AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)
AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) is a scheme run by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to support full-time PhD (doctoral) research in technical fields at AICTE-approved institutions and affiliated universities. Its goal is to build a strong research culture and promote research that can lead to start-ups.
Who is it for: Students admitted to a PhD in Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, Planning, Applied Arts/Crafts and Design, Computer Application, Applied Science, or Hotel Management and Catering Technology. You must have finished your UG or PG degree in a relevant field and, for most streams, have qualified an exam like GATE, NET, GMAT, CAT, CMAT, CEED, JRF or SRF in the last 5 years. The candidate should be below 30 years of age (with age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Women/Physically challenged candidates).
What you get: ₹37,000 per month as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for the first two years, then ₹42,000 per month as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) if your work is satisfactory, plus a contingency grant of ₹15,000 per year and HRA as per Central Government norms. The total fellowship period is a maximum of 5 years (60 months).
How to apply: Apply through the AICTE ADF portal. A candidate can register directly (with a No Objection Certificate from the university), or the university can register and admit students. The scheme is open throughout the year after your admission is complete. AICTE's evaluation committee reviews the research proposal before granting the fellowship.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PhD |
|---|---|
| Streams | Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, Planning, Applied Arts, Crafts and Design, Applied Science, Computer Application, Hotel Management and Catering Technology |
| Category | All, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, General |
| Age | up to 30 years |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | — |
| Benefit / amount | ₹37,000 per month (JRF, first 2 years); ₹42,000 per month (SRF, next up to 3 years); plus ₹15,000 per year contingency grant and HRA as per Central Government norms |
| Duration | Maximum 5 years (60 months): 2 years as JRF, then up to 3 years as SRF, subject to satisfactory annual progress |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | 5 Jun 2024 |
Documents you'll need
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the university (for direct/Category A registration)
- Undertaking that the candidate has not previously availed AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) or NET JRF, verified by Head of Institution
- Proof of qualifying exam (GATE/NET/GMAT/CAT/CMAT/CEED/JRF/SRF as applicable to the stream)
- PhD admission proof / joining report
- Bank account seeded with Aadhaar (for Direct Benefit Transfer)
How you're selected
AICTE's evaluation committee evaluates the candidate's research proposal (for both Category A direct applicants and Category B university-registered candidates) before admitting them to the scheme or granting any financial benefit. JRF is upgraded to SRF after two years, assessed by a three-member committee (Head of Department, Supervisor, and one external Professor).
FAQs
Who can apply for the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship? Students admitted to a PhD at an AICTE-approved institution in Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, Planning, Applied Arts/Crafts and Design, Computer Application, Applied Science, or Hotel Management and Catering Technology. You must have completed a relevant UG or PG degree and, for most streams, qualified an exam such as GATE, NET, GMAT, CAT, CMAT, CEED, JRF or SRF within the last 5 years.
How much money do I get? ₹37,000 per month as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for the first two years, then ₹42,000 per month as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) if your work is found satisfactory. You also get a contingency grant of ₹15,000 per year and House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Central Government norms if hostel accommodation is not provided.
Is there an age limit? Yes. The candidate should be below 30 years of age. Age relaxation of 5 years applies to SC/ST/Women/Physically challenged candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates (maximum 5 years if you fall in more than one category).
What is the last date to apply? There is no fixed last date. The official key-features document states the "Scheme is open throughout the year" — you can apply after your PhD admission process is complete. Always check the official AICTE ADF page for the current status.
How long does the fellowship last? A maximum of 5 years (60 months): two years as JRF followed by up to three years as SRF, subject to satisfactory annual progress reviews. There is no extension beyond 5 years.
How do I apply? Apply through the AICTE ADF portal. You can either register directly (Category A) with a No Objection Certificate from your university, or your university can register you (Category B). AICTE's evaluation committee reviews your research proposal before the fellowship is granted.