AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) 2024-25
AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) is a research fellowship from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for scholars who have already earned a Ph.D. and want to build a career in research and development. It supports work in nine broad areas: Engineering & Technology, Management, Design, Planning, Applied Arts Crafts & Design, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Computer Application, Applied Sciences, and Inter-Disciplinary Areas.
AICTE offers up to 200 fellowships each year. A selected fellow gets ₹65,000 per month, plus a contingency grant of ₹50,000 per year to cover research expenses. The fellowship first runs for one year; if your progress is found satisfactory by the expert committee, it is extended to a total of two years, with no further extension.
To be eligible you must hold a Ph.D. (a provisional certificate may be accepted) in a relevant subject and have at least 55% marks (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/women/PwD) at UG or PG level. You must be below 35 years of age, with age relaxation of up to 5 years for SC/ST/women/PwD and 3 years for OBC. The fellowship can be availed only once in a career. You also need to line up an approved supervisor at an AICTE-approved university or institute and submit a No Objection Certificate.
Applications are accepted online throughout the year on the AICTE PDF portal. AICTE's evaluation committee assesses your research proposal before selection. Always confirm current details on the official notification.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PhD |
|---|---|
| Streams | Engineering & Technology, Management, Design, Planning, Applied Arts Crafts & Design, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Computer Application, Applied Sciences, Inter-Disciplinary Area |
| Category | All, General, SC, ST, OBC, PwD |
| Age | up to 35 years |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | — |
| Benefit / amount | ₹65,000 per month fellowship + ₹50,000 per year contingency grant |
| Duration | 2 years (initially 1 year, extendable to a total of 2 years) |
| Renewable | No |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Ph.D. degree certificate (provisional certificate accepted if degree not yet awarded)
- No Objection Certificate from the proposed research centre, signed by the Supervisor, HOD and Registrar/Director
- Research proposal
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account details
How you're selected
AICTE's evaluation committee assesses the candidate's research proposal, Ph.D.-level accomplishments, and the professional standing of the supervisor and host institution before admission to the scheme.
FAQs
Who can apply? Candidates who have been awarded a Ph.D. (provisional certificate accepted) in Engineering & Technology, Management, Design, Planning, Applied Arts Crafts & Design, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Computer Application, Applied Sciences, or an Inter-Disciplinary Area. General-category applicants need at least 55% marks (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/women/PwD) at UG or PG level, and must be below 35 years of age (age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/women/PwD and 3 years for OBC).
How much do I get? ₹65,000 per month as fellowship, plus a contingency grant of up to ₹50,000 per year for research-related expenses.
How long does the fellowship last? One year to begin with, extendable to a total of two years if your research progress is satisfactory. There is no extension beyond two years.
What is the last date to apply? There is no fixed last date. The official guidelines state applications can be submitted on the portal throughout the year. Always check the official portal for the current status.
How do I apply? Apply online on the AICTE PDF portal (pdf.aicte.gov.in). You must identify an approved supervisor at an AICTE-approved university/institute and upload a No Objection Certificate signed by the Supervisor, HOD and Registrar/Director.
Can I take another job or fellowship during it? No. You must devote full time to research and cannot accept any other salary, fellowship or financial assistance. Taking employment leads to termination of the fellowship. It can also be availed only once in your career.