Fellowships in India 2025 -Comprehensive Guide

Are you a passionate researcher or aspiring academic looking to further your studies in India? You’re in luck! India offers a wealth of fellowship opportunities to support your academic and research endeavors in 2024. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various fellowships available in India, their eligibility criteria, and how to make your application stand out. Let’s dive into the exciting world of fellowships and uncover the funding options that could kickstart your career!

1. PhD Fellowships in India 2025

1.1 University Grants Commission (UGC) Fellowships

The UGC offers several fellowships catering to different groups of students:

a) National Fellowship for SC Candidates

• Eligibility: Unemployed Scheduled Caste candidates pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology
• Website: UGC National Fellowship for SC Candidates

b) National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students

• Eligibility: Unemployed Scheduled Tribe candidates pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology
• Website: UGC National Fellowship for ST Students

c) National Fellowship for OBC Candidates

• Eligibility: Unemployed OBC candidates pursuing regular and full-time M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology
• Website: UGC National Fellowship for OBC Candidates

d) Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students

• Eligibility: Unemployed candidates from minority communities (Muslim, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, Christian & Jain) pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D. degrees
• Website: UGC Maulana Azad National Fellowship

1.2 Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)

• Eligibility: Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (4 years) and Master’s degree (2 years) applying for Ph.D. programs in PMRF granting institutes
• Governing Authority: Ministry of Human Resource and Development
• Website: PMRF Official Website

1.3 Inspire Fellowship

• Eligibility: First-rank holders in basic/master’s degree from any university or institute
• Age Limit: 35 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Women)
• Governing Authority: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Website: Inspire Fellowship

2. Postdoctoral Fellowships in India 2025

2.1 Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Post Doctoral Fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences

• Eligibility: Unemployed Ph.D. holders, maximum age 35 years
• Governing Authority: University Grants Commission (UGC)
• Website: UGC Post Doctoral Fellowships

2.2 Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidates

• Eligibility: Unemployed female Ph.D. holders, maximum age 55 years
• Governing Authority: UGC
• Website: UGC Post Doctoral Fellowships for Women

2.3 National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)

• Eligibility: Ph.D. holders within two years of completing their degree
• Governing Authority: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), DST
• Website: SERB N-PDF

2.4 Ramanujan Fellowship

• Eligibility: Scientists and engineers from all over the world who wish to return to India
• Age Limit: 35 years
• Governing Authority: DST
• Website: DST Ramanujan Fellowship

3. Subject-Specific Fellowships in India 2025

3.1 Research Fellowship in Sciences for Meritorious Students

• Eligibility: Ph.D. candidates in Science subjects at UGC-recognized Universities with Potential for Excellence
• Governing Authority: UGC
• Website: UGC Research Fellowships

3.2 Dr. D.S. Kothari Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences, Medical Sciences & Engineering Sciences

• Eligibility: Ph.D. holders in relevant fields
• Governing Authority: UGC
• Website: UGC Kothari Post-Doctoral Fellowships

3.3 J C Bose National Fellowship

• Eligibility: Active scientists with outstanding performance records
• Governing Authority: DST
• Website: DST J C Bose Fellowship

4. Fellowships for Women in Science and Technology

4.1 Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-A, WOS-B, WOS-C)

• Eligibility: Women scientists and technologists
• Governing Authority: DST
• Website: DST Women Scientists Scheme

4.2 SERB POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research)

• Eligibility: Women researchers in science and engineering
• Governing Authority: SERB
• Website: SERB POWER

5. International Collaboration Fellowships

5.1 SERB Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Eligibility: Ph.D. holders looking to pursue postdoctoral research abroad
• Governing Authority: SERB, DST
• Website: SERB Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship

5.2 Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme (VAJRA)

• Eligibility: Overseas scientists and faculty members
• Governing Authority: SERB
• Website: SERB VAJRA

6. Tips for a Successful Fellowship Application in India 2025

6.1 Start Early

Begin your fellowship search and application process well in advance. Many fellowships have specific deadlines, and preparing a strong application takes time.

6.2 Polish Your Research Proposal

Your research proposal is crucial to your application. Ensure it’s well-structured, innovative, and aligned with the fellowship’s objectives.

