FELLOWSHIP

Kerala minority CM Research Fellowship 2026-27: ₹2.4 lakh a year for PhD scholars, apply by 30 November

By AiCoN | Published 5 November 2026 | Sources checked 5 November 2026

The Kerala Minority Welfare Department offers the Chief Minister's Research Fellowship for Minorities 2026-27: ₹20,000 a month for full-time PhD scholars from notified minority communities. The online window closes on 30 November 2026.

What we checked, and what we did notWe read the department's English guidelines (file reference MWD/494/2026-S I/297546/2026) and the scheme list on mwdscholarship.kerala.gov.in on 5 November 2026. We did not register, log in or open the application form, so we cannot say how the form behaves. Nothing was submitted or paid.

Directorate of Minority Welfare guidelines page listing the scholarship schemes with opening and closing dates, desktop view — The scheme list on mwdscholarship.kerala.gov.in, captured 5 November 2026 on a desktop screen (1920x1080). The state emblem in the page header is masked with a white box. Colours were reduced to keep the file small.

Who can apply (from the guidelines)

Muslim, Christian (all sects), Sikh, Buddhist, Jain or Parsi, a permanent resident of Kerala (non-resident Keralites are not eligible), and below 40 years on the notification date.
A regular, full-time PhD scholar in a recognised government or government-aided institution in India during 2025-26.
Priority goes to renewal applications from last year's beneficiaries. BPL applicants get preference. Only one member per family.
One fellowship at a time. Scholars who get this one must give up any other scholarship or fellowship within two weeks of the selection list. Employees of universities, colleges or government bodies are excluded, even on study leave.
30% of the fellowships are reserved for women and 5% for persons with disabilities.

What it pays

₹2,40,000 a year (₹20,000 a month, consolidated), up to three times within the five-year PhD period, depending on satisfactory progress. Later years need documents such as a Research Advisory Committee report and a supervisor's confirmation certificate (Annexure I in the guidelines).

How to apply and key dates

Apply online at mwdscholarship.kerala.gov.in (One-Time Registration, then details and uploads), then send the printout with documents (mark lists, bank passbook page, Aadhaar, nativity and community certificates, original income certificate, ration card, PhD admission letter, supervisor's confirmation) to the Director, Minority Welfare Department, 4th floor, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram 695033.

Online application: by 30 November 2026.
Printout and documents received by post or in person: by 5 December 2026.

The portal lists "CM Research Fellowship-Fresh" and "-Renewal", both opening on 5 November 2026 at 10:00 and closing on 30 November 2026.

Not confirmed by AiCoN

One sentence in the guidelines says to submit the form "on or before 05-11-2026". The schedule table at the end says 30 November online and 5 December for the hard copy, and the portal agrees with the table. We follow the table, but ask the Directorate if you are unsure (hotline numbers are on the portal).
We have not tested the portal. The number of fellowships is not stated.

Sources: Chief Minister's Research Fellowship for Minorities guidelines 2026-27 (official PDF) · Scheme list and dates · Minority Welfare scholarship portal. Explainer by AiCoN - not a Minority Welfare Department publication. Checked 5 November 2026. Details can change; check the official notice before you apply.