Introduction | Objectives | Target Group & Eligibility | Nature
Applying for Scheme | Approval by UGC | Release of Grants | Monitoring | Annexures

1) Introduction

The Visiting Associateship scheme was introduced by the University Grants Commission (UCG) in 1986. It allows teachers of universities and colleges to visit institutions of advanced study with a view to keeping them abreast of the latest developments in their streams.

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2) Objectives

To enable the teachers of universities and colleges to visit institutions of advanced study and research for short periods with the aim of keeping them up to date with the developments in their areas of interest.

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3) Target Group and Eligibility

All permanent teachers of universities and colleges recognised under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act are eligible to apply under this scheme.

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4) Nature of Assistance Available Under the Scheme

• The number of slots available under the scheme is 50.
• The tenure of the scheme is two years (non-extendable).
• The assistance available under the scheme is
  • Rs. 40,000/- (maximum) for two years to lecturers.
  • Rs. 60,000/- (maximum) for two years to readers and professors
  • Contingency of Rs. 1,000/- (maximum) for two years to the awardee.

The expenditure towards the actual cost of travel from parent institution to host institution is to be met out of the allocated grant of Rs. 40,000/- for lecturers and Rs. 60,000/- for readers and professors. The travel should be undertaken by bus or rail, the maximum permissible journey allowed is by 2nd AC. Air travel is not permissible.

Also, a daily allowance of of Rs. 300/- in case of readers and professors, and Rs. 200/-in case of lecturers is to be met from the grant only. The host institute should provide free accommodation. The Commission will not reimburse any amount spent on accommodation.

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5) Procedure for Applying for the Scheme

Applications are invited annually through advertisement in the prescribed format (Annexure I). Teachers in sciences, humanities and social sciences, engineering and technology from universities and colleges recognised under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act may apply. Visiting Associates should obtain prior concurrence of the parent institution that the period of his/her visit would be treated as 'on duty' with full pay and allowances. At the time of submission of application, every applicant should provide a certificate from the host institution regarding willingness to accept his/her candidature for placement.

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6) Procedure for Approval by the UGC

Applications are evaluated by an expert committee constituted for this purpose by the Commission. The decision of the Commission will be final and binding. The Commission also reserves the right to withdraw/cancel the award without assigning any reason.

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7) Procedure for Release of Grants

The selected candidates will submit their joining report (Annexure II) and schedule of their visits, duly approved by the head of department/registrar/principal of the parent institution as well as of the host institution. Under this scheme the Commission will reimburse the expenditure incurred by the awardee on each visit after receiving the utilisation certificate (Annexure III), to be submitted by the awardee duly forwarded by the registrar/principal/director of the parent institution.

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8) Procedure for Monitoring the Progress of the Scheme

The term of the Visiting Associateship will be two years, during which the Visiting Associate will spend not less than 60 days in the host institution. The awardee is to submit his/her progress report annually (Annexure IV), duly forwarded by the registrar/principal/director of the parent institution. Every Visiting Associate should undertake a minimum of one and a maximum of five visits during a year. The duration of each visit should not be less than 10 days at a time.

The associate should spend at least 30 days at the host institution in the first year. Awardees are required to submit a certificate from the parent institution as well as host institution for visits made under the award. The selected teacher can change his/her venue of work during the tenure of the associateship provided that adequate reasons are submitted to the UGC through the head of department and forwarded by the registrar/principal/director of the parent institution.

The continuation of the associateship for the second year will depend on his/her utilisation of the slot. However, no extension is permissible beyond the total period two years and the awardee ceases to be a UGC Visiting Associate immediately after expiry of the due date. Any claim/reference to this effect will be illegal and the individual may have to face disciplinary action for such an act.

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9) Annexures

• Application Form for Visiting Associateship Scheme