Complete Details on DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS-2026) at Homi Bhabha National Institute – Eligibility, Objectives and Financial Aid
- What is the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) at HBNI
- Objectives of the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme
- Eligibility Criteria
- Financial Support & Fellowship Benefits
- How to Apply
- Document Required
- Selection Process
- Importance of the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme
- FAQs
What is the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) at HBNI
The DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) is an esteemed PhD Fellowship scheme run by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), part of the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI). The fellowship opens up a pathway for engineering postgraduates to pursue PhD degrees in nuclear-related engineering domains at some of India’s premier research facilities, including BARC (Mumbai), IGCAR (Kalpakkam), IPR (Gandhinagar) and VECC (Kolkata).
The DDFS aims to develop high-calibre academic human resources for India’s strategic nuclear research ecosystem, whilst giving students access to state-of-the-art laboratories, instrumentation and leading experts in nuclear science.
Objectives of the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS)
The DDFS initiative is structured to:
- Foster highly trained PhD researchers in the disciplines of nuclear and engineering sciences, such as Materials, Reactor Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Systems, Computer Science, and Instrumentation.
- Enhance research capacity in DAE laboratories by developing skilled doctoral researchers who can contribute to innovative national research.
- Provide sustained award funding, access to nuclear science facilities, and professional development from DAE scientists.
- Aspire to advance innovation and scientific leadership in the areas of atomic energy, fusion research, materials science, and reactor technology.
- Provide a pipeline of scientists for future careers in DAE labs, scientific institutions, and higher education institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for DDFS
Applications for DDFS 2026 will only be accepted if the candidate meets the three eligibility requirements as outlined in the most recent documents. What follows are the eligibility requirements shown as directly as possible in simplified, blog-friendly language.
1. Educational Qualifications
a. Postgraduate Degree (Required)
Applicants must possess, at least, one of the following engineering postgraduate degrees with minimum 60% marks (or 6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale, as enforced by each individual university):
- M.E.
- M.Tech
- M.Sc. (Engineering)
- Integrated M.Tech
Equivalent PG engineering degree
Some eligible branches of study include:
- Chemical
- Computer Science
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Instrumentation
- Mechanical
- Metallurgy / Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
b) Requirement for Undergraduate Degrees
In addition to the PG degree, students must also possess a B.E. / B.Tech / B.Sc. (Engg.) or equivalent engineering UG degree with minimum 60% marks from the DDFS screening branch they will appear in.
c) For Percentage / CGPA
- The requirement for at least 60% mark is to be followed in accordance with the ordinance of the respective university.
- If the candidate was under a letter grade system, converting such letter grades into a percentage is up to the university conversion system.
- Any conversion from CGPA to percentage should abide by the official university ordinances.
2. Candidates Observing Final Results (For 2026 Cycle)
Students who are completing their qualifying degree in the academic year 2025-26 may also apply, if these criteria are followed:
- Candidates must have their first two-semester PG marksheets available at the time of online application.
- The DDFS screening score (respecting the brochure equation) will be made from their CGPA/marks of the 2nd semester.
- They should fulfill all parameters for entry to the qualifying degree by around mid-July 2026.
- They will send their final marksheet/degree certificate before 31 December 2026.
- If a candidate fails to submit the final results before this deadline, their fellowship status will be nullified and cancelled.
3. Upper Age Limit (Updated for 2026)
To be eligible as a candidate under DDFS -2026, the candidate must be:
- Born on or after 1 August 1998
- (28 years old was the upper age limit for general category)
Relaxations of ages
- OBC -NCL: + 3 years
- SC / ST: + 5 years
- Persons with disabilities: + 10 years (40 % disability or above; eligible for scribe)
- Up to 40 years for engineering faculty applicants.
4. Nationality
- The applicant shall be an Indian citizen.
5.Additional Conditions for Final-Year Candidates (Cycle 2026)
In the case of selection for DDFS-2026:
- Candidates who are currently waiting for results may provisionally join the program.
- However, their position will only be confirmed upon submission of the final marksheet confirming all eligibility norms as met by December 31, 2026.
- Candidates must also bring a certificate of completion of their academic requirements from their university at the time they join.
Financial Support & Fellowship Benefits
The DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) provides one of the best PhD funding packages for engineering postgraduate students in India. According to the most recent brochure (Section-2), the following arrangements have been updated for the 2026 cycle.
