What is a post-doctoral fellowship and who should apply for it?

A post-doctoral fellowship is an advanced research opportunity offered to candidates who have recently completed their Ph.D. It allows researchers to deepen their expertise, contribute to ongoing projects, and publish in reputed journals. It's ideal for scholars who want to build an academic or research-oriented career.

What are the eligibility criteria for post-doctoral fellowships in India?

Eligibility generally includes holding a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, with the degree awarded in the last few years (typically 2–4 years, depending on the fellowship). Some fellowships also require a strong publication record or affiliation with a recognised institution.

Which are the top post-doctoral fellowship programmes available in India?

Prominent fellowships include the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) by SERB, CSIR-Nehru Science Fellowship, ICSSR Fellowships for social sciences, Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowship (for US-based research), and RCB Young Investigator Programme in biotechnology. Each has its own focus area, funding, and tenure.

What kind of financial support do these fellowships provide?

Most fellowships offer a monthly stipend ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹55,000 or more, depending on the programme. Some fellowships also provide research contingency grants, travel support, accommodation, and access to institutional resources.

How can one apply and improve their chances of selection?

Applications are usually submitted online via the respective fellowship websites. A strong application includes a well-crafted research proposal, updated CV, proof of Ph.D., publications, and recommendation letters. Connecting with a host institution or mentor beforehand can also strengthen your application.

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Post-Doctoral Fellowships in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Komal Bajpai

Author

Updated: 28-01-2025 at 7:33 AM

Post-Doctoral Fellowships in India: A Comprehensive Guide

The post-doctoral fellowships play a definite role in the development of research scholars who intend to broaden their fields. These programmes offer an opportunity to perform highly focused research, acquire specialisation, and interact with other institutions in different fields of study. The National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (NPDF) is India’s postdoctoral programme that provides fellowship funding for talented early-career researchers, encouraging them to make substantial research contributions.

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About National Post Doctoral Fellowship: Overview

The following table showcases the key highlights of the national post-doctoral fellowship programme:

Fellowship Name	National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (NPDF)
Purpose	To support early-career researchers in advancing their skills and careers
Eligibility	PhD holders under 35 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
Financial Benefits	₹55,000/month fellowship, ₹2,00,000/year research grant, ₹1,00,000 overhead
Disciplines Covered	Science, Engineering, Humanities, and related fields

What Is A National Post-Doctoral Fellowship?

The National Post Doctor fellowships enable experienced researchers to develop their careers, undertake distinguished research, and associate with prestigious organisations. It is in India that such fellowships help to cover various disciplines, providing necessary funds, and access to the best equipment to contribute valuable results and to make important discoveries.

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Key Features

According to the NPDF, there is a strong system for assisting researchers in their endeavours. Below are the key features of the program:

Comprehensive Financial Support:

Fellows are paid ₹55,000 per month; ₹35,000 if the candidate is waiting for his degree) as well as ₹2,00,000 for research funds for the year and ₹1,00,000 to be used institutionally.

Research Flexibility:

The programme supports work in numerous areas of current knowledge, including science and engineering, as well as the social sciences, so its relevance is not restricted to one specific discipline.

Host Institution Requirements:

The study must be conducted in a reputed institution, a recognised mentor must approve to provide quality guidance and resources.

Leave and Benefits:

Female applicants can apply for maternity leave while other leave is subject to the rules of the host institution.

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Benefits

The below-mentioned table showcases the key advantages of the national doctor fellowship and NPDF Amount:

Number	Budget Head	Amount
1	Fellowship	₹55,000/month (₹35,000 for candidates awaiting their degree)
2	Research Grant	₹2,00,000/year
3	Overheads	₹1,00,000/year

Additional Notes:

Using research grants allows for items such as equipment, travel, and contingencies.
In addition, fellows are discouraged from seeking other fellowships simultaneously.
Any absence of more than eight weeks must be approved in advance.
The leave policy is guided by the host institution’s regulation, and there is maternity leave for female candidates.

Financial Allowances

The below-mentioned points show detailed information on the financial allowances under the National Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme. Post-doctoral fellowship packages in India typically include:

Monthly Stipend: These can fall between ₹30,000 and ₹60,000 per month, depending on the college; the fellowships can, of course, be higher in repute.
Contingency Grants: Up to ₹50,000 for research expenditures; the annual receipts must be between ₹20,000 and ₹50,000.
Travel Allowances: Used for conferences, data gathering and research paper presentation purposes.
Housing and Benefits: Fellowships can come with other benefits these entail campus housing or allowances, medical insurance as well as leave entitlements.

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Who Can Apply For The National Doctor Fellowship Programme?

The following table represents a detailed view of the national doctor fellowship eligibility:-

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only.
Academic Qualifications	PhD/M.D/M.S degree from a recognized university.
Upper Age Limit	35 years (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged and women candidates).
Fellowship Limitations	Each candidate can avail of the fellowship only once.
Host Institution & Mentor	Research should be carried out in recognized institutions with approved mentors.

Note: Candidates cannot work with their PhD guide or in the same department where their degree was obtained.

How To Apply For The National Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme?

The below-mentioned points showcase the detailed information by which one can apply for the National Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme. To understand it in a better way, read the following step carefully:-

Step 1: Go to the official website and create an account with the organisation.

Step 2: A prospectus containing the aims and objectives, research method, and anticipated results must be uploaded online.

Step 3: Scan and upload necessary documents bio data, age proof, certificates, CV of mentor and any other relevant documents.

Step 4: Annual submission of proposals is possible.

Selection Process

An expert committee evaluates the applications. Personal interviews might be used if needed.

What Can Cause The Ultimate Termination Of The NDPF Fellowship?

Fellowships can be ended because of poor performance or misuse of the grants.

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Documents Required

The below-mentioned points showcase the list of required documents by which one can apply for the National Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme. To understand it in a better way, read the following points carefully:

Bio-data.
Age and Qualification Certificates.
Category Certificate (if any).
Affidavit of Undertaking to be executed by the Applicant.
Endorsement and CV of Mentor.
Plagiarism Undertaking.

Fellowship Name	Field	Benefits
SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship	Science and Engineering	₹55,000/month, ₹2,00,000 research grant/year
ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellowship	Social Sciences and Humanities	Monthly stipend, contingency grant, and two-year tenure
IIM Fellowships (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, etc.)	Management and Related Areas	Monthly stipend, research support, and institutional access
UGC Postdoctoral Fellowship	Sciences and Humanities	Financial support for up to two years
ICMR Postdoctoral Fellowship	Biomedical Research	Monthly stipend, contingency, and research grants
Infosys Foundation Fellowships	Computer Science and Mathematics	Monthly stipend and research support
Ramanujan Fellowship	Mathematical Sciences	Monthly stipend, research grant, and additional benefits

Conclusion

Thus, the NPDF Fellowship also called the post-doctoral fellowship programme plays the role of a very important tool for scientific researchers, who are to develop a set of new skills and participate in the generation of innovative practices. They offer money to help, ideas coming from different mindsets, and the power of an organisation back. Any fellow aspiring for the fellowship should therefore closely scrutinise opportunities and demands concerning his or her dreams.

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