Top PhD Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities in India 2025

Pursuing a PhD is not an easy task, and the journey often requires more than just hard work and dedication. Financial assistance is another major factor that needs to be considered before opting for a PhD program. In India, many students have an excellent proposal for a research project but are unable to get funding. There are a number of PhD funding fellowships in India to alleviate this financial burden.
Fellowships generally provide regular cash payments but also provide you with a lot of valuable academic and professional opportunities. For PhD students, there are a number of government-funded programs, well-regarded institutional fellowships, and some industry-funded opportunities available. The options are plentiful.
Thus, this blog will help you better understand PhD funding fellowships and how they can help you fund your research, and provide tips on how to apply for funding fellowships successfully.
Are you ready to discover how you will fund your academic career and advance your research journey? Let's get started!
 

What Are PhD Fellowship Programs?

PhD fellowship programs are planned packages of financial assistance that aim to support the cohort of doctoral students during their research experience. A fellowship is generally a monthly stipend for living expenses, and most programs offer grant opportunities for equipment, travel, or other related research costs. Some fellowships will even waive tuition, offer tuition support, or allow access to international collaborations.
Fellowships are not only a source of funding, but also a form of recognition for academic merit and a demonstrable potential for research. Fellowships are typically competitive exams or invitations based on competitive and reliable selection procedures. In India, fellowships are provided by multiple entities such as agencies of the government, research councils, academic institutions, and private mediated organizations such as tech and internet leader Google.
In general, for students, obtaining a fellowship could mean relief from economic interference or financial worries, which in turn could allow them to concentrate on carrying out great research. Fellows are granted access to networks that could benefit them in all academic, scientific, and professional communities.
 

Types of PhD Fellowships in India

Before looking at individual programs, it is useful to understand the main types of arrangements into which these fellowships fall. Each of these categories focuses on specific institutions, eligibility, and benefits:



Government-Sponsored Fellowships
These are available from national organizations like UGC, CSIR, DST, DBT, and ICMR. They are usually the most popular and have the largest scope for different disciplines.

Institutions Sponsored Fellowships
Top research institutions such as IITs, IISc, TIFR, NITs, etc., offer internal fellowships for students undertaking doctoral studies in these institutions, and they share a similar funding model at the national level with certain standards.

Private & Industry Fellowships
Private organizations such as Google and Microsoft provide financial support for advanced research with specific fellowship grants, largely in areas of technology and computer science, with an emphasis on innovation and potential benefit to society.

International Fellowships
International programs such as Fulbright-Nehru and Commonwealth Scholarships allow Indian students to pursue research abroad or collaborate with international universities, often funding all costs related to the project.
 

Top Fellowships for PhD Candidates in India

India provides an extensive array of fellowships that offer not only financial grants but also mentorship, research facilities, and global opportunities. Here are the most well-known programs and their highlights:

1. UGC/CSIR-NET JRF

This fellowship is awarded to candidates who qualify for the National Eligibility Test (NET), conducted by UGC or CSIR. This is one of the most recognizable fellowships for any PhD aspirants.

• Stipend: ₹31,000/month (for the first 2 years), ₹35,000/month (after SRF upgrade)
• Duration: 5 years (maximum)
• Area of study: Sciences (CSIR), Humanities, Social sciences, Commerce (UGC)
• Additional benefits: HRA, contingency grant, and annual leave.
• Eligibility: Master’s degree in relevant subjects with a minimum of 55% mark (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PW). Candidates would have to qualify for the Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination.

2. UGC NET Fellowship

UGC fellowship to the candidates who clear the NET-JRF in non-science subjects, such as arts, commerce, and management.

• Stipend: ₹37,000/month for the first 2 years, and ₹42,000/month for the last 3 years after SRF upgrade
• Duration: 5 years
• Area of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, etc.
• Additional Benefits: Contingency grant and accommodation (if applicable)
• Eligibility: Postgraduate degree with a minimum of 55% mark (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PW). Candidates must qualify for the UGC NET-JRF examination.

3. Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF)

A highly reputed fellowship for outstanding students from IITs, IISc, and selected institutions to pursue a PhD degree in frontier areas of research.

• Stipend: ₹70,000/month (Year 1–2), ₹75,000 (Year 3), ₹80,000 (Year 4–5)
• Duration: 5 years
• Area: Science, Engineering, and Technology
• Additional Benefits:  ₹2 lakh/year research grant, and 1:1 mentorship
• Eligibility: Candidates must have a B.Tech./M.Tech./M.Sc. or are pursuing B.Tech./M.Tech./M.Sc. degree from IISc/IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIITs (within the last five years). Candidates must be offered admission in the PhD programme of one of the PMRF offering institutions.

