ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship 2026
The ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) offers promising fresh PhD/MD/MS holders a chance to conduct advanced research Read More... in health sciences at ICMR institutes. Read less
Details
Are you a recent PhD, MD, or MS graduate looking to dive deeper into health sciences research? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has a fantastic opportunity for you! The ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) scheme is designed to support bright minds like yours in conducting high-quality research.
What Is This Scheme?
Implemented by the ICMR, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, this fellowship aims to nurture advanced research in critical health areas. It allows fresh PhD, MD, or MS holders to work and gain experience at prestigious ICMR institutes and centres across India. The focus is on research in areas like basic science, tackling both communicable and non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, and nutrition. Every year, around 50 fellowships are awarded, providing fellows with access to modern research facilities and expert guidance to build a strong career in the health sector.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This fellowship is specifically for Indian nationals who have recently completed their PhD, MD, or MS degrees. If you've finished your degree within the last three years (and have been awarded the degree) or are awaiting your final degree award after submitting your thesis, you could be eligible. The research you propose should be a continuation of your doctoral work.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The ICMR-PDF scheme plays a crucial role in strengthening India's research capabilities in health sciences. By supporting young researchers, it ensures a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to advancements in disease prevention, treatment, and overall public health. It's a pathway to gain valuable experience, publish impactful research, and become a leader in the health research domain.
Objective
Benefits
- Monthly Fellowship:₹65,000/- per month along with HRA and NPA as per Government rules.
- Contingency Grant:₹3,00,000/- per year for research-related expenses.
- Travel Support:Up to 25% of the contingency grant for national travel related to research work.
- Tenure Duration:2 years, extendable by 1 more year based on performance.
- Refund Clause:Fellowship amount must be refunded if leaving before 1 year.
- Fund Disbursement:Fellowship and contingency grants are released every six months.
- Accommodation Facility:Accommodation may be provided (HRA not applicable if provided).
- Medical & Leave Benefits:As per ICMR rules for fellows.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- This fellowship is open only to Indian citizens.
- You should have completed your PhD, MD, or MS degree. The application must be made within three years of your degree being awarded. Candidates who have received their provisional degree are also welcome to apply.
- The research project you propose must be a direct continuation of your PhD or MD/MS research work. Applications where the proposed research is unrelated will not be considered.
- The maximum age limit is 32 years. This limit is relaxed by up to 5 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PH categories, and also for women candidates, as of the application deadline.
- In exceptional cases, for deserving candidates with a strong record of work, publications, and awards, the age limit can be relaxed by a maximum of 3 years. This requires a request from the sponsoring Director/Director-in-Charge and consideration by the Director General, ICMR, based on the screening committee's recommendation.
- The guide supervising your post-doctoral research must hold a minimum designation of Scientist-C grade.
- Postgraduate medical students can also pursue this fellowship in MCI-recognized postgraduate medical colleges, provided at least three batches have already graduated from that institution.
Important Notes:
- Simply having a result notification, certificate, or notification of thesis submission/Viva-voce will not be considered for eligibility.
- It is mandatory to submit a plagiarism check report along with a declaration to ICMR with your proposal and application.
- You can find a list of ICMR Institutes/Centers and their specific research areas on the official ICMR website.
How To Apply
To apply for the ICMR-Post Doctoral Fellowship, you need to submit your application along with all necessary documents to the following address:
Director General,
Sh. Kishor Toppo, Technical Officer-C,
Division of Human Resource Development,
Indian Council of Medical Research Headquarters,
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029.
Documents Required
- A recent passport-size photograph.
- Attested copy of your School Leaving or High School/Secondary School Certificate (to confirm your date of birth).
- Attested copies of all Mark Sheets/Grade Cards and your Degree certificates.
- An attested copy of your Caste certificate, if you belong to a reserved category.
- Reprints of any publications you have authored.
- A one-page summary of your PhD thesis.
- Attested copies of letters confirming acceptance for publication of your papers and any pre-prints.
- A detailed research proposal outlining your planned work.
- Testimonials from two referees. One of these referees must be your PhD Guide.
- A Plagiarism Check Report that has been verified by the ICMR-RIO (Research Innovation Office).
Official Document Format:
You can find the required document formats and submission guidelines here: Click here.
FAQ’s
What is the main purpose of the ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship?
The ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) is designed to encourage and support talented individuals who have recently completed their PhD, MD, or MS. It offers them a valuable opportunity to conduct advanced research in key health areas like basic science, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health, including nutrition, at ICMR's top institutes and centers.
Can someone apply if their PhD/MD/MS is still provisional?
Yes, if you have received your provisional PhD/MD/MS degree, you are eligible to apply for the fellowship.
What is the annual intake for this fellowship?
The ICMR aims to offer approximately 50 fellowships each year to deserving candidates to work in their state-of-the-art research facilities.
Is there any age relaxation for candidates from certain categories?
Yes, absolutely. The maximum age limit of 32 years is relaxed by up to 5 years for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and PH categories, as well as for women candidates, as of the application deadline.
Who is responsible for implementing this fellowship scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which operates under the Government of India.
How is the selection process conducted?
Candidates are shortlisted based on their publications, citations, and impact factors. The final selection is then made through an interview conducted by a specially formed Selection Committee constituted by the Director General, ICMR.
What is the monthly stipend for a fellow?
Eligible fellows will receive a consolidated monthly fellowship of ₹65,000. This amount is in addition to House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as applicable according to Government of India rules.
What are the total funds provided for research expenses annually?
An annual contingency grant of ₹3,00,000 is provided to each eligible fellow to cover expenses related to their research work.
Can the fellowship be extended beyond two years?
Yes, the fellowship is initially for two years and can be extended for a maximum of one additional year. This extension is granted based on your outstanding performance and the recommendation of the Director/Officer-in-Charge of the relevant ICMR Institute or Center.
What if I decide to leave the fellowship before one year is completed?
If you leave the fellowship within the first year, you will be required to refund the entire fellowship amount you have received up to that point.
How often are the fellowship and contingency grants disbursed?
Both the monthly fellowship and the annual contingency grant are released in installments every six months.
What is the required qualification for the research guide?
The postdoctoral research guide must hold a minimum designation of Scientist-C grade.
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