National Postdoctoral Fellowship NPDF 2026 India [₹80k/month; 02 Years]: Apply by Feb 17

Call for Proposals: National Postdoctoral Fellowship (NPDF) 2026 – India

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has invited applications for the National Postdoctoral Fellowship (NPDF) 2026, one of India’s most prestigious fellowships for early-career researchers.

This fellowship is designed to support young researchers in pursuing independent, high-quality research in frontier areas of science and engineering.

📅 Application Deadline: 17 February 2026

About the ANRF National Postdoctoral Fellowship

The ANRF–NPDF 2026 aims to identify and nurture the next generation of Indian research leaders by providing:

• Financial stability
• Strong research mentorship
• Access to advanced research infrastructure

Fellows are encouraged to work on innovative and interdisciplinary projects with high scientific and societal impact.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Monthly stipend: ₹80,000 + HRA
• Annual research grant: ₹2,00,000
• Annual overheads: ₹1,00,000
• Fellowship duration: 2 years

This support allows fellows to focus fully on research without financial pressure.

Link to apply for National Postdoctoral Fellowship NPDF 20266 >>>

Focus Areas

Research proposals are encouraged in cutting-edge areas including (but not limited to):

• Biotechnology, Life Sciences & Medical Engineering
• Materials Science & Nanotechnology
• Artificial Intelligence, Data Science & Computational Sciences
• Renewable Energy & Environmental Engineering
• Robotics, Electronics & Mechanical Innovations
• Interdisciplinary research with strong societal relevance

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

Academic Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., or M.S. degree awarded or thesis submitted
• Application within 5 years of Ph.D. viva-voce

Age Limit

• Maximum 35 years at the time of application
• Age relaxation applicable as per official government rules

Research Conditions

• Research must be conducted independently
• Cannot work at the same institution where Ph.D. was awarded
• Mentor must not be the previous guide or co-guide

Mentor Restrictions

• A mentor can submit maximum 2 applications per call
• A mentor can supervise no more than 2 NPDF fellows at a time

Why This Fellowship Matters

The ANRF–NPDF plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s research ecosystem by:

• Supporting independent research careers
• Encouraging innovation in frontier science
• Enabling access to research funding and mentorship
• Building a pipeline of future academic and R&D leaders

For many researchers, this fellowship is a bridge between PhD and faculty/industry leadership roles.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Check eligibility: Confirm age, degree status, and 5-year post-PhD timeline.

2. Identify a mentor: Ensure mentor meets supervision limits and eligibility rules.

3. Prepare research proposal: Clearly outline objectives, methodology, innovation, and impact.

4. Compile documents

• Ph.D. certificate / thesis submission proof
• CV
• Research proposal
• Mentor endorsement
5. Submit application online

6. Apply through the official ANRF portal before the deadline.

7. Selection process: Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit, originality, and potential impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying beyond 5 years post-PhD
• Choosing a mentor who exceeds supervision limits
• Conducting research at the Ph.D. institution
• Submitting incomplete or poorly structured proposals
• Ignoring budget and fellowship financial rules

Tip: Clearly highlight novelty, feasibility, and societal relevance in your proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the duration of the fellowship?
Two years.

2. What is the monthly stipend?
₹80,000 plus HRA.

3. Can my PhD supervisor be my mentor?
No.

4. Can I work at my PhD institution?
No, research must be at a different institution.

5. What research grants are provided?
₹2 lakh annual research grant + ₹1 lakh annual overheads.

6. Is there an age limit?
Yes, 35 years (with relaxations as per rules).

7. How many fellows can a mentor supervise?
Maximum two at a time.

🏁 Conclusion

The ANRF National Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a flagship opportunity for early-career researchers to pursue independent, high-impact research in India.

With strong financial support, mentorship, and access to research resources, the fellowship lays a solid foundation for long-term academic and scientific leadership.