Post Doctoral Fellowship a Final Destination

“Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence”-  Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Everyone knows about the doctorate or PhD degree, but a few people learn about the postdoctoral degree. Yes, you heard it right! It is hard to believe and understand that after a rigorous process of submitting a thesis, one would again start fresh with a new approach that needs courage and dedication.

For those who have completed their doctorate, a postdoctoral (also known as "postdoc," "postdoctoral," or "postdoctoral research") fellowship is a training-focused role. Generally, postdoctoral parts serve as a transitional role between the academic and full-time professional settings. A postdoc position provides extensive training for the appointee. A postdoc is a committed researcher with specialised knowledge who is free to investigate other areas and is frequently less expensive than a regular employee, according to the postdoc institution or organisation.

Motivation to Research again

Once you've completed a fantastic research journey that will elicit emotions ranging from delight to anxiety, it is debatable if it is worth the time and effort to start over with more research. The desire for improvement drives the PhD journey, which is in and of itself a difficult one to complete and deserves recognition as a lifelong achievement. A post-doctoral journey is exceptional because few people will be motivated to continue beyond a degree. If you believed that your contribution to the field of education could change things, society would prosper.

Details of Eligibility for Research Grants for In-Service Faculty Members

• Maximum age: fifty years. Teachers who are older than fifty are not eligible to apply.
• As of the application submission date, the candidate must still have at least ten years remaining on their employment with the university.
• The candidate must have successfully overseen the PhD dissertations of five full-time candidates.
• The candidate must have effectively finished at least two sponsored research projects supported by commercial, public, or national government organisations.
   

Fellowship for Superannuated Faculty Members:

• Professors and associate professors from the following universities who will or have already reached superannuation within the next six months are eligible to apply under the programs:
• Universities covered by the UGC Act, 1956 Section 2(f) and holding a valid NAAC accreditation comprise constituent and affiliated colleges/institutions.
• They are considered universities for Section 3 of the UGC Act of 1956 and possess legitimate NAAC accreditation.
• Institutions with the authority to grant degrees that the federal or state governments entirely support.

Important

• Maximum age 67 years
• The candidate must have overseen the completion of ten full-time candidates' Ph.D. dissertations, three of whom had earned their degrees in the ten years prior.) The candidate as Principal Investigator must have managed at least three sponsored research projects supported by national or international bodies.
• Beginning on the date of superannuation, the applicant will not have any administrative responsibilities for the duration of the fellowship.
   

UGC offers a Special fellowship scheme for non-working women

To support the talented inclinations of women candidates to pursue higher studies and research, the UGC has launched a Post-Doctoral Fellowship program for Women, which is open to unemployed individuals with Ph.D.’s in relevant fields. The fellowship has a five-year maximum length and no possibility of renewal. There are 100 places available annually under the scheme.

Qualifications:

• The applicant needs to be non-working.
• Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree (a provisional certificate may be considered if the degree is not given).
• The applicant must be at least 55 by the deadline for submitting an online application. For five years, there will be an age reduction for SC, ST, OBC, and PWDs (Persons with Disabilities).
• For the general category, 55% of marks at the UG level and 60% of sports at the PG level are required. A minimum of 50% of UG marks and 55% of PG marks are needed for the reserved groups (SC, ST, OBC, and PWD).
• Applicants submitting a PDF application must upload the No Objection Certificate, signed adequately by the prospective research centre.

 

NATURE OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE UNDER THE SCHEME:
The number of slots available under the scheme is 100 per year. The tenure of the award is five years with no provision for further extension.
Fellowship @Rs.38,800/--p.m. for fresh candidates. @Rs.46,500/--p.m. after two years. Contingency A @Rs.50,000/-p.a. for five years Escorts/Reader assistance @ Rs. 2000/- p.m. (fixed) in cases of PWD (Person with disability)

UGC Fellowships:

1. UGC Scholarship Post-Graduate Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child.

• All categories
• Only child(girl)
• Maximum age up to 30 years
• PG 1st year only
• Any regular PG course
• A stipend of 3100 Per month
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/sgc/
   

2. Emeritus Fellowship

• All categories
• Based on the quality of research and published work contributed by the teacher in his/her service career
• Highly qualified and experienced, superannuated teachers of recognized universities/ colleges/institutions
• An honorarium of Rs. 31,000/- p.m. for 2 years
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/ef/
   

