Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur – Scholarships Full Data

Introduction

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, is one of India’s prominent science education and research institutes. Established in 2016 under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, it focuses on fostering scientific excellence through integrated programs like BS-MS, PhD, and Integrated PhD.

A significant attraction of IISER Berhampur is its affordability and strong financial aid ecosystem. The institute, in collaboration with national agencies and its own financial support mechanisms, ensures that meritorious and underprivileged students receive quality education without financial barriers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of scholarships and fellowships offered to students across all academic levels at IISER Berhampur.

1. Scholarships for BS-MS Students

a. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)

One of the most important scholarships for undergraduate science students is the INSPIRE-SHE, offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Eligibility:

• Top 1% scorers in Class 12 state/central board examinations.

• Students who qualified JEE Advanced with ranks below 10,000 and enrolled in a science degree.

Benefits:

• ₹5,000 per month as a fellowship.

• Annual contingency grant of ₹20,000.

• Continuation based on academic performance (CGPA ≥ 7.0).

INSPIRE replaces the earlier Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), which was merged with INSPIRE in 2022.

b. Fee Waivers and Merit-cum-Means Scholarships

IISER Berhampur offers fee waivers or financial aid based on merit and financial background.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Annual family income below a defined threshold (varies yearly).

• Academic performance in each semester.

Benefits:

• Full or partial waiver of tuition fees.

• Hostel and mess subsidies in select cases.

Students are encouraged to approach the Dean (Academic Affairs) or the Student Welfare Office to apply at the start of the academic year.

c. State Government Scholarships

Students belonging to various reserved categories or economically weaker backgrounds can apply for scholarships from their respective state governments. These scholarships vary by domicile and include:

• Post-Matric Scholarships (for SC/ST/OBC)

• National Scholarship Portal (NSP) central schemes

• Scholarships for minority students

Benefits typically include tuition reimbursement, maintenance allowance, and book grants.

2. Fellowship Support for PhD and Integrated PhD Students

a. Institute Fellowship

PhD and Integrated PhD students at IISER Berhampur receive financial assistance through institute-administered fellowships:

PhD Students:

• ₹31,000/month for the first two years (Junior Research Fellowship)

• ₹35,000/month for subsequent years (Senior Research Fellowship)

• Annual contingency grant of ₹20,000

Integrated PhD Students:

• ₹12,000 to ₹16,000/month in the initial coursework phase

• Automatically upgraded to PhD fellowship on qualifying comprehensive exams

This support is funded by the Department of Science and Technology and other government bodies.

b. External Fellowships

Students can also receive support from external funding bodies, including:

• CSIR-UGC JRF Fellowship

  • ₹31,000/month (JRF)

  • ₹35,000/month (SRF)

  • ₹20,000 annual contingency

• DBT-JRF Fellowship

  • ₹25,000 to ₹28,000/month

  • HRA included for hostellers or house-rent subsidy

• ICMR Fellowships

  • Provided for biological sciences research

  • Similar structure to CSIR JRF

• DST-INSPIRE Fellowship (Doctoral level)

  • ₹31,000/month + contingency

These fellowships are awarded based on national-level entrance exams or academic qualifications.

3. PMRF – Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship

The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship is one of India’s most prestigious PhD fellowships.

Eligibility:

• High academic performance in BTech/MSc/BS-MS

• Admission into PhD at IISER Berhampur through regular mode

Benefits:

• ₹70,000/month for the first two years

• ₹75,000/month for the 3rd year

• ₹80,000/month for the 4th and 5th years

• Annual contingency grant of ₹2,00,000

Selection:

• Nomination by IISER Berhampur

• Rigorous evaluation and national-level scrutiny

Students availing PMRF also benefit from global conference travel grants and mentorship by top scientists.

4. Scholarships for Reserved Categories

The Government of India provides extensive financial support to students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories.

a. SC/ST Scholarships

• Complete tuition fee waiver

• Monthly maintenance stipend

• Book allowance

• Travel grants (for conferences/workshops)

b. OBC/EWS Benefits

• Partial fee waivers

• Scholarships based on state/central schemes

• Special consideration in merit-cum-means based institutional support

5. Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities

IISER Berhampur also provides research grants and financial support to postdoctoral researchers.

Fellowship Tiers:

• Research Associate (PhD thesis submitted): ₹42,000/month

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Year 1): ₹58,000/month

• Year 2: ₹61,000/month

• Year 3: ₹67,000/month

• HRA applicable as per rules

Eligibility includes a strong academic record, quality publications, and research proposal aligned with IISER faculty interests.

6. Application and Renewal Process

a. How to Apply

• INSPIRE scholarship is processed automatically by the institute for eligible students.

• External scholarships like CSIR or DBT require national test qualification.

• Institute aid applications are submitted at the beginning of the academic year.

b. Renewal Guidelines

• Students must maintain a defined CGPA (typically ≥7.0).

• Semester reviews are conducted for continued eligibility.

• PhD scholars are evaluated for progress by Research Advisory Committees.

7. Impact on Students

Scholarships at IISER Berhampur significantly reduce the financial burden:

Example: BS-MS with INSPIRE

• ₹60,000 per year + ₹20,000 contingency covers a major part of tuition and hostel charges.

PhD with PMRF

• ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 monthly fellowship surpasses academic expenses and living costs, providing full financial independence.

SC/ST students

• Often pay zero tuition, subsidized hostel, and receive monthly stipends under central/state schemes.

These scholarships encourage excellence, reduce drop-out rates, and allow students to focus entirely on research and learning.

8. Additional Grants and Support

• Travel Grants: For presenting research in conferences (national and international)

• Research Contingency Funds: For laboratory needs, software licenses, field visits

• Publication Fees: Covered in select research projects or funded by the institute

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do all IISER Berhampur students receive scholarships?
A: Not all, but most BS-MS students qualify for INSPIRE. All PhD students receive institutional or external fellowships.

Q2: Can scholarships be revoked?
A: Yes, if academic performance falls below the minimum required standards or in case of disciplinary action.

Q3: Can a student hold more than one scholarship?
A: No. Students can only hold one major scholarship/fellowship at a time.

Q4: Is hostel/mess fee included in scholarships?
A: In some scholarships (SC/ST, PMRF), yes. In others (INSPIRE), they are covered indirectly through fellowship usage.

10. Final Words

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur, is dedicated to promoting scientific talent by removing financial barriers through robust scholarship programs. Whether a student is pursuing a BS-MS, PhD, or postdoctoral research, they are assured of strong financial support. With fellowships ranging from INSPIRE and PMRF to CSIR and institutional support, IISER Berhampur truly empowers the next generation of scientists and researchers.