1. Monthly Fellowship
- DDFS scholarship holders receive a fellowship payment of ₹80,000 monthly, which begins the month after joining the PhD programme. This figure is among the highest monthly income for any PhD programme available in the country.
2. Annual Contingency Grant
DDFS scholars receive an annual contingency grant of ₹60,000 to cover expenses associated with the research, including:
- Consumables for labs
- Books and references
- Conferences (DEAs prescribed rules)
- Data collection and computing charges
3. Fellowship Duration
The fellowship is initially awarded for up to 4 years. After annually, scholars may be given a one-year extension to a maximum total of 5 years. Fellowship study and award should be approved every year, depending on good progress and recommendation of appropriate authority.
4. Medical Benefits
All DDFS scholars will be eligible for medical coverage under the Contributory Health Services Scheme (CHSS), as well as for services at DAE/Unit hospitals.
5. Housing
- While enrolled in the PhD programme, staying in a specifically allocated hostel is a requirement where hostel accommodation is available.
- If there is no hostel accommodation at the DAE research centre, you are eligible for House Rent Allowance (HRA) in accordance with government regulations.
6. Research Setting
- In addition to funding, DDFS scholars can benefit from:
- Modern nuclear engineering laboratories
- Experimental reactors, experimental accelerators, and cutting-edge simulation tools
- Guidance and support from senior scientists from across the host institutions, including BARC, IGCAR, IPR, and VECC.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official exam website (expected to open around January 2026):
https://www.barcphdexam.com
The Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) organizes the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme. Applications for DDFS-2026 will be accepted through online mode only.
The updated step-by-step application process is as follows:
1. Register Online (New Registration)
Initially, click the “New Registration” button and enter the following details:
- Full Name
- Gender / Salutation
- Mobile Number
- Email ID (which will be taken as User ID)
- Preferred DDFS Screening Discipline
- Basic Academic Detail
Note: Details filled during preliminary registration cannot be modified later, therefore, candidates are needed to fill them carefully.
2. Select Exam Cities
- Candidates are required to select three “preferred cities” to take the CBT Screening Test in the preferred order.
3. Review of the Application
Before the final submission:
- Preview the form
- Correct any mistakes
- Check if all uploaded documents are in the proper order
No changes are allowed once final submission of the application is done. Only applications that have a successful final submission before the last date will be accepted.
4. Pay Application Fee (if any)
Eligible candidates must pay the non-refundable application fee after submission. The fee is as follows:
- ₹500 (for General / OBC male candidates
No application fees for:
- Women
- SC / ST
- Transgender
- PwD (≥40% disability)
The payment for the application will be made online by using the SBI Payment Gateway through Net banking / Debit Card / Credit Card.
Even if deduction is made for the payment but confirmation of the payment is not shown, the candidate must wait for 24 hours and then contact the helpline number before making the payment again.
5. Acknowledgment of Registration Number
- After processing, a unique Registration Number is assigned.
- This number should be used in any future communications.
6. Instructions for Candidates Who Are Waiting for Final Results
- Candidates who will finish their degree during the 2025-2026 academic year must:
- Upload the most recent semester marksheets available to them at the time of application
- For the 3.0 version of the screening score, provide 1st and 2nd semester PG marksheets (mandatory)
- Upload the remaining semester marksheets when the portal reopens to update their application (probably April 2026)
For Integrated M.Tech students:
- Please provide their 8th and 9th semesters marks while uploading their PG marksheets
- Applications without these required marksheets will not be accepted.
Documents Required for DDFS Application
Candidates are required to upload the following documents (as mentioned in the official brochure).
- Post Graduate Degree Certificate (M.E./M.Tech./Equivalent)
- Under Graduate Degree Certificate (B.E./B.Tech./Equivalent)
- Mark Sheets for all semesters (UG + PG)
- Date of Birth Proof
- Category Certificate if applicable (OBC-NCL / SC / ST / PwD)
- Government-issued Photo ID proof
- Passport-sized Photo
- Signature (scanned)
- Any additional documents required by the portal (Research Interest, Declaration Form, etc.)
Selection Process
The process for the Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) selection involves two phases:
- Online Screening Test (CBT)
- Selection Interview
The DDFS PhD programme will be offered for 2026 contingent upon successful completion of both stages.
