses on frontier-edge research in technology development. It means the research undertaken should be at the cutting edge of technology and not general or commonly practiced research.

What is the selection process for the institutes applying for fellowship slots?

Institutes are selected by a committee chaired by eminent scientists/professors, and the selection committee includes experts from reputed academic institutions, DG, NISE, NIWE, and NIBE, Group Head, and HRD.

How does the application process work for institutes and universities interested in these fellowships?

MNRE publishes annual advertisements inviting applications from universities and institutes for fellowships for higher education and research in renewable energy thrust areas.

What is the mode of disbursal for the fellowships?

Fellowships are disbursed on a monthly basis through beneficiary Bank Accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

How are the fellowship payments structured in terms of duration?

Fellowship payments commence from the Date of Joining of the candidates and continue on a monthly basis.

References

Guidelines
https://hrd.mnre.gov.in/public/uploads/notification/1_Administrative_Approval_for_continuation_of_the_Human_Resource_Development_Programme_in_New_and_Renewable_Energy_for_the_period_of_FY_2021-22_to_2025-26_27-05-2022_4.pdf
Official Website
https://hrd.mnre.gov.in/

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Eligibility for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Benefits under National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme is managed by Ministry Of New and Renewable Energy and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Applications for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme.
Is National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme a central government scheme?
Yes, National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Can CSC centres help users apply for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.