6.3 Secure Strong Recommendations

Reach out to professors and mentors who can vouch for your academic and research potential. Provide them with all the necessary information to write compelling recommendation letters.

6.4 Highlight Your Achievements

Showcase your academic excellence, research experience, publications, and any awards or recognitions you’ve received.

6.5 Tailor Your Application

Customize your application for each fellowship, emphasizing how your research aligns with the program’s goals and how you’ll contribute to the field.

7. Additional Funding Opportunities in India 2025

7.1 Research Grants

Many institutions and organizations offer research grants for specific projects. Keep an eye out for opportunities from agencies like DST, CSIR, and ICMR.

7.2 Travel Grants

CSIR and other organizations provide travel grants for attending conferences or collaborative work. These can supplement your primary funding.

7.3 Industry Collaborations

Explore partnerships with industry players interested in your research area through schemes like SERB’s Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (FIRE).

PhD and Postdoc Fellowships Fellowships in India 2025: A Comprehensive List

1. Dr. S. Radha Krishnan Post Doctoral Fellowship In Humanities And Social Sciences

• Governing Authority: University Grants Commission (UGC)
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should be unemployed
• Maximum age 35 years (SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Women relaxed by 5 years)
• Minimum 55% at UG level and 60% at PG level (SC/ST/OBC/PWD Relaxed by 5%)

2. Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Women Candidates

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should be unemployed and have been awarded a PhD
• Maximum age 55 years (SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Women relaxed by 5 years)
• Minimum 55% at UG level and 60% at PG level (SC/ST/OBC/PWD Relaxed by 5%)

3. Post-Doctoral Fellowship to SC/ST Candidates

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility:
• PhD awarded unemployed candidate
• Maximum age 50 years (5 years relaxed for female)

4. Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship for Research in Social Sciences

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility: The only Girl child of a Parent to pursue PhD in social science

5. National Fellowship for SC Candidate

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should be unemployed
• Open to Scheduled Tribe candidates pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology

6. National Fellowship for Higher Education of ST Students

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should be unemployed
• Open to Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Engineering & Technology

7. National Fellowship for OBC Candidate

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should be unemployed
• Open to Minority Communities (Muslim, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, Christian & Jain) pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology

8. Maulana Azad National Fellowship For Minority Students

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should be unemployed
• Open to Minority Communities (Muslim, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, Christian & Jain) pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Engineering & Technology

9. Research Fellowship in Sciences for Meritorious Students

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility: Candidates registered for Ph.D. in Science subjects in UGC-identified Universities with Potential for Excellence/Centres with Potential for Excellence / Centres of Advance Studies and Department of Special Assistance

10. Dr. D.S. Kothari Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Sciences, Medical Sciences & Engineering Sciences

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility: Supports permanent/regular, working/retired teachers in Universities and Colleges

11. Basic Scientific Research (BSR) fellowship

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility: Candidates registered for Ph.D (regular) in Sciences in UGC-identified Universities with Potential for Excellence/Centres with Potential for Excellence/Centres of Advance Studies and Department of Special Assistance

12. Major Research Project (MRP) fellowship

• Governing Authority: UGC
• Eligibility: Individual-centric funding for potential scientists in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences & Mathematical Sciences

13. Inspire fellowship

• Governing Authority: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should be unemployed
• Maximum age 35 years (SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Women relaxed by 5 years)
• Minimum 55% at UG level and 60% at PG level (SC/ST/OBC/PWD Relaxed by 5%)

14. Extra Mural Research Funding (Individual Centric)

• Governing Authority: DST
• Eligibility:
• Aimed at providing research support to SC/ST scientists in science and engineering
• Applicant should hold a Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering or M.D. / M.S. / M.D.S. / M.V.Sc. degree

15. Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science

• Governing Authority: DST
• Eligibility:
• Aims to build national capacity in frontier areas of Science and Engineering
• Applicant should have completed PhD degree in science and engineering within the last two years
• Applicant should correspond with the proposed host institution abroad for their postdoctoral work

16. J C Bose National Fellowship

• Governing Authority: DST
• Eligibility:
• Should be an active scientist with a record of outstanding performance
• Scientist should be in service at the time of nomination

