Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research 2026 – Double JRF/SRF Scholarship

At a glance

About the scheme

Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research scheme is a prestigious initiative of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India towards the advancement of university research engagements in line with industry requirements. This scheme is aimed at encouraging young, talented, enthusiastic, and result‑oriented scholars to take up industry‑relevant research by partnering with institutions of academic excellence. The intent was to leverage research with the industry’s innovative capacity by providing access to know‑how and facilities. These are critical in advancing expertise and technologies leading to tangible economic outcomes like patents, licenses, non‑patented and non‑licensed new products, and processes.

Benefits

• Full‑time PhD scholars receive a scholarship equal to double the JRF/SRF fellowship amount.
• Up to 100 new scholarships are awarded every year.
• One‑half of the scholarship is funded by the Government of India and the other half by the partner company.
• The fellowship is provided for a maximum period of four years.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• Applicant must be a full‑time PhD scholar in any recognised Indian university, institute or research laboratory.
• PhD registration date must not be more than 14 months from the date of submission of the application.
• Applicant must have a valid industry partner ready to support the research project financially and provide guidance and mentorship.
• The mutually agreed research topic must be innovative, have practical relevance and industrial application.
• Selected applicant must be willing to work with/in the supporting company as and when required during the project period.
• Applicant must not draw any other fellowship after selection.

Documents required

• Recent Passport Size Picture
• PhD Enrolment & Registration Certificate
• 10th, 12th, Graduation & Post‑Graduation Certificate
• Scan of Other Degree / Diploma Certificates (if applicable)
• Profile of the host institute
• Bio‑data of PhD Supervisor (not exceeding 3 pages)
• Profile of Partner Company with Logo
• Bio‑data of Industry Mentor (not exceeding 3 pages)
• Undertaking from the Research Supervisor and Head of the Organisation of the Institute / University
• Undertaking from the Industry Partner in the Research Project
• Letter from the Industry Partner (on the company’s letterhead) on the research problem and future plans for implementation, if any
• Publications
• Research Synopsis
• Any other document as required

How to apply

1. 1Register as a student on the portal www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in or www.serbficci-iirrada.in.
2. 2Prepare the application form according to the guidelines and submit it online through the website.
3. 3Download the Call for Proposal and Document Checklist from the portal.
4. 4Tie up with a company and obtain the required undertakings signed by an authorised signatory of the company and the host institute.
5. 5Collect all required documents and make digital copies of each.
6. 6Fill out the application form online (the form requires internet connectivity while filling).
7. 7Submit the application online. No physical copies need to be sent to CII or FICCI.

Frequently asked questions