Position Summary
Position:
Institute:
The Department of Science and Technology
Country:
India
Posted Date:
Mar 31, 2026
Submission Start:
NA
Submission Deadline:
Dec 31, 2025
Offer Period:
3-6 months
INDIA SCIENCE AND RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (2025-2026)
Overview:
- Applications are invited from researchers who are actively involved in research activities and holding permanent positions in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand to visit India under the India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) Programme to pursue research in frontier/ advanced areas of science including Medicine and Agriculture for a period of 3 – 6 months. The programme is funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi.
- The detailed Brochure (enclosed) may be strictly followed for applying for the ISRF Fellowship in the prescribed format (attached) which can be downloaded from the website (www.dst.gov.in/ www.insaindia.res.in). The completed applications, along with relevant enclosures and duly endorsed by the Head of the Institution may be submitted to the partnering agency with a copy to DST/INSA.
Eligibility:
- Applicant should be a citizen/permanent resident of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
- The applicant should be actively engaged in research at a university or research institution in their country in various areas of science and technology including engineering and medical sciences.
- Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. /M.Tech /M.Sc /MBBS with 3-5 years research or teaching experience. Applicants registered for a Ph.D. degree in home country may also apply.
- An applicant shall be permitted to avail the fellowship only once during a period of five (5) years and shall be below forty-five (45) years of age as on 31 March 2026.
- The applicant should possess a valid passport
- Must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in India
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
Visiting Fellowship: for durations between 3 to 6 months
Benefits:
Fellowship Allowance:
- Rs. 50,000/- per month which includes accommodation and medical facilities as available to host institutes.
Contingency grant to Fellow Scientist:
- Rs. 10,000/- as one-time contingency grant.
Contingency research grant for host scientist (through institution):
- Rs. 20,000/- as one time grant.
Airfare:
- Round trip air fare by economy class from the place of employment in their own country to the Indian host institute, through shortest route. Local transport by Road/ rail between the nearest airport and the host institute in India.
Visa fee:
- Will be reimbursed.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
Not Available
How to apply:
- Researchers/scientists actively engaged in research at a university or research institution meeting the eligibility criteria should apply using prescribed format (can be downloaded from the websites www.dst.gov.in) to respective implementing agency in partner country (if available) or INSA, New Delhi.
- If the respective implementing agency in partner country is not available, Applications may be submitted as hard copy or scan copy with supporting documents (please see application form) to INSA.
- The last date for receipt of the applications is 31st March 2026. No application submitted beyond the deadline will be accepted.
- Hard Copy to: The Executive Director Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg New Delhi-110002
- Soft Copy to: Email: isrf.dst@insa.nic.in
SELECTION PROCESS AND NOTIFICATION:
- Selection Process: Pre-screening of applications will be undertaken by the implementing agency in partner country solely based on scientific merit and proposed contribution to advanced research in the subject field. Final selection and fellowship decision will be made by DST, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India through their implementing agency, INSA, New Delhi.
- Notification of selection results: Fellowship intimation will be sent to the successful candidates by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India through INSA. The names of the fellows, host researchers and institutions as well as their research themes will be posted also on the websites of DST, India; INSA, New Delhi and the respective Indian Embassies.
About the Host Institution:
ABOUT DST
- The Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India is mandated to nurture, foster and promote scientific and technological research and development in India. DST is the major agency in the country for the promotion of basic and applied sciences through intramural and extramural research funding across disciplines and institutions. This includes support to both human capacity development and research infrastructure building. The Department plays a critical role in supporting technology development capabilities in non-strategic sectors including societal interventions through science and technology and the promotion of innovation and techno-entrepreneurship. DST is also responsible for the formulation of the science, technology and innovation policy of the country including other R&D enabling policies of the Government of India. One of the core responsibilities of DST is to enter into international cooperation, partnerships and alliances required for promoting bilateral, regional and multilateral S&T collaborations. (www.dst.gov.in)
ABOUT INSA
- Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi is an autonomous institution of Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. INSA was established in January 1935 with the object of promoting science in India and harnessing scientific knowledge for the cause of humanity and safeguarding the interests of the scientists, establishing linkages with international bodies to foster collaboration and expressing considered opinion on national issues. The Academy also plays a significant role in promoting, recognizing and rewarding excellence in scientific research. With a view to promoting the pursuit of excellence in the field of Science and Technology, the Academy has instituted, apart from the regular fellowship, new categories of fellows as INSA Young Associates, INSA Associate Fellows and INSA Distinguished Lectures. In addition, to recognize not only the creation of scientific knowledge, but also to recognize the consumption of knowledge for socio-economic opportunities, fellows in the two new categories viz. Science in Translation and Science for Society has been instituted. The academy also publishes journals, organizes scientific discussions and brings out proceedings, monographs, memoirs and special publications on latest scientific topics from time to time. For more information, please visit our website www.insaindia.res.in
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a research fellowship?
A research fellowship is a funded position that supports researchers, scholars, or students to carry out independent or supervised research at a university, institute, or research organization for a fixed duration.
Who can apply for research fellowships?
Eligibility depends on the fellowship scheme. Applicants may include undergraduate students, master’s students, PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, or early-career faculty, depending on the program requirements.
What types of fellowships are available?
Fellowships can include PhD fellowships, postdoctoral fellowships, international mobility fellowships, industry-linked fellowships, and short-term research fellowships offered by governments, funding agencies, universities, and foundations.
Are fellowships salaried positions?
Most fellowships provide a monthly stipend or fellowship amount, along with additional benefits such as research grants, travel allowances, contingency funds, or housing support, depending on the program.
What is the typical duration of a fellowship?
Fellowship durations vary widely, ranging from a few months to several years. PhD fellowships often last 3–5 years, while postdoctoral and international fellowships usually range from 6 months to 2–3 years.
Can international candidates apply for fellowships?
Yes. Many fellowship programs are open to international applicants, especially global mobility fellowships, bilateral exchange programs, and international postdoctoral fellowships.
Do fellowships require a host institution or supervisor?
Most research fellowships require applicants to secure a host institution and supervisor before applying. Some programs allow applications first and matching with a host later.
Disclaimer:
This fellowship is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.