About the Fellowship
The ANRF–National Postdoctoral Fellowship (NPDF) 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded postdoctoral research fellowship administered by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), India, designed to nurture early-career researchers in science and engineering. This national-level fellowship supports high-quality, independent research and encourages scholars to work at recognised host institutions across India. The programme aligns with India’s broader goal of strengthening its research ecosystem by promoting frontier research, innovation, and academic excellence. With generous financial support, structured mentoring, and access to institutional resources, the NPDF enables fellows to develop strong research portfolios, publish impactful work, and establish long-term academic or research careers. The fellowship is awarded for a fixed duration of two years, offering both financial stability and intellectual freedom to pursue cutting-edge research.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: ANRF–National Postdoctoral Fellow (NPDF)
- Host Institution: Recognised Indian academic or research institutions
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), India
- Location: India
- Research Field(s): Science and Engineering (all eligible sub-disciplines)
- Fellowship Type: Full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Level: Early-career researcher
- Fellowship Duration: 2 years
- Expected Start Date: 2026
- Working Hours: As per host institution norms
- Funding/Compensation: ₹80,000 per month + HRA
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD/M.D./M.S. (awarded or thesis submitted)
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Physical Sciences
(Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Materials Science) - Mathematical and Computational Sciences
(Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence) - Life and Biological Sciences
(Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Bioinformatics) - Medical, Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences
(Medical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health) - Environmental, Agricultural and Sustainability Sciences
(Environmental Science, Ecology, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Climate Studies) - Engineering Sciences and Technology
(Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering) - Energy, Materials and Chemical Sciences
(Energy Science, Renewable Energy, Materials Engineering, Chemical Sciences) - Interdisciplinary and Applied Sciences
(Interdisciplinary research integrating Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innov
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Indian citizenship
- PhD, M.D., or M.S. degree from a recognised university
- Candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting the award of the degree are also eligible
- Upper age limit: 35 years at the time of application submission
- Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged & Women candidatesYouTube+2myScheme+2ANRF Online+2
Preferred Qualifications:
- Outstanding track record as evident from research outputs and publicationsmyScheme
Not Eligible:
- Candidates who have already availed NPDF once
- Candidates intending to work with their PhD guide/co-guide
- Candidates applying to the same department/institution where they obtained their Ph.D./M.S./M.D. degree
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Monthly fellowship: ₹80,000 per month + HRA
- Research grant: ₹2 lakh per annum
- Overheads: ₹1 lakh per annum
- Access to host institution facilities and academic resources
- Professional research development opportunities
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent, high-quality research
- Collaborate with host institution researchers
- Publish research outcomes in reputed journals
- Contribute to India’s science and engineering research ecosystem
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit the online application via the official ANRF portal
- Complete the application form accurately
- Ensure submission before the deadline
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Supporting academic documents
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 15 January 2026
- Deadline: 17 February 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
- Official Fellowship Notification: click here
- Apply Online Here: click here
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