National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme (HRD Programme in New and Renewable Energy)

What is the National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme?

The National Renewable Energy Fellowship Scheme is a component of the Human Resource Development (HRD) Programme in New and Renewable Energy run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). According to the MNRE fellowships page, the scheme funds higher studies and research in renewable-energy disciplines by supporting students and researchers with monthly stipends, allowances and contingency grants.

The scheme is meant to build a trained workforce for India's renewable-energy sector; solar, wind, bioenergy, hydrogen, energy storage and related fields; by financing study and research at recognised institutions. It covers a ladder of academic levels, from master's students through to post-doctoral fellows, rather than being a single scholarship.

This is an institutional and academic scheme, not a general cash benefit. The money follows an enrolled student or a researcher working under a guide at a participating institution. Members of the public who are not pursuing renewable energy study or research cannot apply for a personal payment.

How much does the fellowship pay?

According to the MNRE fellowships page, the monthly stipends by level are:

House Rent Allowance is paid as per central government norms where applicable, and research-track positions receive an annual contingency grant of around Rs 20,000. These figures follow CSIR/DST/UGC fellowship norms, which MNRE has adopted for the research categories.

How many fellowships are available?

The scheme was structured to support roughly 75 fellowships a year over five years (FY 2021-22 to 2025-26), or about 375 positions in total. The annual intake was planned as approximately 35 M.Tech, 10 M.Sc, 20 JRF, 5 SRF (direct entry) and 5 RA/PDF positions. Actual numbers depend on the year's advertisements and budget.

Who is eligible for the National Renewable Energy Fellowship?

You can apply if:

• You are pursuing or seeking admission to an M.Tech / M.Sc programme in a renewable-energy discipline at a participating institution — an AICTE/GATE-based route applies for M.Tech.
• You qualify as a JRF or SRF under CSIR/DST/UGC norms and work under an approved guide on a renewable-energy research problem.
• You hold a PhD and take up a Research Associate / Post-Doctoral Fellow position in the field.

You cannot apply if:

• You are not enrolled in, or admitted to, a qualifying renewable-energy study or research programme at a participating institution.
• You do not meet the GATE / NET / PhD requirement attached to the level you seek.
• You are a member of the public looking for a direct cash grant, the scheme funds study and research only, so such applicants are not eligible.

MNRE has said it is guided by CSIR/DST/UGC norms for research positions, AICTE guidelines for M.Tech and Department of Biotechnology norms for M.Sc. The detailed eligibility for each call is set out in the administrative approval and the advertisement.

What documents are required?

• Academic qualification certificates and marksheets
• Valid GATE or NET/UGC scorecard where the level requires it
• Research proposal or synopsis for JRF/SRF/RA candidates
• Endorsement from the participating institution
• Bank account and Aadhaar details for disbursement

How to apply for the National Renewable Energy Fellowship

1. Identify a participating institution offering M.Tech, M.Sc or research positions supported under the MNRE HRD programme in renewable energy.
2. Watch hrd.mnre.gov.in and institution notice boards for the current advertisement and its eligibility, level and deadline.
3. Ensure you meet the level-specific requirement, GATE for M.Tech, or CSIR/DST/UGC eligibility for JRF/SRF/RA.
4. Submit your application to the institution with your qualification certificates, GATE/NET proof, research synopsis (if applicable) and institutional endorsement.
5. If selected, complete joining formalities and provide bank and Aadhaar details so the monthly fellowship can be disbursed.

Because the scheme runs through periodic calls and participating institutions, there is no single always-open online form. Always check the MNRE HRD portal for the live advertisement before applying.

Help and contact

• Portal: hrd.mnre.gov.in and mnre.gov.in (Human Resource Development section)
• Office: MNRE HRD Division, Atal Akshaya Urja Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003

Applicants should verify the current stipend, intake and eligibility against the live advertisement, as figures follow CSIR/DST/UGC norms that are revised from time to time.