Government Scholarship · Doctorate

SERB-ANRF National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)

Q: Can I apply for N-PDF at the same institution where I completed my Ph.D.?

No. The guidelines strictly prohibit working under former Ph.D. guides or at the same department/institution where the candidate earned their doctoral degree, in order to encourage mobility and diverse research perspectives.

Q: What is the monthly stipend and research grant amount under N-PDF?

Awardees holding a Ph.D. degree receive a consolidated fellowship of ₹80,000 per month (₹9,60,000 annually), plus a research grant of ₹2,00,000 per year for consumables, travel, and contingency, as well as applicable HRA and institutional overheads.

Q: Are candidates who have submitted their thesis but not yet received their degree eligible?

Yes, candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis are eligible to apply. If selected, they receive ₹50,000 per month until the formal award of their doctoral degree, after which the fellowship is upgraded to ₹80,000 per month.

Q: What is the age limit for the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship?

The upper age limit is 35 years at the time of application. A 5-year relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, women, and physically challenged candidates.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) / SERB, DST · All India

Annual Award₹11.6 Lakh+

Deadline31 Oct

Scheme Name	SERB-ANRF National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)
Provided By	Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) / SERB, DST
Eligibility Summary	Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income)

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About the Program

The SERB-ANRF National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) provides ₹80,000 per month plus an annual ₹2,00,000 research grant to talented young Ph.D. graduates in science and engineering to pursue independent postdoctoral research in India.

Benefits & Financial Support

₹11.6 Lakh+

Consolidated fellowship of ₹80,000 per month (₹9,60,000 per year) for Ph.D. degree holders, plus an annual research grant of ₹2,00,000, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and institutional overheads of ₹1,00,000 per year.

₹80,000/month fellowship + ₹2,00,000/year research grant + HRA for 2 years of independent postdoctoral research in India.

Note: Must hold a Ph.D. or have submitted thesis, and host lab must differ from Ph.D. institution.

Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit

Education Level	Doctorate
Course / Stream	Relevant courses
Minimum Marks	60%
Income Limit	Up to ₹NaN Lakh/year
Category / Caste	All
Domicile State	All India

Mandatory Documents Checklist

✓* Ph.D. Degree Certificate or Thesis Submission Certificate with viva memo
✓* Minimum two peer-reviewed research publications in reputed SCI/Scopus-indexed journals
✓* Comprehensive Research Project Proposal in frontier areas of science/engineering
✓* Bio-data and Endorsement Certificate from Host Institution Mentor
✓* Host Institute Acceptance and facilities clearance certificate
✓* Date of birth proof and Category/Disability Certificate (if applicable)

Selection Process

Rigorous peer review of the proposed research project, candidate publication record, and mentor/host institute research environment by an apex committee of national scientists.

Renewal Policy

—
Tenure is for 2 years
—
continuation into the second year requires submission of an annual technical progress report and financial statement.

How to Apply Online

Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.

1
Identify Host Mentor
Contact a regular faculty member at a recognized university/IIT/CSIR/national lab (cannot be your Ph.D. alma mater or former guide).
2
Draft Research Proposal
Prepare an original research proposal detailing methodology, objectives, and work plan in frontier STEMM disciplines.
3
Register on ANRF Portal
Create an applicant profile on anrfonline.in (formerly serbonline.in).
4
Submit Application Online
Upload your research project, mentor endorsement, publications list, and institutional clearances.
5
Peer Review & Award
Proposals undergo peer review by apex expert committees; selected fellows receive formal project sanction and funding.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for N-PDF at the same institution where I completed my Ph.D.?

No. The guidelines strictly prohibit working under former Ph.D. guides or at the same department/institution where the candidate earned their doctoral degree, in order to encourage mobility and diverse research perspectives.

What is the monthly stipend and research grant amount under N-PDF?

Awardees holding a Ph.D. degree receive a consolidated fellowship of ₹80,000 per month (₹9,60,000 annually), plus a research grant of ₹2,00,000 per year for consumables, travel, and contingency, as well as applicable HRA and institutional overheads.

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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) / SERB, DST website before final submission.