Aromatic Awareness Programme - Centre for Aromatic Plants 2026

The National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) is a scheme by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government Read More... of India, designed to support bright young researchers in cutting-edge science and engineering fields. Read less

Details

Are you a young researcher looking to make a mark in science and engineering? The National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) could be your launchpad.

What Is This Scheme?

The N-PDF scheme aims to identify and nurture motivated young researchers in India. It provides them with financial support and a research environment to conduct studies in advanced areas of science and engineering under the guidance of a mentor. The goal is to help these fellows develop into independent and accomplished researchers.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is for Indian citizens who have recently completed their PhD, MD, or MS degrees. Even if you've submitted your thesis and are awaiting your degree, you can apply. It's for individuals driven to contribute to the frontiers of scientific and engineering research in India.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By supporting post-doctoral research, the N-PDF scheme plays a crucial role in advancing India's scientific and technological capabilities. It encourages innovation, fosters independent research skills, and helps build a strong cadre of future scientific leaders. The scheme ensures that promising researchers have the resources to pursue impactful work within the country.

Objective

The National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) is a scheme by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, designed to support bright young researchers in cutting-edge science and engineering fields.

Benefits

To spread information about aromatic plants and the benefits of their cultivation to the general public.
To provide information about crops according to the agricultural climate.

Sources and references

Guidelines (Page No. 230)

Eligibility Criteria

Must be an Indian citizen.
Should possess a PhD, MD, or MS degree from a recognised university. Candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting degree award are also eligible.
The maximum age limit is 35 years as of the application deadline.
An age relaxation of 5 years is provided for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged categories and for women candidates.
This fellowship can only be availed once in a lifetime.
The mentor must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognized Indian institution and possess a PhD degree in Science or Engineering.
A mentor can guide a maximum of two SERB NPDF fellows at any given time.

Additional Conditions:

The fellowship is tenable only in India at recognized academic institutions, national laboratories, or R&D institutions. The host institution must provide necessary infrastructure and support.
Fellows cannot work with their PhD guide/co-guide and generally should not undertake the fellowship at the same department/institution where they obtained their PhD/MS/MD degree.

How To Apply

To apply for the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship:

Identify Mentor and Host Institution: First, find a suitable host institution in India and a mentor who meets the eligibility criteria.
Submit Application Online: Applications are accepted only through the SERB online portal: www.serbonline.in.
Application Window: Keep an eye on the SERB website (www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in) for notifications. A specific window, usually one month, is provided for submitting applications.
Complete Submission: Ensure all required documents are uploaded along with the application before the deadline.

Documents Required

Bio-data (as per the format on the user profile section of the portal).
Age Proof Certificate (e.g., Class X certificate).
Qualification Certificates (PhD/MD/MS degree or thesis submission proof).
Category Certificate (if claiming age relaxation).
Undertaking Certificate from the applicant.
Endorsement Certificate from the Mentor and Host Institute.
Short CV of the Mentor (format available on the online portal).
CV of Mentor.
Plagiarism undertaking.

Official Sources

For detailed guidelines and formats, please refer to the official SERB online portal.

FAQ’s

What is the age limit for applying for the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)?

The maximum age limit is 35 years at the time of submitting your application. However, candidates from SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged categories and women candidates get a relaxation of 5 years, making the upper age limit 40 years for them.

Can I continue my post-doctoral work at the same university where I completed my PhD?

Generally, you cannot avail the NPDF at the same institution where you obtained your PhD. Also, you cannot work under your PhD supervisor or co-supervisor as your mentor for this fellowship.

What is the duration of the N-PDF fellowship, and can it be extended?

The fellowship is initially for 2 years. In exceptional cases, if the research progress is satisfactory, it can be extended for one more year. However, the tenure cannot exceed three years under any circumstances.

How much is the fellowship amount, and is it taxable?

The monthly fellowship is ₹55,000/-. If you have submitted your thesis but haven't been awarded the degree yet, you will receive ₹35,000/- per month until the degree is awarded. Yes, the fellowship amount is subject to Indian income tax rules.

Can I apply for the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship at any time of the year?

The application for SERB-NPDF is not open year-round. The call for applications is announced periodically on the SERB website. You typically get a one-month window to submit your application once the call is open.

What kind of support does the NPDF scheme offer researchers?

The scheme provides a monthly fellowship (₹55,000/- or ₹35,000/-), an annual research grant of ₹2,00,000/- for research needs like consumables and travel, and ₹1,00,000/- annually for overheads to the host institution.

Who is eligible to be a mentor for a National Post-Doctoral Fellow?

A mentor must be a holder of a PhD degree in Science or Engineering and should have a regular academic or research position in a recognized institution in India. A mentor can guide no more than two NPDF fellows simultaneously.

What should I do if I want to change my mentor or host institution?

Changing your mentor or host institution is generally not encouraged. If there are exceptional reasons, you must get prior approval from SERB. The new host institution cannot be the one where you did your PhD. You will need No Objection Certificates from the previous institute and an endorsement from the new one.

What happens to the unused grant money after the fellowship ends?

After your fellowship tenure, you need to submit a Final Consolidated Statement of Expenditure, Utilization Certificates for each financial year, and a Project Completion Report. Any unspent grant amount must be refunded to SERB via DD or cheque favouring 'Fund for Science & Engineering Research'.

Can I work on another fellowship or a job while receiving the N-PDF?

No, fellows are not allowed to receive any other fellowship or salary from any government or non-government source during the tenure of the SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship.

How do I apply for the N-PDF, and which documents are essential?

Applications must be submitted online via the SERB portal (www.serbonline.in). You will need documents like your Bio-data, Age Proof, Qualification Certificates, Category Certificate (if applicable), an Undertaking Certificate, Endorsement from Mentor & Host Institute, Mentor's CV, and a Plagiarism Undertaking.

What if I need to be away from my host institution for an extended period?

You must obtain permission from SERB if you plan to be away from your implementing institute for more than eight weeks continuously. This rule does not apply to field work directly related to your project.

Is the N-PDF fellowship tenable outside India?

No, the fellowship is strictly tenable only within India. You must implement your research at a recognized academic institution, national laboratory, or R&D institution in the country.

Can I recruit research assistants or staff under the N-PDF scheme?

No, the scheme does not provide funds for hiring research personnel. The fellow is expected to conduct the research independently.

How will I be notified if my application for the fellowship is successful?

After the selection process, which usually takes about two months from the application deadline, selected candidates will receive an email notification through the SERB online portal. You can then download your offer letter.

What is the procedure to receive my fellowship for the second year?

To receive your fellowship for the subsequent year, you must upload your annual Progress Report and financial statements at the end of each financial year through the SERB online portal. The release of funds depends on the submission of these reports and a Utilization Certificate.

Can a fellow resign from the N-PDF position?

Yes, if a fellow wishes to terminate the fellowship and leave the institute, they must inform SERB immediately through the host institution. The host institution should not incur any expenditure from the date of termination or resignation.

Are there any specific rules regarding leave for NPDF fellows?

NPDF fellows are entitled to leave as per the host institution's rules. Attending scientific workshops, whether in India or abroad, is considered 'on duty'. Female candidates are also eligible for maternity leave according to Government of India guidelines.

Under what conditions can SERB terminate the NPDF fellowship?

SERB has the right to terminate the fellowship at any stage if it is determined that satisfactory progress is not being made or if the grant is not being utilized properly.