Deadline: 17-Feb-2026
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation – National Postdoctoral Fellowship (NPDF) 2026 is designed to identify and empower young researchers in India. It emphasizes frontier scientific and engineering research, enabling fellows to pursue independent projects and contribute to high-impact scientific advancements. The fellowship combines financial support, mentorship, and research infrastructure to foster innovation. Key benefits include: monthly stipend of ₹80,000 plus HRA, annual research grant of ₹2 lakh, annual overheads of ₹1 lakh, two-year fellowship duration.
Focus Areas
The fellowship encourages research in cutting-edge scientific and engineering disciplines, including but not limited to: Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Medical Engineering, Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Computational Sciences, Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Robotics, Electronics, and Mechanical Innovations, Interdisciplinary projects with high societal impact.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria for ANRF–NPDF 2026: Early-career researchers who have recently obtained or submitted a Ph.D., M.D., or M.S. degree, maximum age 35 years at the time of application (relaxations as per official guidelines), candidates must apply within 5 years of their Ph.D. viva-voce examination, applicants must conduct research independently, not at the institution where they earned their degree, and not under their previous guide or co-guide. Mentorship restrictions: mentors can submit up to two applications per call, mentors may supervise a maximum of two ANRF–NPDF fellows simultaneously.
Why It Matters
The fellowship is critical for nurturing India’s next generation of research leaders. It provides financial stability to pursue independent research, access to research grants for materials, experiments, and tools, mentorship and networking opportunities for high-quality research output, and support for innovation in frontier science and engineering areas.
How to Apply / What to Do
Applicants should follow these steps: 1. Check eligibility: Confirm degree completion, age criteria, and five-year post-Ph.D. timeline. 2. Identify a mentor: Ensure mentor can supervise according to fellowship rules. 3. Prepare research proposal: Define research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and impact. 4. Compile documents: Ph.D. certificate, thesis submission proof, CV, research plan, and mentor endorsement. 5. Submit application online: Use the official ANRF portal within the specified call period. 6. Review & selection: Applications are evaluated on scientific merit, innovation, and potential impact.
Common Mistakes / Tips
-
Submitting multiple applications per mentor beyond allowed limit, applying beyond five years post-Ph.D., conducting research at the same institution or with the same guide, incomplete research proposals or missing supporting documents, not adhering to the financial structure and budget rules. Tip: Focus on clarity, novelty, and societal relevance in your research proposal.
FAQ
1. What is the maximum duration of the fellowship? Two years.
2. How much monthly stipend is provided? ₹80,000 plus HRA.
3. Are prior Ph.D. supervisors eligible to be mentors? No, mentors must be different from the previous guide/co-guide.
4. Can applicants work at their Ph.D. institution? No, research must be conducted independently at a different institution.
5. How many research grants are included? Annual research grant of ₹2 lakh plus annual overheads of ₹1 lakh.
6. Is there an age limit? Yes, 35 years or younger at the time of application, with relaxations as specified.
7. How many applications can a mentor submit? A maximum of two per call, supervising no more than two fellows simultaneously.
Conclusion
The ANRF–NPDF 2026 is a premier opportunity for early-career researchers to pursue independent, high-impact research in frontier science and engineering fields. By providing financial support, mentorship, and research resources, it fosters innovation, scientific leadership, and societal contributions, establishing a strong foundation for India’s future research ecosystem.
For more information, visit ANRF.
The post Call for Proposals for National Postdoctoral Fellowship – India first appeared on fundsforNGOs.
