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India-Afghanistan Fellowship: Empowering Afghan Students in Agriculture
The India-Afghanistan Fellowship is a significant initiative by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) aimed at providing Afghan students with opportunities to pursue higher education in agriculture and allied sciences in India. This program not only strengthens educational ties between India and Afghanistan but also contributes to the development of skilled professionals in the agricultural sector.myScheme
About the India-Afghanistan Fellowship
Launched by ICAR, the India-Afghanistan Fellowship offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. fellowships to Afghan students in agriculture and related fields. These fellowships are provided through Indian Agricultural Universities (AUs) under the ICAR-AU system. From 2012-13 to 2014-15, over 600 fellowships were granted, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and research collaboration.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The India-Afghanistan Fellowship provides comprehensive support to selected candidates:
- Monthly Stipend:
- Bachelor’s: ₹12,000 for 4 years
- Master’s: ₹12,000 for 2 years
- Ph.D.: ₹15,000 for 3 years
- Research Grant:
- M.Sc.: ₹6,000 per year
- Ph.D.: ₹10,000 per year
- Group Insurance: Under consideration for all fellows
- Bench Fee: An annual bench fee of $2,000 (as per SAARC norms) is paid to Indian AUs.
These benefits ensure that students can focus on their studies and research without financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the India-Afghanistan Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Language Proficiency: Good knowledge of English is mandatory for all programs.
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs:
- Completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics or both.
- Applicable for B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry) and B.Tech./Biotechnology programs.
- Master’s Degree Programs:
- Four-year Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or related subjects for M.Sc. programs.
- B.V.Sc. & A.H. with completed internship for M.V.Sc. programs.
- B.Tech. or B.E. for M.Tech. programs.
- Minimum OGPA of 5.50/10 or equivalent percentage at the Bachelor’s level.
- Doctoral Programs:
- Master’s degree in the respective or related subject.
- Minimum OGPA of 6.50/10 or equivalent percentage at the Master’s level.
Candidates must also adhere to university-specific requirements, including mandatory attendance.
Application Process
The application process for the India-Afghanistan Fellowship involves several steps:
- Research Programs: Afghan candidates should explore Indian Agricultural Universities (AUs) on the ICAR website and respective university websites to understand program details and admission requirements.
- Apply for Sponsorship: Candidates must apply to the Afghanistan Government for sponsorship.
- Application Review: Applications are scrutinized, and recommendations are sent to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, via the Afghan Embassy.
- Forwarding Applications: MEA forwards the applications to the Director, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Government of India.
- Final Review: DARE sends the applications to the Education Division, ICAR, for eligibility review and admission recommendations.
It’s important to note that once admitted, students cannot change their university or course. Extensions of the fellowship period are generally not permitted but may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Importance of the Fellowship
The India-Afghanistan Fellowship plays a crucial role in:
- Enhancing Educational Opportunities: Providing Afghan students access to quality education in agriculture and allied sciences.
- Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Fostering academic and cultural ties between India and Afghanistan.
- Promoting Agricultural Development: Equipping students with knowledge and skills to contribute to agricultural advancements in Afghanistan.
Eligible Afghan students are encouraged to apply and take full advantage of this opportunity to further their education and contribute to their country’s development.
By investing in human resource development through this fellowship, India is not only supporting Afghanistan’s academic growth but also laying the foundation for long-term agricultural innovation. Every eligible Afghan student should make the most of this opportunity to gain world-class education, build expertise, and become a catalyst for positive change in their homeland.
For more information and to apply, visit the India-Afghanistan Fellowship page.