3. Dr. S. Radha Krishnan Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences      

• All Categories
• The candidate should be unemployed.
• Maximum age 35 years (SC/ST /OBC/PWD/Women relaxed by 5 years)
• Minimum 55% at UG level and 60% at PG level (SC/ST/OBC/PWD Relaxed by 5%)
• 1st year-Rs. 38,800
• 2nd year- Rs. 40,300
• 3rd year- Rs. 41,900
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfw/
   

4. Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Women Candidates      

• All Categories
• The candidate should be unemployed.
• Should have been awarded a PhD.
• Maximum age 55 years (SC/ST /OBC/PWD/Women relaxed by 5 years)
• Minimum 55% at UG level and 60% at PG level (SC/ST/OBC/PWD Relaxed by 5%)
• Rs. 38,800/--p.m. for fresh candidates.
• Rs. 46,500/--p.m. after two years.
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfw/
   

5. Post-Doctoral Fellowship to SC/ST Candidates

• SC/ST categories only.
• PhD awarded unemployed candidate Maximum age 50 years (5 years relaxed for female)
• Rs. 38,800/- p.m. for first 2 years &
• Rs. 46,500/-p.m. from third year onwards.
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfss/
   

6. Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship for Research in Social Sciences      

• All Categories   Only Child(Girl) of Parent
• Pursuing PhD in Social sciences     
• Rs. 25,000/- p.m. for Initial two years
• Rs. 28,000/- p.m. for remaining tenure
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/svsgc/
   

7. National Fellowship for SC Candidate      

• SC (category only)           
• Pursuing M.Phil./PhD.    
• Rs.25000/-p.m. for initial two years(JRF)
• Rs.28000/-p.m. for remaining tenure(SRF)
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/nfsc/
   

8. National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Student

• ST           
• Pursuing M.Phil./PhD.    
• Rs.25000/-p.m. for initial two years(JRF)
• Rs.28000/-p.m. for remaining tenure(SRF)
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/rgnfst/
   

9. National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities    

• PWD        
• Pursuing M.Phil./PhD.    
• Rs.16000/-p.m. for initial two years
• Rs.18000/-p.m. for remaining tenure
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/rgnfd/
   

10. Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students

• Minority           
• For minority regular M.Phil./PhD. candidate     Rs.25000/-p.m. for initial two years(JRF)
• Rs.28000/-p.m. for remaining tenure(SRF)
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/manf/
   

11. National Fellowship for OBC Candidate  

• OBC        
• Pursuing M.Phil./PhD.    
• Rs.25000/-p.m. for initial two years(JRF)
• Rs.28000/-p.m. for remaining tenure(SRF)
• https://www.ugc.ac.in/nfobc/
  
   

Jobs in Academic, Business, Government, and Non-Profit Organisations

Postdocs can work in industry, government, non-profits, and other non-academic groups, but the most common postdoc role is one with a research focus at an academic institution. Although research is the primary emphasis of most postdocs, opportunities also exist in specialised fields like technology transfer and policy at all kinds of organisations.
 

Postdocs in Academics

Research and academic experience are typically the main priorities of academic postdocs. Compared to Ph.D. students, postdocs usually have more leeway to choose the course of their research. In addition to accomplishing research goals and publishing findings, postdocs are frequently expected to teach classes, get funds (as lead principal investigators or collaborators), and complete research objectives.

High-achieving Ph.D. students may be allowed to remain at the same university, sometimes even within the same research group, by certain research groups. Any offer should be carefully considered. Being acknowledged as such an asset to the research team is an honour, but if you remain where you are, will you still be able to receive the necessary training? Additionally, keep in mind that many potential employers favour applicants who have expanded their areas of expertise and taken chances by moving to a new location—if not physically, then at least intellectually.

Postdocs in the Industry

Postdocs in the industry can differ significantly amongst companies—the majority value autonomous thought and growth while emphasising teamwork. A postdoctoral position can be perceived as a "stepping stone" between an entry-level and a higher-value research role. Alternatively, it could be a distinguished staff scientist role with the potential for increased compensation. Even though postdocs are only hired for one or two years, many businesses use them as stepping stones to permanent positions. Modern facilities are more easily accessible for industry postdocs than academics; access to these facilities is often contingent upon partnerships with other organisations.