17. Ramanujan Fellowship

• Governing Authority: DST
• Eligibility:
• Applicant must have obtained Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree from a recognized University
• Upper age limit is 35 years at the time of application submission

18. National Post Doctoral Fellowship

• Governing Authority: DST
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should have completed four years of Bachelor’s and 2 years Master degree
• Should apply for Ph.D. program in one of the PMRF granting institutes and get selected

19. SERB Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Governing Authority: DST
• Eligibility:
• Candidate should have completed four years of Bachelor’s and 2 years of Master’s degree
• Should apply for Ph.D. program in one of the PMRF granting institutes and get selected

20. Sponsored Research (RESPOND)

• Governing Authority: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Eligibility: ISRO provides financial support for research and development activities related to Space Science, Technology, and Application to academia in India

21. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)

• Governing Authority: Ministry of Human Resource and Development
• Eligibility: ISRO provides financial support for research and development activities related to Space Science, Technology, and Application to academia in India

PhD and Postdoc Fellowships Opens Throughout the Year in India – 2025

Scheme Name	Funding Agency
Call for proposal under Innovation & STEM Demonstration	DST
WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF)	DST
WISE Fellowship for PhD (WISE-PhD)	DST
WISE Society Advancement Fellowship (WISESAFe)	DST
Call for R&D proposals under ASEAN-India Science & Technology Cooperation program	DST
Call for R&D proposals under the ASEAN-India Science & Technology Cooperation program	DST
National Spatial Data Infrastructure	DST
Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI)	DST
Scheduled Caste Sub Plan	DST
Aeronautics Research & Development Board Grant-in-aid Scheme	DRDO
Extramural Research Grant	DRDO
Grants-in-Aid Scheme- Life Sciences Research Board	DRDO
Grants-in-Aid Scheme- Aeronautics Research Development Board	DRDO
Grants-in-Aid Scheme-Naval Research Board	DRDO
Grants-in-Aid Scheme-Armaments Research Board	DRDO
SERB International Travel Scheme (ITS)	SERB
SERB Seminar/Symposia	SERB
SERB POWER (Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research)	SERB
SERB Core Research Grant (Individual Centric)	SERB
SERB Intensification of Research in High Priority Areas (IRHPA)	SERB

Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (SERB-FIRE)	SERB
State University Research Excellence (SERB-SURE)	SERB
SERB Women Excellence Grant	SERB
Call for Proposals under the BioNEST Scheme	SERB
Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme (VAJRA)	SERB
Early Translation Accelerators (ETAs)	BIRAC
Call for Proposals under BioNEST Scheme	BIRAC
Research Funding Council for Major and Minor Research Projects during the Tenth Plan Period	UGC
Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) Under TEQIP	AICTE
IGSTC – Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)	IGSTC
SMALL IMMEDIATE NEED GRANTS (SING)	IGSTC
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) – Scientific Exchanges	SNSF
Grants for Seminar/Symposium/Conference/Workshop	Council of Science and Technology, U.P.
DST DFG joint call on International Research Training Groups (IRTG)	IRTG
CSIR: Symposia Grant Scheme for Organising Scientific Events	CSIR
CSIR Travel Grant Scheme	CSIR
CSIR Research Schemes	CSIR
Research Projects and Programmes	ICSSR
Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS) Research Grants	BRNS
GIA Support for Conferences / Seminars / Workshops / Symposium	MeiTy

Financial grant for organizing conferences and workshops	AERB
Safety Research Programmes	AERB
National Solar Science Fellowship Programme	MNRE
Indo-U.S. Virtual Networked Centers	IUSSTF
Tackling obesity	Medical Research Council (MRC)

Conclusion

Securing a fellowship in India for 2025 can be a game-changer for your academic and research career. With a plethora of options available across various disciplines and for different groups of researchers, there’s likely a fellowship that aligns with your research interests and career goals. Remember to check the official websites of funding agencies like UGC, DST, and SERB regularly for the most up-to-date information on fellowship opportunities.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first attempt – use the feedback to improve and try again. Your dream fellowship could be just an application away! With persistence, a strong research proposal, and a well-crafted application, you can secure the funding you need to pursue your academic and research aspirations in India in 2025 and beyond.

Also Read: Ph.D. in India: Cost, Duration, and Eligibility for Admission