MD/MS-PhD

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ICMR Scheme For MD/MS-PhD Programme

Division Of Human Resource Planning & Development

Introduction

ICMR being an apex research agency for formulation, coordination and promotion of Biomedical Research in the country is also engaged in promoting critical mass of human resources as well as fostering research temperament amongst medical graduates. Amongst its several Human Resource Development programmes the Council has reinstituted Talent search scheme of providing financial support to selected 'Medical Graduates/ Postgraduates'. The scheme has the approval of its Governing Body (GB) held on 2nd August 2000 and 11th July 2003.
The programme is designed to identify young medical graduates with brilliant academic records for pursuing postgraduate qualifications & to motivate them to opt for career in its research cadre. The selection of the candidates will be made on the basis of a competitive National level examination consisting of a written test conducted at 3 or 4 Centres in the country. The candidate passing all MBBS examination in the first attempt with 60% or more aggregate marks will be eligible for the examination.
Under this programme, the selected medical graduates would be provided financial assistance for 4-5 years and a total of 25 fellowships will be available per year. (Programme is ongoing at three Centres viz., King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow; National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru and SRI Ramachandra University , Chennai ).

Highlights of the Scheme

The Council will provide financial support equivalent to Junior Resident's salary+ allowances on a running pay scale for 3 years followed by Senior Resident's salary + allowances on a running pay scale for 2 years to selected candidates.
Number of Awards: Limited to 25 per year.
Eligibility: Medical graduates who are selected and admitted through national level test to the MD/MS-PhD courses in above stated (three) MCI recognized Institute/College and who wish to avail of the ICMR award for pursuing their research project.
Upper age limit: Max.45 years.

Procedure for Selection

The scheme would be widely publicized though advertisement in leading news papers, circulars to the medical institutions and ICMR website once a year. This will be the responsibility of the host organization.
A nominee from Director General, ICMR should be placed in the interview.
It will be done through written competition followed by interview.
Selection would be made on the basis of merit. In the event of leaving this scheme without completing the programme the whole amount will be remitted to the Council with suitable justifications.
The candidate and the guide will indicate their choice of the research topic and will give a brief description of the objectives, methodology, design of the study, expected out come, Up-to-date literature search, ethical considerations and facilities available at the institute for conducting the study as per the proposed protocol and an undertaking by the head of the institute that the candidate will be permitted to undertake the proposed research activity (within two years).

Financial Support

    • The Council would provide a total support for 5 years duration to the selected candidates 'on the condition' that the candidate would provide following documents to the Council. An undertaking to the effect that the funds received from the Council will be used strictly for the purpose for which it has been released and; In the event of leaving this scheme without completing the programme the whole amount will be remitted to the council with suitable justifications. A surety bond will be executed by the candidates entering into the programme on Rs 100/- non-judicial stamp paper. The original certificates will be retained and it will not be returned to the candidates before completion of the course unless he /she deposits a sum of Rs. 50,000/-.
    • A copy of the award letter issued by the Vice chancellor / Director of institute.
    • A copy of the thesis protocol submitted to the University/Institute as a part of the research programme.

    • An electronic copy of the same.
    • A short summary of the thesis (2-5 pages) prepared by him, outlining the objectives, methodology, findings and discussion.
    • Part-I thesis to be submitted for fulfillment of requirement of MD/MS at 2 ½ years after joining and examination at 3 years for MD degree after acceptance of thesis by two examiners (for MD+Ph.D).

      • Part-II thesis (final) to be submitted for fulfillment of requirement of PhD at 4½ years after joining and public defense at 5 years after acceptance of thesis by 3 examiners (for MD+Ph.D).
      • An additional 1 year post Doctoral fellowship will be given to successful candidates.
      • If registered for P.h.D after MD (condition 2.1.5 & 2.1.6 is not applicable). However, Total duration will be 3 years, The Director-General, ICMR; will make the final decision on grant of extension for one year.

        • If registered for P.h.D after MBBS (condition 2.1.5 & 2.1.6 is applicable)
        • The Council will provide financial support, they get Junior Resident's salary+ allowances on a running pay scale for 3 years followed by Senior Resident's salary + allowances on a running pay scale for 2 years to selected candidates & contingency grant of Rs.15, 000/- PA. (For item 2.1.8 –for total 3 years). The financial assistance would be provided in yearly installments. Statement of expenditure will be required for releasing next installment.
        • Same rules and regulations will be followed as existent for Junior Residents/Senior Residents in Central Government Institutions/Autonomous Institutes.

        • The grant shall be released in the name of the head of the Institute directly with a copy to the Guide and the candidate.
        • The amount will be used by the candidate for pursuance of research and may use the funds for purchase of reagents, preparation of thesis, secretarial assistance or any other activity connected with the research project following fair and reasonable procedure.
        • He will be required to provide information to the Council regarding the manner in which the funds were utilized duly signed by the Head of the Institute/college.

Monitoring

The fellowship can be terminated at any time on a month's notice if the progress of work is not satisfactory or on receipt of an adverse report from the Guide. The fellowship can be terminated forthwith if the particulars given in the application form for fellowship are found to be incorrect or false.
The local institutional committee (approved by ICMR) and Guide should review his/her case Annually whether extension for another year should be given. The Director-General, ICMR, will make the final decision on grant of extension.

Submission/Publication of Thesis/Research Papers

The preparation and submission of thesis will be the responsibility of the student and his/her guide. Should publish minimum five papers/publications in International Journal. The candidate will acknowledge the assistance provided by ICMR for any publication emerging out of this thesis.
The candidate should submit documents listed in item No.2.1 within given period to the institution/organization failing which, The award will be treated cancelled and all financial assistance provided will be reimbursed to the DG, ICMR.

Note:

  • Selection of candidates at the sole discretion of Council
  • The scheme can be withdrawn at any time.
  • This scheme is not linked with any other research capacity building schemes under which the students are in receipt of stipend etc.