AICTE Doctoral Fellowship – Objectives, eligibility, financial benefits, Application process
Research is the main component of innovation, technological advancement, and knowledge creation. In India, where higher education is rapidly evolving, there is an increasing need to motivate shiner minds to take up full-time research in technical and professional fields. To address this, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) scheme.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the fellowship—its objectives, eligibility, benefits, application process, selection stages, and why it matters in shaping India’s research future.
- What is the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)?
- Objectives of the ADF Scheme
- Eligibility Criteria for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship
- Benefits and Financial Support
- How to Apply for the Junior Research Fellowship
- Selection Process
- Importance of the ADF Fellowship
- Tips for a Strong ADF Application
- FAQs
What is the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)?
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) is an important scheme launched by the All India Council for Technical Education to support students who are pursuing full-time PhDs in AICTE-approved institutions. It covers engineering, technology, management, design, planning, applied arts, hospitality, and computer applications. The fellowship offers a monthly stipend, a research emergency grant, and helps scholars to focus fully on research without financial tension. By motivating industry–academia collaboration, promoting start-up culture. ADF’s goal is to create skilled researchers who can contribute to innovation, technological advancement, and national development of India.
Objectives of the ADF Scheme
One of the important goals of the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) is to create a strong research culture in AICTE-approved institutions. Since research helps make innovation, this program gives money to good students so that they spend their time doing deep research. This not only helps the students but also improves the quality of research. The program also motivates schools to work with companies. Sometimes, research is limited to the theoretical system, but ADF motivates students to focus on projects that have direct, practical experience. By working on problems faced by industries, researchers can create solutions that help innovation, develop new technologies, and even lead to start-up journeys. Also, ADF wants to build a good research setup in tech schools all over India. With support, mentorship, and a good place for research, this program helps make skilled researchers. It also makes schools better and helps the country grow in tech.
Eligibility Criteria
The candidate must have secured a cumulative grade point average of 7.5 on the scale of 10 or equivalent at both B.E/B.Tech/B.Pharm and M.E/M.Tech/M.Pharm and a valid GATE/GPAT score.
For SC/ST/PH candidates CGPA requirement will be 7.0 on the scale of 10 or equivalent or general candidate must have secured 75% marks or above & 70% marks for candidates of reserved categories.
The candidate should be less than 30 years of age as on 31st August of the year of application; however, age relaxation of 5 years would be applicable to candidates belonging to SC/ST, women and physically challenged category. +3 years for OBC candidates.
No Previous ADF or NET JRF Benefits
The applicant must not have previously received ADF benefits or availed of the UGC-NET JRF fellowship.
Benefits and Financial Support
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship offers one of the highest stipend structures for PhD researchers in India.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Amount: ₹37,000 per month.
Duration: First two years of the fellowship
Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)
Amount: ₹42,000 per month.
Duration: From the third year until the fifth year (based on satisfactory research progress)
Contingency Grant: ₹15,000 per year for expenses related to research (e.g., software, consumables, conference travel, etc.).
House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per Central Government norms, depending on the city of the host institution.
Duration: The fellowship is offered for a maximum of 5 years—2 years as JRF + 3 years as SRF.
Application Process – How to Apply for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship?
There are two main application ways for the ADF:
1: Category A – Direct Application
- Candidates apply directly via the AICTE portal.
- Applicants must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their university.
2: Category B – Institutional Nomination
- Universities nominate eligible students who have already secured admission to their PhD program through the university’s admission process.
In both cases:
- Candidates must submit a detailed research proposal.
- Applications are reviewed by an expert panel before approval.
Note: Applications are accepted throughout the year. Many universities also coordinate directly with AICTE to register their eligible candidates.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Proof of PhD admission or provisional registration.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates and transcripts.
- A well-structured research proposal.
- Proof of age and category certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of national-level exam qualifications (such as GATE, GMAT, CEED, NET) depending on the chosen discipline.
- University admission form and institutional endorsement (as applicable).
Selection Process
The ADF selection process is competitive and merit-based. It includes the following stages:
Proposal Review
A panel of experts evaluates the applicant’s academic background and the quality of their research proposal.
Approval and Enrollment
Shortlisted candidates are officially enrolled in the fellowship program.
Progress Monitoring
Fellows must submit annual progress reports.
After two years, if the research work is found satisfactory, the fellowship is upgraded from JRF to SRF.
Discontinuation or Cancellation
The fellowship can be discontinued for poor academic performance, misconduct, or rule violations.
Medical leave, maternity/paternity leave, and approved fieldwork are permitted as per the scheme’s norms.
Importance of the ADF Fellowship
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) plays an important role in encouraging scholars to take up original research in areas that have a high impact on society. Fields like Artificial Intelligence, renewable energy, smart cities, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and management innovations are at the forefront of global technological development, and ADF motivates researchers to explore these domains.
By focusing on such progressive topics, scholars can contribute to transformative changes in industry and daily life. The fellowship also works to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that the research carried out in universities does not remain limited to theoretical frameworks but is applied to solve real-world problems.
This practical approach helps in creating innovations that can be directly adopted by industries. Furthermore, by supporting talented young researchers, ADF contributes to boosting India’s position in global research rankings, showcasing the country’s ability to produce meaningful scientific and technological contributions. Another important outcome of the fellowship is its role in fostering a start-up culture. Many research projects lead to patents, working prototypes, and commercially viable products, which often form the foundation for new start-ups. This not only drives economic growth but also inspires more innovation within the country.
Tips for a Strong ADF Application
Choose a Relevant, High-Impact Research Topic and Focus on areas that align with national priorities or have clear industry applications. Prepare a Clear Research Proposal and Clearly define your problem statement, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and potential societal impact.
Show Your Academic Strength
Highlight your academic record, awards, publications, and relevant work experience. Get Strong Institutional Support. A good endorsement from your university can strengthen your application Stay Updated on Deadlines Even though applications are accepted year-round, some universities have specific nomination cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can final-year PhD students apply for ADF?
Ans: Yes, provided they have secured admission or provisional registration and meet all eligibility conditions.
Q2: What is the total duration of the fellowship?
Ans: Up to 5 years (2 years as JRF + 3 years as SRF), subject to satisfactory research progress.
Q3: Can fellows work part-time?
Ans: No. The ADF is a full-time fellowship. Part-time salaried work is not allowed, though fellows may assist in teaching-related tasks at their institution.
Q4: Is leave permitted?
Ans: Fellows can take up to 30 days of leave per year, along with approved on-duty travel for conferences or fieldwork. Maternity and paternity leave are allowed as per Government of India rules.
Q5: Can the fellowship be transferred between institutions?
Ans: No. The fellowship is tied to the institution where the candidate is admitted.
Conclusion
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) is more than just financial support—it’s a platform that motivates young researchers to pursue their passion for discovery and innovation without worrying about financial stress. By encouraging collaborative, industry-focused research, the scheme is helping build a future-ready India. For any student planning to pursue a PhD in a technical discipline, the ADF is an opportunity worth exploring. With its stipends, research grants, and structured support system, it stands among the most attractive fellowships in the country.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a research idea that can make a difference, the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship can be your next movement to make an impactful research career.
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