The National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) was set up by the Government of India under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), in the year 1983, to foster the development of higher mathematics in the country, to formulate policies for the development of mathematics, help in the establishment and development of mathematical centres and give financial assistance to research projects and to doctoral and postdoctoral scholars. The NBHM functions essentially autonomously framing its own budget taking into account the funds made available by DAE.

The NBHM normally provides financial support only to Indian nationals and institutions. Currently the NBHM grants postdoctoral fellowships, Ph. D. scholarships, M.A. / M.Sc. scholarships for research/education in mathematics

Applicants must be motivated B.A./B.Sc./B.Tech. /B.E./M.A./M.Sc. degree holders or final year students of these degree courses. They must have a good academic record (1st Class or equivalent grade in all years from +2 level to the present. B.Sc (Honors) students with the second class may also apply.

Successful candidates will be eligible to receive a scholarship amount of Rs. 16,000/- (Rs Sixteen thousand only) per month for the first and second year and Rs 18,000/- (Rs Eighteen thousand only) per month for subsequent years, a contingency grant of Rs. 20,000/- (Rs. Twenty thousand only) per year and house rent allowance as per central government norms wherever applicable. The scholarships are normally for a total period of four years, sanctioned for one year at a time and renewable at the end of the year, subject to satisfactory progress. The enhanced amount of scholarship may be offered after evaluation by the board at the end of the second year. If deemed fit, the scholarship may be extended to five years at the discretion of NBHM

To avail of the scholarship, the students have to enroll in an appropriate institution for a Ph.D. degree in mathematics. The scholarship will be paid through the institution they join.

A written test will be held based on questions in topics normally covered in Masters degree programmes in mathematics. The test will be for two and half hours and involve questions with short answers. Selection will be made on the basis of a written test followed by an interview of short-listed candidates.

There are five sections, containing ten questions each, entitled Algebra, Analysis, Topology, Applied Mathematics, and Miscellaneous. Answer as many questions as possible. The assessment of the paper will be based on the best four sections. Each question carries one point and the maximum possible score is forty.

(1) Subjective answer type

(2) MCQ answer type

Points will be awarded for questions involving more than one answer only if all the correct answers are given. There will be no partial credit.