Pursuing higher education and advanced research can involve significant academic, technical and personal challenges. For scholars managing research responsibilities alongside financial and family obligations, timely fellowship support can play an important role in enabling them to continue their academic journey.

Demonstrating how fellowship assistance can support scholars pursuing higher education, Ms. SANGEETA DAS, a 34-year-old Scheduled Caste scholar, pursued her Ph.D. after completing her B.Tech and M.Tech. She is currently working as a Project Associate II under the Chips to Startup Programme, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

During her Ph.D. journey, Sangeeta faced several academic, technical and personal challenges, including research pressure, experimental and simulation failures, strict publication deadlines and difficulties in balancing personal responsibilities with research work. She also faced financial limitations and work-life balance issues while continuing her research.

Her family circumstances added to these challenges. Her father, a retired teacher, was suffering from dementia and required constant care and support. At the same time, Sangeeta was a mother to a newborn baby when she was selected for the NFSC scheme. Managing research responsibilities alongside childcare and family obligations was extremely demanding. Despite these circumstances, she remained dedicated, resilient and focused on successfully completing her Ph.D.

Her NFSC fellowship support began on 30 November 2020. The fellowship provided significant financial and academic support during a crucial phase of her Ph.D. journey. It helped her continue her research work without major financial stress while managing family responsibilities, including caring for her newborn baby and supporting her father during his illness.

 

Under the scheme, she received financial assistance, academic support, research fellowship and encouragement for higher education, amounting to ₹31,000 per month.

With the support of the NFSC fellowship, Sangeeta was able to continue her research journey while managing significant personal and family responsibilities. Her academic qualifications of B.Tech, M.Tech and Ph.D., along with her current role as a Project Associate II, reflect her continued pursuit of professional growth in the field of semiconductor and chip design technologies.

Sangeeta aspires to pursue a post doctoral research opportunity abroad to enhance her research expertise and gain international exposure in advanced semiconductor and chip design technologies. She also aims to work in a reputed multinational company in the field of chip design and VLSI technology, where she can contribute to innovative research and development in the semiconductor industry.

Expressing her satisfaction, Ms Sangeeta Das said,

‘The NFSC fellowship provided me the strength to continue my research without financial stress while managing my family responsibilities. It has shaped my journey and helped me move towards my global aspirations.”

Sangeeta’s journey highlights how fellowship support can help scholars pursue advanced research despite academic, financial and family challenges. From managing demanding Ph.D. research alongside childcare and family responsibilities to building a professional career in semiconductor and chip design technologies, her journey reflects resilience, determination and the importance of timely support for higher education.

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