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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship (MRF) – 2025-28

What is MRF?
Mukhyamantri Research Fellowships” (MRF) under “Mukhyamantri Research and Innovation Fellowship Program (MRIP) is a scheme of Government of Odisha in the Higher Education Department. It is awarded to the Ph.D. students/scholars for carrying out research leading to Ph. D. degree under any of the designated State Public Universities of Government of Odisha i.e. the Ph.D. registered students of all state Government/Public Universities of Higher Education Departments and other Departments, such as Skill Development & Technical Education, Agriculture& Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Odia Language Literature & Culture Department etc.
No. Candidates receiving financial assistance from any other source are not eligible for MRF.
The fellowship is for 4 years from the date of Ph.D. registration. Extension for a 5th year is possible but without any fellowship support, subject to OSHEC approval.
Rs. 30,000 per month. Additionally, a contingency grant of Rs. 50,000/year (for science/practical subjects) or Rs. 30,000/year (for humanities/non-practical subjects) is provided.
Yes. Fellows must teach 5 hours per week and get it certified by the Head of Institution every month.
No. Changing the topic without approval will result in automatic cancellation of the fellowship.
You can know it by visiting the website: www.samsodisha.gov.in
Candidates who: -have completed both Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees with 1st Division, -are below 35 years of age as on January 1st of the application year, -are permanent residents of Odisha, and -are registered Ph.D. scholars under any State Public University of Odisha.
The Common Application Form (CAF) can be accessed on the website www.samsodisha.gov.in along with the Common Prospectus (CP) which guides you to apply the CAF correctly.
You can know it by visiting the website:  www.samsodisha.gov.in.
Yes, you need to apply online through the CAF following the guidelines. After submitting CAF online, take printout copy of the Applicant CAF and keep it with you for further Process at the time of admission.
Yes. After submitting the Common Application Form (CAF), if any mistakes encountered by the applicant or any changes are required by him/her, then s/he can edit the details once by entering the OTP received in his/her registered mobile number in the stipulated time period.
A Continuing Certificate is a document submitted every month by a research scholar to confirm that they are continuing their research work under the approved Supervisor and are eligible for fellowship disbursement.
All eligible candidates whose Guide has been allocated by the University (CoE) and who are receiving fellowship through the SAMS portal can apply for the Continuing Certificate.
Candidates must apply within the first week of every month, starting from the month following their SAMS registration date, to ensure timely processing and fellowship disbursement.
Log in to the SAMS portal and click on the “Apply Continuing Certificate” option available on your dashboard.
You must upload the Continuation Certificate duly signed by your Supervisor. Ensure the document is clear & complete.
Your application goes through the following verification stages: 1. Guide Verification 2. HoD Verification 3. OSHEC/HED Document Verification After successful verification, the fellowship amount is processed for disbursement.
The Guide verifies your submitted details and document. The Guide can either Approve or Reject the application with remarks.
The HoD verifies your application after Guide approval and uploads your sprogress details in the portal by the 12th of every month.
After successful verification by OSHEC/HED, the fellowship amount will be credited to your registered bank account.
Yes. Submission of the Continuing Certificate every month is mandatory for continuation of fellowship disbursement.