4. DST-INSPIRE Fellowship

The DST-INSPIRE Fellowship, funded by the Department of Science and Technology of the Indian Government, intends to bring young and brilliant minds into basic science research. The fellowships are available to top performers at the post-graduation level without having to write an entrance examination as well.

• Stipend Amount: ₹60,000 per annum to students aged between 17 and 22 years. ₹1,25,000/month to the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship program, including people aged between 27 and 32.
• Duration: 5 Years
• Field of Study: Natural Sciences and Basic Sciences
• Additional Benefits: ₹20,000 annual contingency; students can choose their host institution and supervisor, which allows for a flexible path in research, etc.
• Eligibility: First Rank holders in Postgraduate degrees in Basic and Applied Sciences, or those who have been offered admission in any PhD programme of any recognised University or Institution in India.

5. ICMR JRF

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) supports applications for its fellowships from early-career researchers in the fields of health and biomedical sciences. ICMR JRF applications are based on qualifying for the all-India level Exam conducted jointly with PGIMER.

• Stipend Amount: ₹37,000/month (JRF), ₹42,000/month (SRF)
• Duration: 5 Years
• Field of Study: Biomedical and health sciences
• Additional Benefits: ICMR research labs and institutes; ICMR supports research that covers national health priorities with the potential for public health impact.
• Eligibility: Postgraduate degree (M.Sc./M.A) in biomedical sciences or relevant subjects with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD) and qualifying for the ICMR JRF examination to apply for the fellowship.

6. DBT-JRF (via BET Exam)

DBT-JRF Fellowships (this fellowship is funded by the Department of Biotechnology) are awarded to students based on the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET). The DBT-JRF is meant to support research in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, and allied areas.

• Stipend Amount: ₹37,000/month (first 2 years) –₹42,000/month (last three years)
• Duration: 5 years
• Field of Study: Biotechnology, Life Sciences
• Additional Benefits: Placement in recognized research institutions, categorized into Category I  (students applying for the fellowship) and Category II (project-based positions), adding an extra element of career track.
• Eligibility: Post-graduate degree in Biotechnology or a relevant area with at least 60% marks, able to appear in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET).

7. Google PhD Fellowship

Supported and supervised by Google Research to acknowledge PhD candidates in computer science undertaking innovative research.

• Stipend: Full tuition + monthly stipend (variable)
• Duration: Up to 4 years
• Fields: Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, etc.
• Additional Benefits: Research mentorship from a Google scientist and conference funding.
• Eligibility: Full-time Ph.D students studying in an Indian university. Candidates can only be nominated, and direct applications for the fellowship are not allowed.

8. ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship

This is an initiative by the Indian Council of Social Science Research for quality doctoral research in social science, especially on topics that matter for policy or are linked to social or economic challenges.

• Stipend: ₹20,000/month
• Duration: 2 years (a year can be extended)
• Fields: Sociology, Economics, Political Science, etc.
• Additional benefits: ₹20,000/year contingency benefit; can apply to institutional or centrally administered pathways as a researcher-affiliated fellow or an independent researcher.
• Eligibility: Registered Ph.D scholars between 2 - 4 years in a UGC recognized institution with a master’s degree in social sciences and a minimum of 55 % marks.

9. TIFR Fellowship

When a researcher passes the TIFR entrance test to get admitted to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, it provides this fellowship for them; TIFR highlights fundamental research, having developed an interdisciplinary emphasis.

• Stipend: ₹37,000/month (JRF), ₹42,000/month (SRF)
• Duration: 5 years
• Fields: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science.
• Additional Benefits: High-end laboratories, direct supervision from India's leading scientists, and a culture of collaborative research.
• Eligibility: Candidates with a master's degree in a relevant field will be selected based on their entrance examination and interview.

10. Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship

The fellowship is offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) and provides Indian PhD students funding to conduct part of their research at a U.S. institution. It promotes both academic and cultural exchange while supporting excellence in research.

• Stipend: Monthly stipend in USD, round-trip airfare, J-1 visa support
• Duration: 6 to 9 months (stay in U.S.)
• Fields: Range of disciplines including STEM, humanities, and social sciences
• Additional Benefits: Access to U.S. university libraries and labs, as well as orientation and enrichment programs, provides a great opportunity for mid-stage PhD students seeking exposure and collaboration in a global context.
• Eligibility: Indian citizens- registered for a PhD at Indian institutions (universities) must have undertaken adequate research in identified resources in India and the U.S.

11. Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship

This doctoral scholarship is funded by the UK government to provide financial support to students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including India, to pursue full-time doctoral studies in the UK. The scholarship focuses on the areas of study associated with potential developmental impact.

