Learn how to apply for the IISc Post-Doctoral Fellowship. Get details on Objectives, eligibility, stipend, research areas, and tips to strengthen your application
- What is the IISc Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
- Objectives of the Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
- How to Apply
- Selection Process
- Why IISc Post-Doctoral Fellowship Matters
- FAQs
What is the IISc Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF)?
The Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru is one of the premiere fellowship schemes for researchers who have submitted their doctoral thesis (or who have completed a PhD) to pursue independent or collaborative research in departments or centres in IISc. The fellowship seeks both Indian citizens and OCI / foreign nationals to join departments or centres at IISc in cutting-edge areas and across disciplines in science and engineering. With monthly stipends up to ₹80,000, annual research grants, and access to elite faculty mentorship, IISc IPDF stands out among private and government postdoc programs. This guide covers everything you need to know—from objective to eligibility and application steps to funding details and review timelines.
Objectives of the Fellowship
- Provide early-career researchers with the equipment and resources to conduct excellent research projects at IISc.
- Encourage working across disciplines, beyond conventional departmental boundaries.
- Recruit talent from India and abroad to join the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
- Support fellows to publish, mentor, and contribute to IISc’s research outcomes and innovations.
Eligibility & Financial Support
Eligibility Criteria
PhD Requirement
- Must possess PhD or must have submitted PhD thesis (prove with documents, must have submitted).
Academic Record
- Must have “First Class” or equivalent in the degree before the PhD and a good record throughout.
Age Limit
- Preferably less than age of 32 at the time of application.
Nationality
- Eligibility – Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and foreign nationals can apply.
Fellowship Amount
- ₹80,000/month + applicable HRA (If already have an awarded PhD).
- ₹50,000/month + HRA (If the PhD thesis is submitted but not yet a PhD, and no research grant has been received until awarded PhD).
Research Grant
- Rs. 2,00,000 per year (for fellows who have a PhD awarded)
Duration
- Fellowship is initially for one year, possible extension of another year agreed based on evaluation.
How to Apply
Host Faculty Member Permission
- First, the candidate must locate a faculty member within the Department or Centre of IISc who is willing to host the post-doc. A letter or email of permission from the faculty member is required.
Application Submission via Portal
- Submit your application online through the IISc Post-Doctoral application portal for IPDF. The application must include all documentation required.
Review Process
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, but are reviewed on a quarterly basis on designated review dates: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, and 31 December. Decisions are anticipated within six weeks after each review date.
Check out the official website for more details https://iisc.ac.in/careers/post-doctoral-fellowship/
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes a comprehensive list of publications.
- PDFs of at least two and up to five significant publications.
- Research plan (≈ 500 words) proposed.
- A consent letter or email from the faculty member who will be the host of the fellow.
- Proof of a PhD degree certificate, or provisional/ submitted PhD thesis certificate.
- Any other relevant information / supporting documentation the candidate wishes to provide.
Selection Process
- Applications are checked for eligibility and completeness.
- A fraction of the applicants are invited for interviews (in person or via video conference).
- The final decision is made based upon research proposals, publication records, mentoring ability of the host faculty, and overall fit with IISc research objectives.
Why the IISc IPDF Fellowship Matters
- It presents a solid postdoctoral experience at one of India’s premier research institutions and provides a decent financial stipend with a significant research grant.
- It also provides an opportunity for Indian and foreign researchers to receive support from the institution, lab space, mentorship, and a chance to build a publication record.
- Since applications are reviewed every quarter, timing is flexible.
- It assists early-career researchers in transitioning from PhD to independent researcher roles while contributing to innovation and high-quality science.
FAQs
Q: If I have submitted my PhD thesis and have not yet defended, can I apply?
Ans: Yes, that is an eligible candidate, but the monthly fellowship will only be ₹50,000 + HRA, and no research grant will be provided until the PhD degree is conferred (awarded).
Q: Are OCI / Foreign nationals eligible?
Ans: Yes, OCI / Foreign nationals are eligible to apply.
Q: Is the fellowship non-transferable?
Ans: Yes, the IPDF is non-transferable. Fellows can only fulfil their research and obligations at IISc.
Q: When will I know the results?
Ans: Generally, results are communicated in six weeks after the quarterly review date associated with each application.
Conclusion:
Whether you’ve recently submitted your PhD thesis or already hold a doctorate, IISC Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF) offers generous financial support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quarterly application reviews for flexible entry. With ₹2 lakh annual research grants and access to IISc’s advanced labs, the IPDF empowers scholars to publish, mentor, and innovate at scale. If you’re aiming for a high-impact postdoc experience in India, the IISc IPDF is your gateway to excellence.
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