Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) 2026 – Stipend up to ₹67,000/month
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Quick answer
The Post-Doctoral Fellowship at PRL supports researchers who have completed or are nearing completion of their Ph.D. in science or engineering. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend ranging from ₹58,000 to ₹67,000, a one-time academic allowance of ₹10,000, and accommodation or HRA as per PRL norms. Applications can be submitted online via the PRL website or offline by emailing the completed form to pdf@prl.res.in.
At a glance
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | Up to 35 years |
| Application mode | Online |
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of ₹58,000 for candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis but await the degree.
- Monthly stipend of ₹61,000 for candidates holding a Ph.D. degree.
- Monthly stipend of ₹67,000 for external applicants with a Ph.D. and at least two years of research experience.
- One-time academic allowance of ₹10,000 during the fellowship.
- Accommodation: Fellows may receive PRL accommodation or HRA in lieu of accommodation as per PRL norms.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The applicant should complete a Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science or engineering with first-class (60%) or equivalent grades at both levels.
- The applicant’s age should be 35 years.
Documents required
- Passport-size Photograph.
- Ph.D. Thesis Abstract.
- List of Publications.
- Research Proposal (maximum of 2000 words).
- Detailed Bio-data (details of educational qualifications, age, work experience).
- Recommendation Letters from Referees.
- No Objection Certificate (for employed candidates).
How to apply
- 1Visit the PRL website (https://www.prl.res.in/prl-eng/) and navigate to the "Opportunities" section.
- 2Click on "Job Vacancies & Fellowship Programs" and select "PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)" to access the online application form (https://www.prl.res.in/~acad/pdfapp.html).
- 3Fill out the online application form, complete all mandatory fields, and attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
- 4Submit the application by clicking the "Submit" button; note the application ID for future reference.
- 5Alternatively, download the prescribed application form from the PRL website (https://www.prl.res.in/prl-eng/sites/default/files/documents/research-program-doc/pdf_application.pdf).
- 6Fill in all mandatory fields, attach copies of required documents (self-attested if necessary).
- 7Email the completed application to Chairperson, PDF Committee, Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad - 380 009, India at pdf@prl.res.in.
- 8For correspondence, use the same email; fax No. (91) 079 – 2631 4900; Tel. No. (91) - 079 - 2631 4869.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship at PRL?+
The fellowship is for a maximum of two years, with an annual review for extension.
What is the stipend offered under the fellowship?+
The stipend ranges from ₹58,000 to ₹67,000 per month, depending on the applicant's qualifications.
Can candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis apply for the fellowship?+
Yes, candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis are eligible.
Is there an age limit for applying to the fellowship?+
Yes, the age limit is 35 years.
What fields of research are covered under this fellowship?+
PRL covers various fields such as Astronomy, Physics, Geosciences, Space Sciences, and Theoretical Physics.
Is it mandatory to submit a research proposal?+
Yes, candidates must submit a research proposal in consultation with a PRL faculty member.
How many recommendation letters are required for the application?+
At least three recommendation letters from referees who are not PRL faculty members are required.
Are there specific deadlines for application submission?+
Yes, applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines in November, February, May, and August.
Is the fellowship open to foreign nationals?+
No, only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
Can employed candidates apply for the fellowship?+
Yes, but they must provide a No Objection Certificate from their employer.
What is the selection process for the fellowship?+
Selection is based on an initial screening, followed by an interview.
When will selected candidates be notified?+
Notifications are sent after the interview process.
Can a fellow apply for an extension beyond two years?+
No, the fellowship is for a maximum of two years only.
Can fellows collaborate with other researchers at PRL?+
Yes, collaboration with other PRL researchers is encouraged.
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