ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship 2026: ₹65,000 Monthly Fellowship, Eligibility & Application

At a glance

About the scheme

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare offers the ICMR-Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) to encourage advanced research by young scientists and medical postgraduates. Up to 50 fellowships are awarded annually in priority areas such as communicable and non-communicable diseases, basic sciences, and reproductive health including nutrition. The tenure is initially for two years and can be extended by one additional year for exceptional performance, giving fellows access to world-class research facilities and experienced mentorship.

Benefits

• Consolidated fellowship of ₹65,000 per month
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Government of India rules, if accommodation is not provided
• Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as admissible
• Contingency grant of ₹3,00,000 per annum, paid to the institute every six months along with the fellowship
• Up to 25% of the contingency grant can be utilised for domestic travel related to the research project
• Medical benefits and leave as per ICMR guidelines for JRF and Research Associates
• Tenure of two years, extendable by one more year based on outstanding performance

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Must be an Indian national
• Must hold a Ph.D., MD, or MS degree (awarded or provisional) completed within the last three years as on the application deadline
• Proposed post-doctoral research must be a continuation of the candidate's Ph.D. or MD/MS research work
• Candidate's age must not exceed 32 years as on the last date of application
• Age relaxation up to 5 years is available for SC, ST, OBC, PH, and female applicants
• Age relaxation up to 3 years can be considered for deserving candidates based on publications, awards, or previous work upon recommendation
• The designated PDF guide must hold at least the rank of Scientist-C grade
• Postgraduate medical researchers may also undertake the fellowship at MCI-recognised postgraduate medical colleges where at least three batches have passed out

Who cannot apply

• Candidates submitting only result notifications, course completion certificates, or thesis submission/viva-voce notifications without degree or provisional certificate
• Research proposals that are not a continuation of prior Ph.D. or MD/MS research work
• Applications submitted without the official recommendation of the Director or Officer-in-Charge of the sponsoring ICMR institute
• Proposals submitted without a verified plagiarism check report and declaration

Documents required

• Passport-size photograph
• Attested copy of School Leaving, High School, or Secondary School Certificate for date of birth verification
• Attested copies of mark sheets, grade cards, and degree certificates
• Attested copy of caste certificate (if claiming reservation or age relaxation)
• Reprints of research publications
• One-page summary of the Ph.D. thesis
• Attested copies of letters of acceptance for research papers and pre-prints
• Detailed research proposal
• Testimonials from two referees (one referee must be the Ph.D. guide)
• Plagiarism Check Report verified by ICMR-RIO along with the mandatory declaration

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official ICMR portal (main.icmr.nic.in) and download the prescribed ICMR-PDF application form.
2. 2Contact the Director or Officer-in-Charge of the relevant ICMR Institute or Centre to identify a guide (minimum Scientist-C grade) and secure institute sponsorship.
3. 3Fill out the application form completely without leaving any blank columns, marking 'NA' or 'Nil' where not applicable.
4. 4Attach all self-attested supporting certificates, publications, thesis summary, and the verified plagiarism check report.
5. 5Ensure the application is duly endorsed and forwarded by the sponsoring ICMR institute.
6. 6Send the complete application dossier by post before 30th June or 31st December to: Director General, Attention: Sh. Kishor Toppo, Technical Officer-C, Division of Human Resource Development, Indian Council of Medical Research Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029.

Frequently asked questions