Central Rice Research Institute Scholarship 2025: Eligibility & Application

The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) in Cuttack, Odisha, offers specialized scholarship opportunities designed to support research students pursuing advanced degrees in agricultural sciences and rice-based research. Established in 1946 and affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the institute provides financial assistance through stipends for UGC-qualified fellows and collaborative fellowship programs that enable students to advance their academic and research goals in rice agri-food systems development.

Central Rice Research Institute Scholarships Overview

The scholarship framework at Central Rice Research Institute focuses primarily on supporting postgraduate and doctoral research students engaged in rice cultivation studies. The institute offers two main categories of financial support: stipends for UGC-qualified fellows who qualify through national examinations, and the NRRI-IRRI Fellowship Programme, a collaborative initiative with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) that provides enhanced monthly support for thesis research. These scholarships aim to develop the next generation of rice scientists and research leaders while promoting inclusive development through knowledge and capacity building in Odisha. The fellowship amounts range from INR 15,000 to INR 20,000 per month depending on the degree level and program duration.

Central Rice Research Institute Eligibility

Scholarship eligibility at Central Rice Research Institute is structured around academic qualifications and research timelines. For UGC-qualified fellowships, candidates must have qualified for UGC NET (JRF) or ICMR NET (JRF) examinations and hold a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Life Sciences, Agriculture, Plant Sciences, or Environmental Sciences with a minimum of 55% marks. Under the NRRI-IRRI Fellowship Programme, PhD students must have completed their first semester and be within two years of registration, while M.Sc. students must be within 1.5 years of registration. The program specifically targets students working on rice-based systems research in Odisha under the supervision of NRRI and IRRI scientists, with research areas including nutrient management, climate change adaptation, seed systems, plant breeding, and varietal evaluation.

Central Rice Research Institute Required Documents

Applicants for scholarships at Central Rice Research Institute must submit documentation to verify their academic credentials and research eligibility. The typical document requirements include the following:

• UGC NET (JRF) or ICMR NET (JRF) qualification certificate

• Master's degree certificate and mark sheets showing minimum 55% marks

• Proof of PhD or M.Sc. registration with date of registration

• Research proposal or synopsis aligned with rice-based systems research

• Identity proof and passport-size photographs

Central Rice Research Institute Application Process

The application process for scholarships at Central Rice Research Institute follows a structured timeline aligned with academic admissions. Candidates must apply online through the official institute portal during the specified application window, typically between May 31 and July 30 for annual admissions. For the NRRI-IRRI Fellowship Programme, separate application forms and guidelines are provided on the institute website. Applicants undergo a merit and interview-based selection process where their research proposals are evaluated by faculty committees. Selected candidates receive fellowship awards that begin from the date of their admission or registration, and all documentation must be verified before the fellowship disbursement commences. It is essential to monitor the official website at icar-nrri.in for specific deadlines and updated application procedures.

Central Rice Research Institute Scholarship Details

The following table summarizes the scholarship programs available at Central Rice Research Institute, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and program-specific details for research students in Cuttack, Odisha:

Central Rice Research Institute Additional Notes

Scholarship renewal and continuation at Central Rice Research Institute depend on maintaining satisfactory academic progress and research performance throughout the fellowship period. Students must demonstrate consistent progress in their thesis work and adhere to the institute's academic conduct standards. For the NRRI-IRRI Fellowship Programme, the support is specifically designated for thesis-only work, meaning it covers the research and dissertation phase rather than coursework periods. Fellows are expected to work under the joint supervision of NRRI and IRRI scientists, contributing to rice-based systems research objectives in Odisha. The fellowship amounts are disbursed monthly upon verification of continued enrollment and satisfactory progress reports. Students should note that these fellowships are designed to complement existing institutional support structures and may have specific quotas and annual caps based on program funding availability. For the most current information on scholarship availability, application procedures, and specific terms, candidates should consult the official institute website or contact the academic administration office directly.