Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Young Faculty Research Fellowships
₹20,000/month extra + ₹5L/year grant · young faculty · electronics & IT research
The Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF), part of the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, provides 50 young faculty members at Indian institutions an extra research fellowship of ₹20,000/month (in addition to their regular salary) plus ₹5 lakh/year in research grants for up to 5 years. Eligible faculty apply through their institution during the scheme's periodic call for nominations at phd.dic.gov.in. The fellowship supports research in ESDM and IT/ITES areas.
About This Scheme
The Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF), part of the Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, provides 50 young faculty members at Indian institutions an extra research fellowship of ₹20,000/month (in addition to their regular salary) plus ₹5 lakh/year in research grants for up to 5 years. Eligible faculty apply through their institution during the scheme's periodic call for nominations at phd.dic.gov.in. The fellowship supports research in ESDM and IT/ITES areas.
Full official description
The “Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF)” 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 Young Faculty having regular position at their institution and proven track record in research. Support is provisioned for 50 candidates, for an initial period of support of 2 years, extendible till 5th year based on performance review.
Benefits
- Additional monthly fellowship of ₹20,000 (paid on top of regular salary) for up to 5 years
- Research Contingency Grant of ₹5 lakh/year (for minor equipment, consumables, and domestic travel)
- Initial 2-year award, extendable to 5 years based on annual performance review
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your electronics or IT startup needs research partnerships, YFRF-funded young faculty are actively running 5-year research programmes with ₹5L/year in discretionary grants — they're ideal co-investigators for industry-academia collaboration projects.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen with a PhD from a recognized university (first class throughout)
- Must hold a regular (permanent) faculty or researcher position at an eligible Indian institution
- Upper age limit: 40 years as of the date of application
- Must not be receiving any other government fellowship simultaneously
- Each institution can nominate a maximum of 3 candidates per round
- This fellowship can only be availed once in a career
How to Apply
- This is an institutional nomination scheme — eligible institutions nominate young faculty against active Calls for Proposals (Invitation for Nominations) issued by the PhD Cell, Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme.
- The institution submits nominations via phd.dic.gov.in.
- Selected fellows receive their fellowship and research grant through their institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the YFRF scheme?
The main objective is to encourage high-quality research in emerging areas of ESDM and IT/ITES by supporting talented young faculty members in academic and R&D institutions.
How many fellowships are awarded under this scheme?
A total of 50 fellowships are provisioned.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is awarded for an initial period of 2 years, extendable up to a maximum of 5 years based on performance review.
Which institutions are eligible to participate in the scheme?
Please visit https://phd.dic.gov.in/eligibility for eligibility criteria
What support is available for Young Faculty Research Fellowship?
- Fellowship of ₹20,000 per month (in addition to regular salary).
- Research Contingency Grant of ₹5 lakh per year
Can faculty from private institutions apply for the Young Faculty Research Fellowship?
Yes, if the institution & applicant meet the eligibility criteria specified in the guidelines
Can an awardee of another research fellowship avail the Young Faculty Research Fellowship?
No, the candidate must opt for only one fellowship.
How a faculty can apply for Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF)?
PhD Cell invites nominations periodically from eligible institutions for award of YFRF under the scheme. Subsequently the nominations received are evaluated and accordingly, the fellowships are awarded.
What are the research areas?
ESDM & IT / ITeS
Is the fellowship tenable outside India?
No, it is tenable only in India at recognized academic and R&D institutions.
Is there an age limit for applying?
Yes, the maximum age is 40 years on the date of submission of application.
Can I apply if I have already availed YFRF in the past?
No, the fellowship can be availed only once in a career.
Can I apply directly as an individual?
No, proposals must be submitted through eligible institutions only.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Institutional nomination (submitted by institution on behalf of faculty)
- Faculty's CV with publications, patents, and academic credentials
- Research proposal
- Institution's accreditation documents