Research Fellowship in India
The Research Fellowship under the prestigious India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) program offers an exceptional international opportunity for life science researchers to conduct advanced research in India at premier institutions. Funded by the Government of India, this Research Fellowship is a highly competitive Fellowship Opportunity for life science students and researchers seeking global exposure, funding, and collaboration in cutting-edge scientific domains.
About DST & INSA
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is the national authority for promoting scientific research and innovation. The Indian National Science Academy (INSA), established in 1935, is India’s premier scientific body dedicated to advancing excellence in science and international collaboration. Together, they administer the ISRF Fellowship, one of the most respected Research Fellowship programs in the region.
Program Details:
- Program Title: India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) 2025–2026
- Organization: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India
- Implemented by: Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
- Category: Research Fellowship / Visiting Fellowship
- Employment Type: Fixed-term Visiting Fellowship
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Location: India (Host: Premier Indian research laboratories and academic institutions)
- Eligible Nationalities: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Number of Fellowships: Up to 80 per year (10 per eligible country)
Program Description
The India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) provides researchers and scientists from neighboring countries the opportunity to undertake advanced research and development in India across all major disciplines of science, engineering, medicine, and technology. The program aims to foster regional scientific collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge exchange through short-term research engagement at leading Indian institutions.
Key Research Areas
- Science & Technology (all disciplines)
- Engineering
- Medical Sciences
- Agriculture
- Frontier / Advanced Research Areas
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizen or permanent resident of an eligible country
- Actively engaged in research or teaching at a university or research institution
- Minimum qualifications: PhD / M.Tech / M.Sc with 3–5 years of research or teaching experience OR currently registered PhD candidate
- Must be under 45 years of age as of 31 March 2026
- Valid passport
- Must not hold Indian permanent or temporary residency visa
- Fellowship can be availed only once every five years
Research Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly Fellowship Allowance: INR 50,000 (includes accommodation & medical facilities as per host institute)
- One-time Contingency Grant (Fellow): INR 10,000
- One-time Contingency Grant (Host Institution): INR 20,000
- Travel: Round-trip economy airfare (home country ↔ India)
- Visa Fee: Reimbursed
Responsibilities of the Fellow
- Conduct full-time research at the host institution during fellowship tenure
- Adhere to DST, INSA, and host institution regulations
- No paid or unpaid employment during fellowship
- Submit a detailed final research report endorsed by the host scientist
- Maintain personal medical insurance for the duration of stay
- Uphold ethical research standards and professional conduct
How to Apply for a Research Fellowship
- Complete application in prescribed format (available on DST / INSA websites)
- Submit application through the partnering agency in the home country (if available)
- If not available, submit directly to INSA (hard copy or scanned copy)
Submission Includes:
- Completed application form
- Supporting academic and professional documents
- Endorsement from Head of Institution
Selection Process for Research Fellowship
- Pre-screening by partnering agency (scientific merit-based)
- Final selection by DST via INSA
- Results communicated directly to selected fellows and published on official websites
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