PRL Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) 2026: ₹1 Lakh Monthly Stipend & Application Guide

At a glance

About the scheme

Launched under the Department of Space and the Ministry of Science and Technology, PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) honours the visionary legacy of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai by fostering high-calibre research in fundamental sciences with direct societal impact. The programme provides brilliant early-career researchers the institutional support, resources, and mentorship needed to carry out cutting-edge studies alongside scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.

Benefits

• Monthly fellowship grant of ₹1,00,000/-.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) and additional facilities provided as per PRL and Department of Space guidelines.
• Initial tenure of up to 2 years, subject to satisfactory annual performance reviews.
• Possibility of an extension for 1 additional year upon valid justification and formal approval.
• Up to 3 fellowships awarded annually.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must be a citizen of India.
• Must hold a PhD awarded within four years prior to the application deadline.
• Must be aged 35 years or younger on the closing date of the application.
• Must maintain a consistent first-class academic record throughout their education.
• Must present a comprehensive research proposal aligned with the ongoing research themes of PRL.

Who cannot apply

• Applicants over 35 years of age on the application deadline are not eligible.
• Candidates whose PhD was awarded more than four years prior to the deadline cannot apply.

Documents required

• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Latest curriculum vitae (CV).
• List of publications and papers published or accepted in refereed journals, books, or conference proceedings.
• Detailed research proposal prepared according to the prescribed format.
• Details of the collaborating PRL faculty member(s).
• Contact details of the PhD supervisor and at least three non-PRL referees.
• Recommendation letters from at least three non-PRL referees (emailed directly by referees to pdf@prl.res.in).

How to apply

1. 1Go to the official Physical Research Laboratory website (prl.res.in) and head to the Opportunities section.
2. 2Select Job Vacancies & Fellowship Programs and click on PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) to reach the online application form.
3. 3Complete all required form fields accurately and upload self-attested copies of the necessary supporting documents.
4. 4Click the Submit button to finalize your submission and note down the generated Application ID for tracking.
5. 5Ensure your three external referees email their letters of recommendation directly to pdf@prl.res.in before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions