Everything in life is Easy, and everything is difficult: Its all about Perceptions!
-- Tazyeen Alam
I am an ex-PMRF fellow at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP), and something I was really proud of as an individual. It was challenging, with lots of work, and definitely worth it as it is India's highest paid and most prestigious fellowship for Indian PhD researchers of national and international importance.
However, to be honest, I did not win it because I am absolutely genius, but probably because I knew what the committee demands and what needs to be portrayed with respect to my project proposal and how to write a grant! The good thing is, I got it in my very first attempt, so we can say knowledge with luck worked out for me. Because now that I have successfully accomplished the goals of my project and delivered the outcomes of my PMRF project, I can be of some help if you are someone targeting to write a grant for PMRF.
As I am a strong believer of academic being a platform that gives you the opportunity of lifetime learning, I can be sure that this grant is about your contributions to Indian development and progress and also about your learnings from this research. I should not forget to mention all those kind people who helped me during the application process, and therefore I decided to mention a few tips from my experience of winning and surviving this grant until the end. In this article, I will describe about the grant, explain when and how you may apply, and how to write the grant application. However, it may seem long and boring to you while you read this, but I can guarantee that it will be worth every second of your time if you truly want to focus on making the best of my experience and applying for it! Just to make it less boring, I will include a few pictures, so that your reading journey is visually appealing.
What is this PMRF Grant for PhD scholars in India?
The Prime Minister's Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme has been designed for improving the quality of research in various higher educational institutions in the country.
With attractive fellowships, the scheme seeks to attract the best talent into research thereby realizing the vision of development through innovation. The scheme was announced in the Budget 2018-19. PMRF 2.0 is coming soon...
Which Institutes offer the PMRF scheme?
The institutes which can offer PMRF include all the IITs, all the IISERs, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and some of the top Central Universities/NITs that offer science and/or technology degrees.
When can I apply?
You can apply only after getting enrolled in a PhD program in any one of the above mentioned institutes. The call is open to you through your enrolled institute twice a year (before the start of each semester) and you can apply minimum once and maximum twice. You can apply in any one of the 10 broad areas, including:
Broad area: 01-Civil Engineering, Earth Science, Architecture, Ocean and Naval Engineering.
Broad area: 02-Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Design
Broad area: 03-Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering.
Broad area: 04-Computer Science & Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics.
Broad area: 05-Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences and Agricultural Sciences.
Broad area: 06-Chemical Engineering, Textile Engineering.
Broad area: 07-Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering.
Broad area: 08-Physics.
Broad area: 09-Chemistry.
Broad area: 10-Interdisciplinary areas in Science and Engineering.
For more details on the sub-broad areas please visit: https://www.pmrf.in/guidelines
It is very important to choose the correct broad areas, as in my experience, many good candidates fail to acquire it just because they had applied to the wrong broad area/sub-broad area of their research topics!
Which type of PMRF am I eligible for?
This is a tricky question! But definitely depends on your merits. There are 2 types of PMRF entries (Am sure, if you are here, reading this, you are aware about it by now) - the direct entry channel and the lateral entry channel. I am a lateral entry candidate (just to be clear!).
The eligibility criteria for each are mentioned on the following link: https://www.pmrf.in/guidelines
But, is it cool? How do I start?
The first step for either of the entry channels is to talk to your respective supervisor about your interest in applying for the PMRF scheme. I would suggest, you do that at the time of PhD admission itself, so that you both are on the same page, because YOU CANNOT apply without the recommendation or permission of your supervisor and this might bring unnecessary tension at a later stage.
The cool part is the Ministry provides you with lakhs of Indian Rupees to carry out your research and separate funding for buying additional research equipment, and other consumables that support your project. It further provides you immense opportunities of national and international collaborations, workshops, seminars, conferences, and publications with separate financial support for it. All of these are in addition to your monthly stipend (which is tax free!) and they cover nearly all the expense with some limitations.
But what will I research and how is it different from an institute fellow?
