CSIR Extends Last Date To Submit PhD Project Reports

CSIR has extended the last date to submit PhD project reports for fellowship upgradation, extension, and continuation. The relaxation has been extended till August 31, 2024.

The Research Fellows/Associates whose dates of assessments fall between 01-02-2020 to 29/02/2024, for the submission of documents to upgradation, extensions, and continuations has been provided with the extension, CSIR announced.

Now the research fellows can submit the PhD project reports to the host institute and then CSIR, after approval will start disbursing the fellowship again. Notably, Earlier CSIR had terminated the fellowship of around 300 PhD scholars as they failed to submit annual progress reports to the CSIR-Human Resource Development Group (HRDG). The CSIR guidelines require the scholars to submit timely reports to continue funding.

Research scholars and the All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) were demanding an extension of the last date to submit the annual report after the termination of fellowships earlier this year. Responding to the development, AIRSA said “Recognising the challenges faced by many research scholars due to unforeseen circumstances that can cause delays in completing their research work. This timely decision by CSIR will provide much-needed relief and support to countless researchers.”

The Fellow”s duties must include the creation of an annual progress report on the research they have completed. Within 15 days of the end of their one-year term, each Research Fellow is mandated to submit their annual research report in the approved form to CSIR (HRD Group) via their Guide/Head of the Department. The fellowship or associateship may be terminated for failure to submit the annual progress report and other required documents following CSIR regulations within six months after the end of the year tenure.

Further, in another notice, CSIR mentioned that all CSIR Research Fellows/Associates are advised to submit their documents as per the timelines failing which their fellowships can be terminated.

Notably, CSIR Junior Research Fellows should register for PhD within two years from the date of joining their fellowship, failing which the fellowship may be terminated.