Postdocs in Government

Academic and industrial postdocs and government postdocs share several similarities. Similar to academic roles, publishing many publications is frequently expected; nevertheless, the remuneration might be more than that of an academic postdoc. Fewer chances to write external grants might exist, negatively impacting future applications for academic positions (particularly tenure-track). In contrast to an academic postdoc, depending on the organisation, there can be less opportunity for education. Like their private sector counterparts, government postdocs may serve as a springboard for a permanent role inside the company and grant entry to cutting-edge technologies.

Postdocs without profit

Like academic postdocs in terms of benefits, non-profit postdocs can provide a less conventional choice. A non-profit postdoc can focus on anything, from sports management to food scarcity. Grant writing and teamwork are given a lot of attention; however, there may not be as many possibilities for instruction.

Techniques for Inspiration

1. Remember your goal

Finding the motivation to study again can be achieved by reminding yourself of the reasons you are learning. Go back and evaluate your long-term objectives and the outcomes you hope to attain from your studies and think about the reasons you chose your degree in the first place. Put the justifications on paper and hang them on the wall. Your goals can motivate you to stick with your academic work, whether to learn more about a subject, acquire good grades, or receive the necessary training for a particular job route.

It's helpful to think about the kind of drive that drives your objectives. Positive motives, like learning for its own sake or getting good marks to land a decent career eventually, might more easily motivate you. Remember to emphasize your favourite aspects of each course and subject, whether writing, research, or exchanging views with other students. This can sustain your interest.

2. Make the initial move.

When you have a lot of reading, assignments, or test preparation ahead of you, it's easy to feel overburdened. When you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be challenging to know where to begin, and you may be tempted to put things off. In this situation, start small and keep moving forward since the motivation will come from within as you progress. Worrying about having the energy or readiness to complete everything in one sitting is unnecessary. Instead, concentrate on finishing each small step, beginning with the initial one.

3. Divide work into digestible portions.

As you take that initial tiny step, divide chores into smaller, more doable portions. Whether the task is big or small, breaking it up into manageable parts will help you stay motivated and less overwhelmed. Divide an essay, for instance, into its phases of research, writing, and editing. Each step can be further broken down into smaller jobs, such as researching particular subjects. From there, you won't feel overwhelmed and inclined to put it off; instead, you may take each step individually.

The ‘Pomodoro’ Technique is another tool for job division. It involves breaking up chores into intervals of, say, 15 or 25 minutes. Because of the shorter time frame, you won't become demotivated or feel overwhelmed by the activity. It enables you to focus more intensely. You can stand up and take five-minute rests between the intervals, during which you can do anything you like. Your motivation levels might benefit from even little breaks and incentives.

4. Stick to a study schedule 

Some students find that sticking to a study schedule or routine helps them stay motivated. Setting up specific study times throughout days, weeks, and months with a plan can help you remain focused on the big picture and maintain your focus throughout the academic year. You can use a digital or paper-based calendar to help you keep track of the time you spend studying each day. This enables you to develop a habit by allowing consistency and creating an association between studying and specific times of the day.

5. Take part in a study group.

Study groups are an excellent source of motivation. You can start by joining an existing study group or with friends. You can talk to others who share your objectives and go on your academic path together. Forming study groups with peers enrolled in similar courses is an intelligent option to exchange ideas and encourage one another to fulfil deadlines all academic year. If you need help finding a study group, use online resources such as MoocLab or GoConqr. Alternatively, you might contact your educational institution to inquire about any possible online study groups they may be involved in.
 

FAQs

1. How many publications after postdoc?

Thus, three or more articles are typical for a postdoc. Researcher productivity in the future is likewise expected to follow the "norm" of 2-4 articles annually. While a select few write fifty or more articles annually, they are primarily scientific administrators leading the so-called "article factories."

2. What is the title after postdoc?

A postdoctoral title holder for over five years will be appointed to junior faculty positions (tenure-track or non-tenured) or other research titles (such as Research Associate III or Research Scientist).

3. What is the purpose of a postdoc?

Extending and strengthening a postdoc's scientific and technical skills—either in the PhD field or another—is the primary goal of a postdoctoral experience.