1. Overview (Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat)
The Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) provides academic support and financial assistance to meritorious students as part of the state's initiative to improve higher education quality. This program is distinct from standard welfare scholarships and focuses on academic excellence across various disciplines.
๐ก Researcher's Tip: The 'SHODH' Fellowships
While many undergraduates look for MYSY, KCG is the 'Gold Mine' for PhD scholars in Gujarat. The **SHODH (Scheme of Developing High Quality Research)** scheme provides a massive monthly stipend of **โน15,000** plus an annual contingency grant of **โน20,000**. Total support for a PhD scholar is effectively โน2,00,000 per year. If you have cleared NET or SLET and are doing a PhD in a state university, this should be your primary target.
๐ KCG (Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat) Scholarship 2026 โ Quick Summary
| Scheme Name | KCG Academic Support / SHODH |
|---|---|
| Academic Year | 2026โ27 |
| SHODH Stipend | โน2,00,000 per year (Stipend + Grant) |
| Income Limit | โน6,00,000 per annum |
| Official Portal | shodh.gujarat.gov.in |
2. Who Can Apply? (Exact Eligibility)
Eligibility criteria may differ by state and academic year.
- Target Group: Meritorious students enrolled in Government and Grant-in-Aid colleges in Gujarat.
- State: Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat (Domicile).
- Eligibility: Based on academic criteria as per scheme rules (commonly 80 percentile in the last qualifying board examination).
3. Income Limit (Exact Figure)
Income limits vary by state and government notification. Common central limits are around โน2,50,000 for SC/ST and similar for other categories (subject to official rules).
The family income ceiling for KCG-managed assistance is generally **โน6,00,000** per annum.
Affidavit Requirement: For the SHODH scheme, students must submit a notarized affidavit confirming they are not receiving any other fellowship (like JRF, SRF, or NFSC). The income certificate is strictly scrutinized alongside this declaration.
Note on Validity: Following the Unified Revenue Rule, your digital income certificate is valid for 3 financial years. If issued after April 1, 2024, it is valid for the upcoming cycle.
4. Academic Criteria (Exact Rule)
Academic criteria as per scheme guidelines (commonly 80 percentile for merit components; often overlaps with MYSY).
Note: Failing a semester or year might lead to a temporary pause in benefits.5. Scholarship Amount (Exact Benefit)
Benefits depend on institute category and verification as per scheme rules.
Performance-based assistance.
Payment after verification as per scheme rules via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the Aadhaar-seeded bank account of the beneficiary.
6. Documents Required
Additional documents may be required as per portal instructions.
Mandatory for final verification.
Mandatory for final verification.
Mandatory for final verification.
Mandatory for final verification.
7. How to Apply
PhD scholars must use the dedicated **SHODH Portal**, while other academic merit grants are processed through KCG or MYSY workflows.
- Step 1: Visit shodh.gujarat.gov.in for PhD research fellowships.
- Step 2: Upload high-resolution scans of your Marksheet, Admission fee receipt, and Research Proposal.
- Step 3: Provide bank details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Step 4: Submit and visit the KCG office in Ahmedabad for final physical document verification.
8. Renewal Process
For existing beneficiaries, renewal requires logging in with previous credentials and updating your marks for the current academic year.
9. Verification Process
Applications are verified at the Institute Level first. Ensure your college office pushes your profile to the district level promptly.
10. Common Rejection Reasons
- Income mismatch
- Ineligible college
- Bank account not active or not seeded with Aadhaar.
๐ Official Application Resources 2026-27
Apply through the verified government portal below. Make sure to download the official guidelines for complete details.
11. Common Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is KCG different from MYSY?
Yes. MYSY is for general undergraduate and diploma students. KCG (under schemes like SHODH) focuses on research scholars and specific high-merit academic programs. However, both are managed under the Education Department of Gujarat.
Q2: What is the benefit for PhD scholars?
Under the SHODH scheme, PhD students receive a monthly stipend of โน15,000 (โน1.8L per year) and an additional annual contingency grant of โน20,000 for books and research materials. The total support is effectively โน2 Lakh per year.
Q3: Can I apply for KCG and a National Fellowship (like JRF) both?
No. You can only avail of one fellowship for your research. If you get JRF, you must opt-out of the KCG SHODH benefit.
Q4: Is it mandatory to clear NET/SLET for KCG?
For the research fellowships, clearing NET/SLET gives you a significant advantage and is often a mandatory requirement. For undergraduate merit awards, board percentiles are used.
Q5: Where is the KCG office located for physical verification?
The Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat office is located at Pragna Puram, Ahmedabad (Near PRL). You may need to visit for final document submission of research grants.
๐ฌ Driving Innovation
Through the SHODH initiative, KCG has supported over 5,000 research scholars across Gujarat, contributing to a 30% rise in high-impact research publications from state universities.