1. Online Screening Examination (CBT)
- The online assessments will take place all over India in eight DDFS disciplines.
I. Exam Dates
- The online screening exam for DDFS-2026 is expected to be held in March 2026 (tentative). The CBT will take place in 50+ exam cities across India.
II. Eligibility Verification Against Exam
- Only applicants meeting the eligibility criteria (PG + UG degree qualification, marks, age requirement, etc.) will be eligible to participate in the CBT.
III. Travel Allowance
- No TA/DA is available to attend CBT.
IV. Shortlisting criteria for Interview
Shortlisting for interview is on two components of equal weighting:
- Marks of M.Tech/M.E., Semester-1 & Semester-2 (50% weightage) Marks in DDFS CBT Screening Examination (50% weightage).
Important:
- Full-time students (academic year 2025–2026) must upload Semester-1 & Semester-2 PG marksheets. Applications without these marksheets will not be eligible to draw review for DDFS 2026.
V. DDFS Screening Examination Score
- All candidates will be entitled to receive an official DDFS Screening Score derived from all candidates participating in the CBT. This score will be used to shortlist candidates for an interview.
VI. Exam Syllabus
- The subjects will be from the B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engineering) syllabus in the DDFS discipline chosen.
2. Selection Interviews (Stage-II)
I. Shortlists Released
- The shortlisted candidates for the interview will be available on the official site portal in April 2026.
- Interviews for all the subjects will be held at BARC Training School, Mumbai.
II. Travel Allowance for Interview
- The outstation candidates shortlisted for the interview will be reimbursed the cost of Rail fare, AC-III tier, for the journey to and from the registered address, by the shortest route or actual fare, whichever is less.
III. Booking an Interview Slot
- Candidates, shortlisted for the interview, will be able to book an interview slot based on their preference (subject to availability), in the month of April 2026.
- Emails and SMS notifications will be sent to the candidates, and the update will be posted on the official site.
IV.Interview Presentations
- Candidates will give a 10-minute presentation on their project done during M.Tech/M.E. course.
- The interview board will assess their technical knowledge, research aptitude, clarity of discussions, and overall suitability.
V. Final Selection
- The final selection for DDFS 2026 will be made solely on the basis of performance in the Selection Interview and the candidate shall also be required to be medically fit.
VI. Results
- A list of provisionally selected candidates would be released on the website (after medical fitness) in the last week of June 2026.
- Provisionally selected candidates will also be notified through emails and SMS messages.
Importance of the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS)
The DDFS programme is appreciated for various reasons:
- Access to India’s premier nuclear research laboratories (BARC, IGCAR, IPR, VECC)
- Substantial fellowship amount—₹80,000/month is among the highest for any Indian PhD programme
- Exposure to state-of-the-art nuclear science and engineering
- Potential career paths into DAE laboratories, research organizations, and high-end engineering environments
- Support for innovation in areas of critical national infrastructure
- Opportunities to be involved in reactor design, materials science, plasmas, nuclear instrumentation, and advanced simulation systems
- This fellowship is especially appealing to candidates who anticipate contributing positively to India’s strategic scientific capabilities.
FAQs
Q1. What is the stipend provided in DDFS?
Ans. According to the latest brochure, the stipend is ₹80,000 per month.
Q2. How long is the fellowship?
Ans. The fellowship lasts for 4 years with the possibility of extension for 1 year (max 5 years).
Q3. Which engineering disciplines can apply to DDFS?
Ans. Eligible candidates can have specialization in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Instrumentation, Metallurgical/Materials, Nuclear.
Q4. What is the upper age limit for DDFS 2025 cycle?
Ans. Candidates must have been born on or after 1 August 1995 (OBC-NCL +3 years, SC/ST +5 years, PwD +10 years).
Q5. Which research centers will DDFS scholars join?
Ans. DDFS Scholars get attached to centers like BARC, IGCAR, IPR & VECC (centers are part of HBNI).
Q6. Is accommodation necessary?
Ans. Yes, accommodation is compulsory if a hostel is available, if not HRA is provided.
Q7. Will the scholar be benefited by the medical scheme?
Ans. Yes, DDFS scholar Gets Contributory Health Services Scheme or CHSS.
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