Post-Doctoral Fellows
₹58,000–₹67,000/month post-doc fellowship · PhD in science/engineering · PRL Ahmedabad
The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad offers a Post-Doctoral Fellowship for researchers who have completed or are near completion of their Ph.D. in science or engineering fields. Fellows join PRL's cutting-edge research teams for up to two years and receive a monthly stipend of ₹58,000–₹67,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Apply online through PRL's website or email a completed application form to the PDF Committee at PRL, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
About This Scheme
The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad offers a Post-Doctoral Fellowship for researchers who have completed or are near completion of their Ph.D. in science or engineering fields. Fellows join PRL's cutting-edge research teams for up to two years and receive a monthly stipend of ₹58,000–₹67,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Apply online through PRL's website or email a completed application form to the PDF Committee at PRL, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
Full official description
The Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) is an initiative to support researchers who have completed or are nearing the completion of their Ph.D. in science or engineering fields. The fellowship offers candidates the opportunity to pursue research in PRL’s cutting-edge science and engineering research areas. The tenure of the fellowship is for a maximum of two years, subject to annual progress reviews. The fellowship provides a competitive stipend, research opportunities, and accommodation benefits.
Benefits
- ₹58,000/month for candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis but not yet received the degree
- ₹61,000/month for candidates holding a Ph.D. degree
- ₹67,000/month for external applicants with a Ph.D. and 2+ years of research experience
- One-time academic allowance of ₹10,000 during the fellowship
- PRL campus accommodation or House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per PRL norms
- Fellowship duration: up to 2 years, subject to annual progress review
💡 Why Startups Should Care
PRL is based in Ahmedabad — if you are a deep-tech or space-tech founder in Gujarat, this fellowship puts some of India's best experimental physicists and space scientists in your backyard, making it a strong talent and collaboration pipeline worth knowing.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in science or engineering with at least 60% marks (or equivalent) at both levels
- Age limit: 35 years
- Must have submitted or been awarded a Ph.D. in a relevant field
- External applicants seeking the higher stipend tier must have at least 2 years of post-PhD research experience
How to Apply
- Visit prl.res.in and go to the 'Opportunities' section.
- Click 'Job Vacancies & Fellowship Programs' and select the PRL Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
- Option A — Online: Fill the application form at prl.res.in/~acad/pdfapp.html, attach all documents, and submit to receive an application ID.
- Option B — Offline: Download the application form from the PRL website, fill it in, attach self-attested documents, and email the completed form to pdf@prl.res.in.
- Applications are reviewed by the PDF Committee — shortlisted candidates are contacted directly.
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.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- PhD thesis abstract
- List of publications
- Research proposal (maximum 2,000 words)
- Detailed bio-data (educational qualifications, age, work experience)
- Two or three recommendation letters from referees
- No Objection Certificate (for candidates currently employed)