I.              Introduction

The UGC was set up on 5^th November, 1956 by an Act of Parliament for the promotion and coordination of university education and determination and maintenance of standards in teaching, examination and research. Presently, UGC strives to promote teaching and research in emerging areas in Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Literature, Pure Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Pharmacy, Medical, Agricultural Sciences etc.  The emphasis would be supporting such areas that cut across disciplines and subjects such as health, gerontology, environment, biotechnology, stress management, WTO and its impact on economy, history of science, Asian philosophy and many other areas as would be identified by subject experts.

II             Name of scheme(s)

Major and Minor Research Projects

Objective(s)

·         To promote excellence in research in higher   education by supporting research programmes of University and College teachers in various disciplines.

·         Traditionally, universities have been the centers of   research.  Although, the Government has a network of science and technology laboratories for research and development, the major base of researchers in science and technology remains with the universities.  Therefore, university and college teachers need to be supported to meet this requirement.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Permanent/regular, working/retired teachers in the Universities and Colleges (Under Section 2(f) & 12B of UGC Act, 1956) are eligible.  Universities and Colleges sponsoring the proposal should have adequate research facilities.  Research project may be undertaken by an individual teacher or a group of teachers. University lecturers and college teachers who wish to undertake research along with teaching work or who are working for doctorate degree under an approved supervisor, can submit a proposal for a Minor Research Project.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

The proposal can be submitted any time during the year.  For major research project, the proposal in the prescribed proforma by sent to UGC through the concerned University/Institution.  For minor research project, the proposal in the prescribed proforma be sent to the UGC Regional Offices located at Bhopal, Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Pune.  The teachers from the colleges in the Northern Region including Delhi may apply to the UGC Northern Regional Colleges Bureau at 35, Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi – 110001.

V.            Areas of research support

All subject areas mentioned under “Introduction”.

VI.           Components of grant

·         Major Research Project in Sciences including Engineering & Technology, Medical, Pharmacy, Agriculture etc.-Rs. 12 lakhs

·         Major Research Project in Humanities, Social Science, Languages, Literature, Arts, Law and allied disciplintes -Rs. 10 lakhs          

·         Minor Research Project-     Rs. 1 lakh

Financial support is provided for the items like Equipment, Books and Journals, Research Personnel (Research Associate or Project Associate or Project Fellow), Hiring Technical Services, Contingency, Chemicals and Consumables, Travel and Field work and any special requirements.  However, assistance towards research personnel is not provided in Minor Research Project.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

International travel, vehicle, office furniture.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

Annual Progress Report of work done must be submitted as per prescribed format with a summary to the Commission within eight weeks after completion of each year.

UGC shall organize mid-term group review meetings of all the projects which have completed one and a half year to two years of duration where the Principal Investigators would be invited for presentation of work being done by them before an Expert Committee constituted by the Commission.  The expenditure incurred on mid-term may be met out of the project funds.

The recommendations of the UGC Mid-Term Evaluation Committee would decide the continuance of the project.

IX.           Contact Address