All about Axis Bank PhD Fellowship – Amount, Objectives, Eligibility, Application Process, Selection Procedure and Documents Required
- What is the Axis Bank PhD Fellowship?
- Objectives of the Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria
- Financial Support & Benefits
- How to Apply
- Selection Process
- Why the Axis Bank PhD Fellowship Matters
- FAQs
What is the Axis Bank PhD Fellowship?
The Axis Bank PhD Fellowship is a leading scholarship offered through the Axis Bank Centre for Mathematics and Computing (ABCMC) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. Supported by Axis Bank’s CSR funding, ABCMC is India’s first academic research centre dedicated to mathematics and computing. It provides support for interdisciplinary PhD researchers from any department in IISc, allowing PhD researchers to develop solutions that tackle socially relevant problems spanning across various fields, including applications in AI/ML, computational biology, climate science, cybersecurity, and data-driven systems.
The Axis Bank PhD Fellowship serves as a top-up to IISc’s existing PhD funding to make sure that researchers who are into multiple areas can undertake meaningful research with added funding and additional infrastructure.
Objectives of the Fellowship
- Enhance research capacity in mathematical sciences and computing in India by enabling exceptional PhD scholars.
- Promote collaborative interdisciplinary work across IISc’s 20+ departments.
- Expand access by reserving fellowships for women and underrepresented groups.
- Allow fellows to work with state-of-the-art labs and research resources in an ABCMC context.
Eligibility Criteria
- Enrolment: Candidates must already be PhD students at IISc and normally in the interdisciplinary PhD programme in mathematical sciences (IMI) or closely related departments.
- Performance-based selection: Grants will be awarded based on students’ overall academic performance and general advisor recommendation. Annual performance review for continuation.
- Equity: Women and all categories of disadvantaged (see ACBMC policy) will be given preference.
- Limited intake: For 2024-25, the RRMF supported five new scholars (still scholars from the previous year(s).
Financial Support & Benefits
- Top-up Fellowship: ₹35,000 per month (will be additional to base PhD fellowship, if any, from IISc/CSIR/UGC/INSPIRE).
- Research Contingency Grant: ₹2,00,000 per year for travel, books, conferences or other research needs (either through the research shock or additional study).
- Facilities: Access to ABCMC’s computational infrastructure, collaborative platforms, and networks for interdisciplinary research across departments.
How to Apply
This fellowship does not have an open national application portal and will instead use an internal IISc process:
- PhD Admission at IISc: First, you will have to gain admission into IISc’s PhD programme (usually an Interdisciplinary PhD in Mathematical Sciences or a related area). The application process is via the IISc portal: Apply Online – IISc Admissions.
- Alignment to ABCMC: You will need to decide on a research topic and a supervisor who has relevance to the ABCMC areas of focus (mathematics, computing, AI, and data-driven sciences).
- Internal Selection: ABCMC will make internal calls for nominations from either the researchers or supervisors. Your supervisor must consider performance, equity, and research direction in the selection process.
- Continuation: The fellowship is reviewed annually, and whether to continue depends on satisfactory progress and the advisor’s recommendation.
Documents Required
It is important to note that exact requirements differ by internal call, but you should apply with:
- Proof of admission/registration for an IISc PhD (e.g., IMI or relevant department).
- Current academic transcript or CPI report.
- An endorsement letter or reference letter from your PhD advisor.
- Research summary/proposal that outlines how it aligns with ABCMC’s areas of interest.
- CV that highlights academic achievements and publications.
- Category certificate (if applying for women/underprivileged preference).
Selection Process
- Screening: ABCMC and IMI review applications internally.
- Criteria: Academic excellence, research alignment, and faculty recommendation.
- Equity Policy: Priority given to women and equity-seeking groups.
- Outcome: For 2024-25, five new fellows were selected, in addition to continuing recipients.
Why the Axis Bank PhD Fellowship Matters
The Axis Bank PhD Fellowship provides IISc´s doctoral students with financial independence, significant contingency support, premier facilities, and allows them to thrive at a higher level in doing interdisciplinary, transformative research. The Axis Bank fellowship is more than financial support – It serves as a model and example of IISc´s growing collaboration with industry partners like Axis Bank to cultivate and enhance India’s academic and research ecosystem.
FAQs
Q: Who can apply?
Ans. Only PhD students of IISc (normally, in IMI or affiliated departments) are eligible. It is an internal fellowship, not an open call at the national level.
Q: How much funding will be provided?
Ans. ₹35,000 per month as top-up + ₹2,00,000 per annum as research contingency fund.
Q: How many fellowships are there every year?
Ans. In 2024–25, five new students in addition to continuing fellows.
Q: Is the fellowship permanent?
Ans. No, it is reviewed every year with respect to performance and advisor recommendations.
Q: Where can I find updates?
Ans. At the official website of the ABCMC and IISc´s Admissions portal.
Conclusion
The Axis Bank PhD Fellowship in the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is more than a source of funding; it is an access point to high-impact research and encourages students to pursue avenues that explore new avenues at the crossroads of mathematics and computing. The fellowship is unique for its industry-backed support and for Ph.D. aspirants who are willing to work at IISc as a potential career opportunity, and I believe the Axis Bank Ph.D. Fellowship is one of the best options available right now.
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