NBHM Master’s & PhD Scholarships 2026: Eligibility, How to Apply, Scholarship Amount and Benefits

Are you passionate about mathematics and eager to take your academic journey to the highest levels? The National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) offers prestigious Master's and PhD scholarships that enable talented Indian mathematics students to focus fully on their research and studies. With a monthly stipend of ₹8,000 during your Master's and up to ₹42,000 during your PhD, plus a yearly contingency grant, NBHM Scholarships provide vital financial support designed to fuel your mathematical ambitions and research endeavors.

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About the NBHM Scholarships

The NBHM Master's and PhD scholarships are highly competitive awards offered to promising Indian nationals pursuing advanced degrees in mathematics. The purpose of these scholarships is to nurture excellence in mathematical sciences by providing financial aid to students enrolled in recognized Master's and doctoral programs in India. The scholarships cover a wide range of mathematical disciplines and encourage students to engage deeply in research activities.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

NBHM Master's Scholarship:

• Applicants must be an Indian national.
• Must have completed a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or be in the final year of such a degree program.
• Must be enrolling in or currently enrolled in the first year of a Master's program in Mathematics or Statistics for the academic session 2025-26.
• Should not have received the NBHM Master’s scholarship previously.
• Only full-time regular courses are eligible (part-time or correspondence courses are not allowed).

NBHM PhD Scholarship:

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Should be enrolled or planning to enroll in a PhD program in Mathematics by September 2026.
• Should have a consistent academic record with at least a first-class or equivalent in previous degrees.
• Selection is through a national-level written test followed by an interview conducted by scholarly committees.
• Should not have previously received NBHM doctoral scholarships.
• Eligible PhD candidates can come from diverse undergraduate backgrounds (science, physics, statistics, or mathematics).

Scholarship Amount and Benefits

Master’s Scholarship:

• Provides a stipend of ₹8,000 per month, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial worries.
• Tenure of the scholarship is usually for two years, covering the duration of most Master’s programs.

PhD Scholarship:

• Provides a monthly stipend ranging between ₹37,000 and ₹42,000 to support full-time doctoral research.
• Includes an annual contingency grant of ₹40,000, enabling candidates to cover research-related expenses such as books, travel, computational facilities, and conferences.
• The scholarship tenure is typically five years or as per the enrolled program.
• Both scholarships provide monetary support directly to the student, helping cover living and academic expenses, fostering an environment conducive to advanced mathematical research.

Required Documents

• Bachelor's degree certificate or mark sheet showing completion or progress in mathematics.
• Proof of enrollment or admission to the Master's or PhD program in mathematics for the respective academic year.
• Valid identity and citizenship proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, etc.).
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Caste certificate, if applicable, for reserved category applicants.
• Income certificate may be required for specific relaxation or consideration.
• Any additional documents required during the written test or interview process.

Application Process

• Register on the NBHM designated portal when applications open (announcement usually between June and August annually).
• Submit an online application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact details.
• Download and prepare for the NBHM national-level written examination, which tests mathematical skills and readiness for research.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview with a committee of experts.
• Final selections are announced on the official NBHM website and affiliated institutional portals.
• Selected candidates must enroll in recognized universities or institutes and fulfill scholarship guidelines to claim the award.

Final Thoughts

If you are deeply passionate about mathematics and envision a research career that contributes to India’s academic landscape, the NBHM Master’s and PhD Scholarships are designed for you. These scholarships provide not only substantial financial support but also recognition and access to a prestigious community of mathematicians. With a rigorous selection process that ensures merit-based awarding, NBHM empowers India’s brightest mathematical minds for academic excellence and groundbreaking research.

To stay updated and apply, visit the official website: NBHM Scholarship on Buddy4Study

FAQs

Q1: Who can apply for the NBHM Master’s Scholarship?

A1: Indian nationals who are enrolled or enrolling in the first year of a Master’s program in Mathematics or Statistics and have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or related subjects.

Q2: What is the monthly stipend for NBHM PhD Scholars?

A2: PhD scholars receive between ₹37,000 and ₹42,000 per month plus an annual contingency grant of ₹40,000.

Q3: Is there an entrance test for the scholarships?

A3: Yes, applicants must clear a national-level written examination and may also need to attend an interview, depending on the scholarship.

Q4: Can students in integrated M.Sc.-PhD programs apply?

A4: Yes, students in integrated programs are eligible for the doctoral scholarship post-Master’s completion phase.

Q5: Can I hold an NBHM scholarship simultaneously with other fellowships?

A5: Typically, NBHM scholarships are not to be combined with other major fellowships, and recipients should check specific conditions before applying.

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