TERI School of Advanced Studies Scholarships & Eligibility

The TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS), located in New Delhi, is an apex deemed university dedicated to sustainable development, environmental management, energy policy, biotechnology, and public policy. Recognizing the importance of fostering research talent and supporting students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, the university maintains a competitive financial aid framework.

Because TERI SAS focuses exclusively on post-graduate, doctoral, and specialized undergraduate streams, its scholarship and financial support mechanisms balance both means (financial need) and merit (academic excellence).

Evaluation Criteria & Weightage Framework

To ensure transparency and objectivity, TERI SAS applies a structured composite scoring matrix to prepare the merit lists for institutional grants and fee concessions:

• Gross Annual Household Income (Means): 40% Weightage — Priority is given to applicants from lower-income households. Candidates must furnish verified income certificates or affidavits.
• Undergraduate Academic Performance (Merit): 20% Weightage — Conversion of qualifying undergraduate aggregate percentage scores.
• National Entrance Test Scores: 20% Weightage — Valid percentile scores in competitive national exams such as UGC-NET, GATE, CAT, MAT, or GMAT. (If a test is deemed non-relevant for a specific stream, this weightage is reallocated evenly across the undergraduate merit criteria).
• Personal Interview Performance: 20% Weightage — Assessment of domain knowledge, research aptitude, and motivation by the university selection committee.

In case of a tie in total marks, preference is awarded to the candidate with the lower annual household income.

Types of Scholarships & Financial Aid Options

Financial assistance at TERI SAS is available through institutional funds, endowed alumni grants, doctoral research fellowships, and government portal schemes:

1. TERI SAS Doctoral Scholarships

Exclusive financial packages are awarded to full-time Ph.D. scholars in key research areas such as Energy & Environment, Natural Resources Management, Bioresources & Biotechnology, Regulatory Policy, and Water Science.

• Stipend: Up to INR 12,000 per month for up to 5 years (subject to satisfactory progress review).
• Milestone Incentives:
• INR 75,000 upon successful completion of the doctoral comprehensive examination.
• INR 1,00,000 per accepted research paper in an international peer-reviewed journal.
• INR 40,000 per accepted research paper in a national peer-reviewed journal.
• INR 1,25,000 upon successful synopsis presentation.
• INR 1,30,000 upon successful thesis defense.
• Early Completion Bonus: Scholars defending their thesis in under 5 years receive a lump sum equal to 50% of the monthly payout for the remaining balance months.

2. Endowed & Institutional Scholarships

A selection of specialized named scholarships funded through external foundations, industry partners, and alumni networks are made available to master's and doctoral students:

• Hemendra Kothari Fellowship: Targeted financial support for research scholars and master's students pursuing environmental science and forestry studies.
• Maneesh Manjunath Scholarship: An alumni-funded scholarship providing variable financial grants to deserving master's candidates.
• Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP) Scholarship: Awarded to students enrolled in renewable energy engineering and technology streams.
• R K Bawa Scholarship & VVRSMF Research Support Fund: Institutional aid options to offset partial tuition fees for high-performing students with financial constraints.

3. AICTE - GATE Stipend for M.Tech. Scholars

Students who secure regular admission to eligible M.Tech. programs (such as M.Tech. Renewable Energy Engineering & Management) with a valid GATE score receive direct monthly stipends administered by AICTE as per central norms.

4. Government Portal & Welfare Schemes

TERI SAS facilitates applications to central and state government scholarship portals (including the National Scholarship Portal - NSP):

• Central Sector Schemes for SC/ST/OBC/EWS: Tuition reimbursement, book allowances, and maintenance grants provided by respective government ministries.
• UGC-NET JRF/SRF Fellowships: Enrolled doctoral scholars who possess a valid UGC-NET JRF award receive their standard central research fellowship disbursed through direct benefit transfer (DBT).

General Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the category of support:

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Admission Application: Candidates must first complete the online application process and secure provisional admission or full-time enrollment in their respective program at TERI SAS.
2. Form Submission: Interested applicants submit the TERI SAS Scholarship Application Form alongside the main academic application or during specific review cycles (typically June and December for doctoral grants).
3. Document Enclosures:
• Proof of Income: Employed parents/guardians must supply an official income certificate. Self-employed parents/guardians must furnish an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper declaring total household income.
• Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of mark sheets and degree certificates.
• Scorecards: Valid GATE, UGC-NET, CAT, MAT, or GMAT scorecards, where applicable.
• Research Proposal: Required for Ph.D. fellowship applicants (developed in consultation with potential supervisors).
4. Scrutiny & Interview: The university Scholarship Committee evaluates submissions using the weightage matrix and conducts candidate interviews.
5. Disbursement: Approved fee waivers or fellowship amounts are adjusted against semester fee invoices or credited directly to student accounts.

Educational Loans & Financial Partners

To assist students who require additional financing, TERI SAS maintains tie-ups with commercial banking institutions like ICICI Bank to facilitate education loans with simplified approval workflows. Loan applicants deal directly with bank authorities for documentation and interest rate structuring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is the scholarship selection list prepared at TERI SAS?

Scholarships are prepared on a composite score combining 40% weightage for gross annual household income, 20% for undergraduate marks, 20% for national entrance exam scores (NET/GATE/CAT/MAT/GMAT), and 20% for interview performance.

What is the maximum stipend available for TERI SAS Doctoral Scholars?

Full-time Ph.D. scholars awarded the TERI SAS Funded Scholarship receive a monthly stipend of INR 12,000 for up to 5 years, along with cumulative milestone grants (such as INR 75,000 for comprehensive exams and up to INR 1,00,000 for peer-reviewed journal publications).

Are GATE-qualified M.Tech. students eligible for monthly stipends at TERI SAS?

Yes. GATE-qualified candidates who secure admission to eligible M.Tech. programs are facilitated to receive the AICTE GATE stipend directly as per central ministry regulations.

What income proof is required when applying for need-based financial aid?

Employed parents/guardians must submit an official income certificate from their employer. Self-employed parents/guardians are required to submit an income declaration via an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper detailing income from all sources.

Can a student apply for TERI SAS scholarships after joining the program?

Yes. While initial applications are submitted during admission, doctoral scholars and registered students can apply during specified institutional review windows held periodically by the selection committee.