The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has introduced a new programme that grants PhD students a six-month External Research Experience. The programme will give BHU PhD scholars the chance to do research for one semester (six months) at a reputable Indian university or research facility. Students can also take use of this opportunity to develop their theoretical, practical, or experimental skills.

“Students benefiting from the scheme will be exposed to a diverse, multicultural and competitive research atmosphere which in turn will help them excel academically and professionally. The scheme will also benefit Banaras Hindu University in establishing collaboration activities with other top institutions,” said an official statement from BHU.

As part of the programme, the visiting research scholar will receive a monthly maintenance allowance of Rs 15,000 which will be in addition to the usual fellowship. Research scholars with a very good academic profile at undergraduate and postgraduate level, having completed their course work and quality publications to their credit will be eligible to apply for the programme.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sudhir Kumar Jain said: “We want our PhD students to carry out high quality research for their thesis and prepare themselves for challenging assignments ahead. This scheme will enable them to carry out research in a diverse and multicultural environment and gain very valuable experience”. Creating new opportunities and opening new avenues for students and scholars is among our top priorities and the scheme is reflective of this commitment, added Professor Jain.

The scheme, implemented as part of the Institution of Eminence, BHU, is being managed by the Sponsored Research Industrial Consultancy Cell (SRICC) headed by Professor D S Pandey.