ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship
₹65,000/month + ₹3 lakh/year contingency · post-doctoral biomedical research · ICMR institutes
The ICMR Post-Doctoral Fellowship supports fresh PhD, MD, or MS graduates who want to conduct cutting-edge biomedical, infectious disease, or reproductive health research at ICMR's own institutes and centres. Fellows receive ₹65,000/month plus HRA and up to ₹3 lakh/year for research expenses, for up to 3 years. Submit your application to ICMR headquarters by 30 June or 31 December each year.
About This Scheme
The ICMR Post-Doctoral Fellowship supports fresh PhD, MD, or MS graduates who want to conduct cutting-edge biomedical, infectious disease, or reproductive health research at ICMR's own institutes and centres. Fellows receive ₹65,000/month plus HRA and up to ₹3 lakh/year for research expenses, for up to 3 years. Submit your application to ICMR headquarters by 30 June or 31 December each year.
Full official description
ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) Scheme is being instituted to foster high-quality research opportunities for promising fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders in the cutting-edge areas of basic science, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health including nutrition at ICMR Institutes /Centers. Special focus will be on fundamental research in areas of science and other priority areas identified by ICMR from time to time. ICMR intends to offer fifty (50) such fellowships every year for working in ICMR Institutes/Centers with state-of-the-art R&D facilities. These fellowships will be allocated by the Director General, ICMR, depending upon the needs of the ICMR Institute/Centre.
Tenure:
Two years only and extendable for a maximum of one more year based on outstanding performance and recommendations by the Director/Officer-in-Charge of the concerned ICMR Institutes/Centers.
In the event of the PDF leaving before completing one year, he/she will have to refund the fellowship drawn by him/her from the date of joining to the date of leaving the fellowship.
Benefits
- ₹65,000/month consolidated fellowship + House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government rules
- ₹3,00,000/year contingency grant for research expenses
- Up to 25% of contingency (₹75,000) can be used for national travel related to the research project
- Medical benefits and leave as per ICMR rules
- Tenure: 2 years, extendable by 1 more year for outstanding performance
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your health-tech or biotech startup is built on foundational medical research, hiring an ICMR Post-Doctoral Fellow as a research consultant or co-founder gives you access to cutting-edge biomedical expertise at a government-funded rate.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Indian nationals only
- Fresh PhD, MD, or MS holder who graduated within the last 3 years (provisional degree accepted; result notification alone is not)
- Research proposed must be a continuation of your PhD/MD/MS work
- Maximum age: 32 years (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PH and women)
- Must work at an ICMR institute or centre; guide must be of Scientist-C grade or above
- Applications must be routed through and endorsed by the Director/Officer-in-Charge of the sponsoring ICMR institute
How to Apply
- Download the application form from main.icmr.nic.in.
- Fill in all fields completely — write NA/Nil where not applicable.
- Use additional sheets for columns that need more space.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Send the completed application to: Director General, ICMR, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029 (Attention: Sh. Kishor Toppo, HRD Division). Email copies to toppok.hq@icmr.gov.in and mpdicmr@gmail.com.
- Deadline: June 30th and December 31st each year.
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at ICMR HQ, New Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship” Scheme?
ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) Scheme is being instituted to foster high-quality research opportunities for promising fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders in the cutting-edge areas of basic science, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health including nutrition at ICMR Institutes /Centers.
Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?
Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India
Who are eligible to apply under the scheme?
Fresh PhDs/MD/MS within three years of completing their Ph.D./MD/MS degree (awarded) as on the last date of the application and also those who have received their provisional Ph.D./MD/MS degree can apply.
What is the number of fellowships awarded annually?
ICMR intends to offer fifty (50) fellowships every year for working in ICMR Institutes/Centers with state-of-the-art R&D facilities.
What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the scheme?
The maximum age limit is 32 years, relaxable up to 5 years in case of SC/ST/OBC/PH and women candidates, as on the last date of application.
What is the criterion of selection?
The selection of the "ICMR Centenary Post-Doctoral Fellows" will be made through the interview of short-listed candidates by a specially constituted Selection Committee by DG, ICMR based on their publications, citations, and impact factors.
Is there any age relaxation for deserving candidates?
Yes, for deserving candidates age can be relaxed maximum up to a maximum of 3 years based on earlier work done, publications, awards, etc. along with the request by the sponsoring Director/Director-in-Charge. Director General, ICMR may consider and relax on the recommendation of the screening committee.
What should be the minimum designation of PDF Guide?
The PDF Guide should have the minimum designation of Scientist-C grade.
How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible fellow?
ICMR-PDFs will be paid a consolidated fellowship of [?]65,000/- per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Govt. of India rule and Non-Practicing allowance (NPA) as admissible.
How much will the contingency grant to be paid to the fellow?
An annual contingency grant of [?]3,00,000/- will also be paid to the eligible fellow.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
Two years only and extendable for a maximum of one more year based on outstanding performance and recommendations by the Director/Officer-in-Charge of the concerned ICMR Institutes/Centers.
How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
The applications may be submitted with all relevant documents to Director General, Sh. Kishor Toppo, Technical Officer-C, Division of Human Resource Development, Indian Council of Medical Research Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- School leaving certificate (for date of birth)
- Degree/mark sheet copies (attested)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Publication reprints
- One-page summary of Ph.D. thesis
- Acceptance letters for papers under review
- Detailed research proposal
- Testimonials from two referees (one must be PhD guide)
- Plagiarism check report verified by ICMR-RIO