Well, to give some context, I was researching on urban morphology and how they impact the water usage of households in the context of Indian cities. This research required additional hardware and software support that was funded by the PMRF research grants (contingency), apart from the survey and field visit renumerations. You may see more details about the financial support and duration here: https://www.pmrf.in/fellowship
However, I am interested in learning more than what you are talking about here?
For all the info and additional details you may directly visit: https://www.pmrf.in/
Also, please keep in mind that what I write here, is subject to change as per new updated guidelines of the PMRF, so I recommend you regularly keep checking the link above for updated information. The selection process was different when I initially applied and now. Although, I will be talking only with respect to the current practices!
How do I write an amazing Research Grant Application that will give me all the funding I want?
As an academician and researcher, I believe in giving and also taking (in the form of learning). Therefore, when writing the grant, the first thing you must keep in mind is that the writing should be beyond your scientific knowledge. What I am trying to say here is that, the project is not only about the scientific applications, methods, and findings, but it is more about understanding how to tackle an important issue within the context of India. You must be able to understand how to write a grant, and highlight its benefits on the greater good of the country.
The application can be divided into 3 parts:
Part A: Statement of Purpose (SOP), which is like projecting yourself and your background with a brief about your CV and your interests.
Part B: Project Proposal, which is the most important part (am sure!). There is no rigid format (as far as I know), but you may divide it into - Abstract, Introduction, Research Methodology, Outcomes, References (I feel this is very important as a researcher, you must never leave it out!).
Part C: Your CV, which should be brief and preferably not more than 2 - 3 pages.
If Part B is of utmost significance, then how can I excel at it?
In my experience, yes! I feel this is the most important part of the application. It decides what you are planning to commit to the Ministry and help in developing the nation and contribute to the existing field of knowledge with higher novelty! When I wrote mine, I was clear about my area of research, the problem I want to solve and the greater contribution and importance of my work. I would suggest that a clarity about your own proposal is the key to winning this fellowship. Initially, I had difficulties in solving my confusions, but after thoroughly literature review, including several research papers and government reports, I was on track (and trust me, if you love doing research, this process is fun!).
I suggest Part B to be crisp, on-point and no too long for the jury because a cluttered proposal with too many pages creates confusion. My proposal was limited to 6 - 7 page document including references (although there is no limitation to the pages or word count - so far, please keep visiting their website for timely updates before each call). It is also beneficial if you can highlight your key points and keep the most essential ones in bullet. However, the most important part remains your excellence, impact, and contribution to the development of the Nation.
How do you explain this excellence, impact, and contribution to the development of the Nation?
Excellence:
The background of your research, along with a short introduction to your problem must be explained. In my case, I started the document with an abstract and wrote a brief about the entire research I was about to conduct.
Your aim and objectives of the research should be defined clearly and indicate the link between each of them. I included 3 major objectives (with 2 sub-objectives each - that can be omitted at this stage, it totally depends on you).
If your research is based on certain social issues (like gender, biasness, surveys, etc.), try to clarify them. In my case these were not a part of my research focus.
Impact:
Your research must begin with a goal of publication in reputed peer-reviewed journals and international conferences (as applicable in your field). A clear narrative must be defined to address these goals either in Part A or Part B. In my case, I defined these in Part B.
It must also indicate your motivation, background, and summary of your CV as to why you are a very cool person and you are going to carry out this research. This again I included in my Part A.
Your project contributions to the scientific community is of utmost importance and you must include your target journals (why is your project scientifically cool!)., its societal impact, and if possible the economic impact (frankly speaking, I missed these parts, but after completing my PhD as PMRF for 4 years, I can assure you that these are some important tips to remember!).
Development of the Nation:
Since, anything cannot go on forever, you must limit your research to a certain timeline and thus, prepare a methodological flowchart that describes a broad overview of the necessary steps to carry out your research.
It must also include a Gantt chart or timeline workflow of how you are going to progress and complete your work within your sanctioned tenure. This part is important because finishing on time is a necessary aspect (but not always in your hands and there are many external and administrative factors that influence it, but you must give your best shot!).
How important is Part C?
Well, this is the easiest part, learn to keep it as simple and breathable possible. I usually prefer it to be 2 pages and in case you have many publications (which ain't possible at this stage, but maybe you were a born scientist!), you may carry forward to 3 - 4 pages. So, this is the section where you brag smartly about yourself :D
If you are looking for some international formats of preparing your CV, you may get in touch with me through comments on this blog or emails and I will write back to you!
What happens if I am the REAL scientist, and not a fake one sitting in front of a monitor!? ;P
Well, the good news is either will be eligible for a grant of 2 Lakhs per annum that can be utilized for international travels related to work, purchase of equipments, books, materials, spare parts, laptops, tablets, and other consumables that you may require for your research. If you have any unused grant, it carries forward (Viola! You get rich!!). However, their rules and usage may vary as per your institute and subject to the approval of your institute committee (it varies, and are very difficult for a few!).
Pro Tip: Use all the funds the government pays you, its your right! Do not let it stay with the authorities. You have a facility, then why not use it!!
Is there any other important point that I need to remember apart from all that is mentioned above?
Yes! I would like to add a couple of things more you may keep in mind:
For me, PMRF has been a thorough learning and teaching experience. It has given me the opportunity to interact and familiarize myself with different sectors and universities. It has given me the platform to share the little knowledge I have acquired so far, and the most interesting part was I got to learn a lot as well. It has given me opportunities and opened new doors for me (apart from all the respect, fame and JUDGEMENTS). You always need to remember that people look at you as a leading scholar of your field and therefore, you must be able to contribute to the top journals of yours field (but you must not stress yourself too much for this, but only try, sometimes the stars are not on our side and it doesn't workout - and that DOES NOT make you a bad scholar). For example, I managed to publish my first journal article in just 3 months time with no rejections (you can read it here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104295), while the second one faced 8 rejections and 2 revisions within a span of 9 months before it got published! So everyone's journey is different and it will always be a learning experience.
It is beneficial and (I feel) necessary to disseminate your results even outside of academia. You may try to educate people by writing blogs, creating podcasts, YouTube channel, etc. and educate others (in any possible way), especially if you are working on a sensitive topic (like, mine is based on household water usage and consumption leading to its shortage).
So, what is the final tip?
Be precise. Make sense with less words and write in a technical language. Fore example, don't say "I will learn more about people's perspectives on existing water bodies", but instead, you can write "Under the supervision of Prof. X, I will do a literature review about how people perceive the presence of water bodies around them. Also, I will perform the following tasks that will answer the research question about evaluating these perspectives on water use and existence of natural water bodies around them."
Your supervisor(s) can help you a lot in writing in the correct language and content.
I am still having a lot of doubts, how can I contact you at this point?
So, are you planning to thank me for this amazing post I have written?? :D :P
Or you wish to read my SOP, Proposal, and CV I submitted at that time?
Or you want to correct me for any wrong info I may have provided accidently?
Do you want to add tips and share your experience as a fellow?
If you have any of these questions or additional ones, you can leave a comment here or reach me over email (you can find that under "contacts"), or find me on Instagram! I have a Twitter but I am not very active, and my Facebook is probably dead!
I wish you luck and happiness as a scholar and applying for the PMRF.
PSS: I also feel that the selection process is pretty random (unbiased), and they do consider the previous degrees, marks, and colleges you have graduated from. But these are as per my understanding and the actual process may be completely different. While you apply, even though getting that level of money and the added benefits are quite tempting, do consider the level of commitment, dedication, and work-stress that will arrive with it. Pull up your socks, work hard for it. If I can do it, so can you. And I assure you that it will be worth it at the end when you finish!! I have known a lot of good applications that were rejected in the past, and that does not make anyone is a bad scholar. One must keep trying, as hard work is never wasted and efforts always count.
Thank you so much☺please give us few tips on how to write SOPs
"So, are you planning to thank me for this amazing post I have written?? :D :P" hehe😁, yes I want to thank you. Jazakallah this is the first blog that I read completely.