Post-doctoral fellowships in India are designed to support young researchers who have recently completed their doctoral studies and wish to strengthen their academic careers. These fellowships provide a platform for scholars to engage in advanced research, publish quality work, collaborate with experts, and prepare themselves for independent faculty or research positions.
Objectives
- To encourage cutting-edge research in diverse fields including science, technology, social sciences, and humanities.
- To provide opportunities for scholars to gain independence in research and develop leadership qualities.
- To foster collaborations between institutions, both nationally and internationally.
- To contribute towards national development goals by addressing priority areas through high-quality research.
Eligibility
While specific requirements vary by funding agency, general criteria include:
- Completion of a PhD degree from a recognized institution.
- Age limits (usually 35–40 years; with relaxations for reserved categories).
- Evidence of strong research potential through publications, projects, or thesis quality.
Major Fellowship Schemes in India
- UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF): For SC/ST, women, and general category scholars to promote higher studies in universities.
- ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Focused on social science research with a societal impact.
- CSIR Research Associateship: For science and engineering PhD holders to pursue advanced projects.
- DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Supports young researchers to establish independent research in frontier areas.
- ICMR Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Specially designed for medical and health science research.
- DBT-Research Associateship: Supports life science and biotechnology scholars.
Notable Post-Doctoral Fellowship PDFs in India
- DST Inspire Faculty Fellowship
- DST-SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)
- CSIR Nehru Science Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (DBT)
- Ramanujan Fellowship (SERB)
- TIFR – Homi Bhabha Fellowships
- Khorana Program for Scholars (IUSSTF)
- JNCASR Postdoctoral Fellowship
- ICHR Post-Doctoral Fellowship
- IIT Gandhinagar Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Fellowships
- NCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship
- IISc & Raman Postdoctoral Fellowships
- ISI Postdoctoral Fellowships
- ICSSR Fellowship in Social Sciences
- Visvesvaraya Young Faculty Research Fellowship
- ISB Postdoctoral Programme
- ICMR Postdoctoral Fellowship
- UGC Post Doctoral Fellowship (Sciences & Humanities)
- Infosys Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship
- J.C. Bose National Fellowship
- Lady Tata Memorial Trust Fellowships
- IIT Bombay Postdoctoral Fellowship
- IARI Fellowship in Agricultural Sciences
- NBRC Fellowship in Neuroscience
- Bose Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship
Benefits
- Financial Support: Monthly stipend and contingency grants to cover research costs.
- Research Freedom: Fellows can work on independent projects with guidance from mentors.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to seminars, conferences, and collaborations.
- Career Pathways: Increases chances of securing permanent faculty or research positions.
Conclusion
Post-doctoral fellowships in India represent a vital stage in the academic journey, bridging the gap between doctoral research and professional independence. By nurturing talent, promoting innovation, and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches, these fellowships play a significant role in shaping the future of India’s academic and research ecosystem.
