Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Higher Education Department has invited online applications for the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship (MRF) 2026-27 under the Mukhyamantri Research and Innovation Programme (MRIP) from eligible Ph.D. scholars enrolled in State Public Universities.
According to the notification, applications will be accepted through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal from 4 pm on July 7 until 11.45 pm on July 30. Candidates will be able to edit their submitted Common Application Form, if required, on July 31 between 11 am and 11.45 pm. No fresh applications will be accepted on the editing day.
The Odisha Computer Application Centre will submit the applicants’ data to the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) on August 5, while the schedule for document verification will be announced later on the SAMS portal.
The Higher Education Department has advised applicants to carefully read the revised guidelines issued by the OSHEC on June 6, 2026, before filling out the online application form.
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must be permanent residents of Odisha and must have registered for their Ph.D. between April 1, 2024, and July 19, 2026, under an approved research guide, as specified in the revised guidelines.
The notification also clarified that research scholars selected for the MRIP-2025 fellowship but who were not registered on the SAMS portal are not eligible to apply again under the current cycle.
For assistance, candidates can contact the e-Admission helpline through the toll-free numbers 155335 or 1800-345-6770. The department said any changes to the application schedule will be notified through newspapers and the official SAMS portal.
