SERB-ANRF National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) / SERB, DST · All India
| Scheme Name | SERB-ANRF National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) |
| Provided By | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) / SERB, DST |
| Eligibility Summary | Doctorate · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 17 February 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →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+
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of ₹80,000 plus applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA) for Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree holders. For candidates who have submitted their thesis but are awaiting the award of the degree, the fellowship is ₹50,000 per month plus applicable HRA until the eligible degree is awarded. In addition to the fellowship, a research grant of ₹2,00,000 per annum is provided, along with overheads of ₹1,00,000 per annum to the host institution. The fellowship is taxable under the Income Tax rules of India.
₹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 | No income bar |
| 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
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Candidates are selected based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee constituted by the Board
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The evaluation primarily considers the quality of the research proposal, the outstanding track record of the applicant (evidenced by publications), and the support provided by the mentor and host institution
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If deemed necessary, applicants may also be called for a personal interview.
Renewal Policy
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The fellowship is a temporary assignment, tenable for a period of two years
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While primarily for two years, in exceptional circumstances and depending on the progress of research, a one-year extension may be permitted
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Fellows and mentors are responsible for the timely submission of progress reports, utilization certificates, and project closure reports.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Register Online
First, register on the ANRF online portal at www.anrfonline.in.
- 2Complete Profile Details
Log in to your account and fill in all the mandatory fields in the 'Profile Details' section under 'User Profile'. This includes your bio-data, photograph, and institutional address.
- 3Mentor Registration
Ensure that your proposed Mentor is also registered on the ANRF system and has completed their profile details.
- 4Select Scheme
Navigate to the 'Form Submission' section and select the 'N-PDF' scheme.
- 5Enter Project Details
Provide detailed information about your proposed research, including the Project Title, Summary, Keywords, Objectives, and Expected Output and Outcome.
- 6Upload Research Plan
Upload a detailed Work Methodology and Research Plan as a single PDF file (not more than 3-5 pages).
- 7Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents in the prescribed format. These typically include: Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree certificate (or proof of thesis submission), detailed Curriculum Vitae of both the applicant and the mentor, an endorsement letter from the mentor and host institution, age proof certificate, identity proof, category certificate (if applicable), and a plagiarism undertaking.
- 8Submit Application
After filling in all details and uploading necessary documents, submit your application through the online portal.
- 9Track Status
The selection process typically takes at least two months from the last date of application submission. All selected candidates will receive an email notification through the ANRF online portal.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the total financial support provided under the ANRF N-PDF scholarship?
The ANRF N-PDF scholarship provides a monthly fellowship of ₹80,000 (or ₹50,000 if thesis submitted, degree awaited) plus applicable HRA. Additionally, fellows receive a research grant of ₹2,00,000 per annum and the host institution receives overheads of ₹1,00,000 per annum.
What are the essential eligibility criteria for applying to the N-PDF?
Applicants must be Indian citizens, hold a Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree from a recognized university (or have submitted their thesis), and be no older than 35 years at the time of application (with a 5-year age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged & Women candidates). Candidates must have published at least two papers and apply within five years of their Ph.D. viva-voce. Fellows cannot work with their Ph.D. guide/co-guide or at the institution where they earned their doctoral degree, and cannot hold any other fellowship/salary during the N-PDF tenure.
Can the ANRF N-PDF fellowship tenure be extended beyond the initial period?
The ANRF N-PDF fellowship is initially tenable for a period of two years. While it is a temporary assignment, in exceptional cases, and depending on the demonstrated progress of the research, the fellowship may be extended for one additional year.
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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.