Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Post-Doctoral Fellowships (PDF)
The Visvesvaraya Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF), under the Ministry of Electronics and IT's Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme, provides 225 one-year post-doctoral positions at Indian research institutions in ESDM and IT/ITES fields. Fellows receive a monthly research fellowship of ₹1.08 lakh plus a ₹1 lakh contingency grant. Institutions apply for PDF seat allocations via phd.dic.gov.in and then recruit eligible candidates.
About This Scheme
The Visvesvaraya Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF), under the Ministry of Electronics and IT's Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme, provides 225 one-year post-doctoral positions at Indian research institutions in ESDM and IT/ITES fields. Fellows receive a monthly research fellowship of ₹1.08 lakh plus a ₹1 lakh contingency grant. Institutions apply for PDF seat allocations via phd.dic.gov.in and then recruit eligible candidates.
Full official description
The “Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF)” is a component of the “Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT”, implemented by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. The objective of the scheme is to promote R&D, create an innovative ecosystem, and enhance India’s competitiveness in the knowledge-intensive sectors of Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES).
This fellowship is meant for those who have a proven track record as evident from their research publications and recognitions. Support is provisioned for 225 Post-Doctoral Fellowships for candidates for a period of one year, to encourage specialized research in emerging areas.
Benefits
- Monthly research fellowship of ₹1.08 lakh
- Research Contingency Grant of ₹1 lakh for the 1-year tenure
- Institutional infrastructure and administrative support
- Fellowship tenable for 1 year, extendable based on performance review
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen with a PhD from a recognized university (first class in all preceding degrees)
- PhD must have been completed within the past 5 years as of the application date
- Upper age limit: 40 years at the time of application to the institution
- Must not be in regular full-time employment (temporary positions may apply but must be relinquished if selected)
- Must not be availing any other fellowship
- Must not have completed PhD at the same institution where the fellowship is sought
- Must have a proven track record of research publications
How to Apply
Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme is an institutional scheme wherein eligible institutions submit proposals requesting PDF seats against an active call for proposal by Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme, DIC, MeitY.
Mode of Application:
Proposals for allotment of PDF seats are to be submitted by eligible institutions only. Suitable number of seats would be allotted to institutions for further enrollment of PDF fellows on these seats following the scheme guidelines.
The call for proposal for PDF seats will be notified by PhD Cell, DIC; MeitY through the web portal https://phd.dic.gov.in/ and/or email.
The institution may design/have its own application form for advertisement of PDF; however, the guidelines for PDF are to be followed.
Note:
- Just fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria should not entitle a candidate to be selected.
- PhD Cell, DIC; MeitY may change the T&C at its discretion, if deemed necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can submit proposals for allotment of PDF seats?
Only eligible institutions can submit proposals for allotment of PDF seats. Individual applicants cannot directly apply to PhD Cell, DIC, MeitY.
What is the educational qualification required?
The applicant must have obtained a PhD degree from a recognized University with first class (in terms of grades) in all preceding levels and a good academic record.
Is there a time limit after PhD completion to apply?
The PhD must have been completed within the last 5 years as of the last date of application submission to the institution.
What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
The upper age limit is 40 years on the date of application submission to the institution.
Can the fellowship be availed in the same institution where the applicant earned their PhD?
No. Applicants should not have completed their PhD from the same institution where the fellowship is to be undertaken.
Will preference be given to any specific applicants?
Yes. Preference will be given to applicants with active industry linkages and research proposals targeting industry-specific problems.
Where can the fellowship be undertaken?
The fellowship can be undertaken only in India at recognized and eligible academic or R&D institutions.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
It is awarded for one year initially, with the possibility of extension based on performance review.
Can fellows hold another fellowship simultaneously?
No. The PDF is a full-time assignment and fellows cannot receive any other fellowship from Government or Non-Government sources during its tenure.
Can the fellowship be transferred to another institution?
No. The fellowship is non-transferable and must be carried out at the same institution where the seat is allocated.
How is Post-doctoral Fellowship (PDF) awarded?
Proposals for allotment of PDF seats are to be submitted by eligible institutions only. Suitable no. of seats would be allotted to institutions for further enrollment of PDF fellows on these seats following the scheme guidelines.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme is an institutional scheme wherein eligible institutions submit proposals requesting PDF seats against an active call for proposal by Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme, DIC, MeitY.
- The call for proposal for PDF seats will be notified by PhD Cell, DIC; MeitY through the web portal https://phd.dic.gov.in
- Proposals for allotment of PDF seats are to be submitted by eligible institutions only. Suitable number of seats would be allotted to institutions for further enrollment of PDF fellows on these seats following the scheme guidelines.
- The institution may design/have its own application form for advertisement of PDF; however, the guidelines for PDF are to be followed.
- Accordingly, the applicants may contact their respective institutions for documents and other formalities.