• Stipend: Fully funded: tuition and airfare to and from the UK, and a monthly living allowance (GBP)
• Duration: 3–4 years
• Fields: Significance in terms of development-related disciplines (education, health, engineering, etc.)
• Additional Benefits: Thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, family allowance (when applicable); funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
• Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries with a graduate degree (i.e., MA, and M.Sc) as well as Indian citizens, must also possess a master's degree and have obtained admission to a UK university for a PhD program.

Application Strategy - How to Apply?

Most fellowships will all have applications that look similar, and if you are familiar with that process, it will be easier for you to leverage your application with a higher success rate.



1. Understand the Application Requirements
You should always read through the guidelines associated with the fellowship. Take note of the deadlines, application documents, eligibility requirements, and the subject of eligibility, if received. Some fellowships, such as a PMRF or Fulbright-Nehru, may have different nominating procedures, or you may be tied to a partner institution.

2. Put Together a Thoughtful Research Proposal
This is the most important and best practice for writing your application. You want a clear, original, and fully developed research proposal that shows feasibility and academic merit. You want to make sure you are networking and customizing your proposal to match the goals of the fellowship and the funder.

3. Get Documents Ready
Documents common to most applications include undergraduate or graduate transcripts, reference letters, a statement of purpose (SOP), a CV, proof of admission or registration (if already registered), and identification. Ensure these are up to date and consistent.

4. Depends on your entrance exam preparation
Typical national-level fellowships such as CSIR-UGC NET, ICMR JRF, and DBT-JRF require you to qualify for different exams. Your preparation can help if you use previous year papers, online mock tests, and subject papers for your studies.

5. Showcase Your Academic Track Record
Bring attention to accomplishments such as publications, awards, internships, and previous research experience. This will help increase your competitiveness, especially for competitive fellowships like Google PhD or Commonwealth.

6. Ask for References Early
Typically, fellowships will ask for recommendation letters. Once you know you want to apply to a particular fellowship, please take time to contact professors or mentors who can best represent your work ahead of time, and do allow time for them to write a strong letter.

7. Be Organized
Make a tracker for deadlines, portals, and reminders for correspondence. Some fellowships may have many different steps from the application process, including interviews, document verification, etc.
 

Top PhD Fellowship Programs in India: At a Glance

Fellowship	Stipend	Duration
UGC/CSIR-NET JRF Fellowship	₹31,000 - ₹35,000	Up to 5 years
UGC NET Fellowship	₹37,000 - ₹42,000	Up to 5 years
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship	₹70,000 - ₹80,000	5 years
DST-INSPIRE Fellowship	₹60,000 - ₹1,25,000	5 years
ICMR JRF Fellowship	₹37,000 - ₹42,000	5 years
DBT-JRF (BET exam) Fellowship	₹37,000 - ₹42,000	5 years
Google PhD Fellowship	Varies (covers tuition + stipend)	Up to 4 years
ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship	₹20,000	2–3 years
TIFR Fellowship program	₹37,000 - ₹42,000	5 years
Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowship	USD stipend + travel	6–9 months (US stay)
Commonwealth Doctoral Fellowship	Fully funded (GBP)	3-4 years

Conclusion

Finding the right PhD fellowship is not only about funding. It is about finding the fellowship that will support your academic journey, support your research interests, and support your future aspirations. There are numerous fellowships in India and around the world, federally funded fellowships such as PMRF and CSIR, or internationally recognized fellowships such as Fulbright-Nehru and Google PhD Fellowships, and the list can go on.
The important thing is to be aware of the possibilities, plan in advance, and make your applications unique to the particulars of each fellowship. Each fellowship has its own expectations and benefits, and you should take the time to decide the right fit for you. There is a fellowship waiting for you, whether you are new to researching or have composed a half-finished proposal.
So, dig into the details of the messages, and don't forget to prepare to consider the value of your research as you apply for your fellowship to receive support for your ambition. The right fellowship will make your PhD journey a defining experience.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for more than one fellowship?
Yes, you can apply for multiple fellowship programs, but you can only accept one fellowship.

2. Do all fellowships require a PhD admission offer first?
Not for them all: some like PMRF and GOOGLE do require an offer, while others support application in the early phases.

3. Are GATE or NET necessary for all fellowships?
No, only some fellowships like CSIR, UGC, and PMRF might require it.

4. Are fellowships taxable in India?
Most of the fellowships are not taxable in India if they are used for research and study.

5. Do private fellowships have the same support as government fellowships?
They can have more flexibility or more international exposure, but can be shorter or more comprehensive, covering different aspects.