IndiaAI Research Fellowship 2026 for PhD Scholars

IndiaAI Research Fellowship 2026 for PhD Scholars – Up to INR 80,000 Monthly Fellowship

The IndiaAI Research Fellowship 2026, under the IndiaAI initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, invites applications from eligible PhD scholars pursuing research in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The fellowship aims to advance AI research and support future innovators through monthly financial assistance, research contingency funding, and international conference support.

Selected scholars may receive a monthly fellowship of up to INR 80,000, a research contingency grant of up to INR 10 lakh, and international conference support of up to INR 1 lakh, subject to applicable conditions and approval.

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Position Overview

About the IndiaAI Research Fellowship

The IndiaAI Research Fellowship is designed to support doctoral scholars working in Artificial Intelligence and encourage advanced research and innovation.

The programme provides financial assistance to eligible PhD scholars, helping them pursue AI research while accessing additional support for research activities and international academic engagement.

The fellowship focuses on:

• Advancing research in Artificial Intelligence.

• Supporting doctoral researchers and future AI innovators.

• Providing financial assistance for PhD research.

• Supporting research-related expenditure through contingency funding.

• Encouraging participation in international academic conferences.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

As specified in the programme announcement, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be freshly admitted or first-year PhD scholars.

• Be enrolled in a full-time PhD programme.

• Be pursuing research in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Applicants must also satisfy any additional eligibility requirements, applicable conditions, and approval procedures specified on the official fellowship portal.

The announcement does not specify minimum academic marks, age limits, or detailed institutional eligibility requirements.

Fellowship Amount and Financial Benefits

The IndiaAI Research Fellowship offers a structured monthly fellowship that increases over the supported research period.

Monthly Fellowship Structure

The fellowship amount ranges from INR 70,000 to INR 80,000 per month, depending on the year of support.

All financial assistance is subject to eligibility, applicable conditions, and approval.

Additional Research Support

In addition to the monthly fellowship, the programme provides financial support for research activities and international academic participation.

1. Research Contingency Grant

Funding Available: Up to INR 10 lakh

The programme provides a research contingency grant to support eligible research-related requirements.

The specific permissible expenditure categories and disbursement conditions should be checked on the official portal.

2. International Conference Support

Funding Available: Up to INR 1 lakh

The fellowship also includes support for international conference participation.

This provision is intended to facilitate academic engagement and the dissemination of research findings through international conferences.

The applicable eligibility and reimbursement conditions are subject to programme guidelines.

Research Area

Primary Research Domain: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The fellowship is intended for full-time doctoral scholars pursuing AI research.

Specific AI subfields, priority research themes, and discipline-wise requirements are not listed in the announcement. Applicants should refer to the official programme guidelines for detailed research eligibility.

Fellowship Duration

The advertised financial support structure covers Years 1–5 of the fellowship.

The programme provides progressively higher monthly support over this period.

Continuation, annual review, renewal requirements, and disbursement conditions are subject to the applicable fellowship guidelines and approvals.

Selection Process

The announcement does not specify the detailed selection procedure.

Applicants should consult the official IndiaAI Research Fellowship portal for information regarding:

• Application screening and eligibility verification.

• Required academic and research documents.

• Evaluation or selection criteria.

• Approval and fellowship award procedures.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official IndiaAI Research Fellowship portal.

Online Application Process

1. Visit the official fellowship website: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in

2. Review the programme eligibility criteria and applicable conditions.

3. Access the online application facility.

4. Complete the application with the required academic and research information.

5. Submit the necessary documents as specified on the portal.

6. Complete the application process before 30 November 2026.

Apply Online: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in

Applicants are advised to verify all programme guidelines and documentation requirements before submission.

Official Fellowship Details

Programme: IndiaAI Research Fellowship 2026

Organisation: IndiaAI

Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India

Opportunity: Research Fellowship for PhD Scholars

Research Area: Artificial Intelligence

Eligibility: Freshly admitted or first-year, full-time PhD scholars pursuing AI research

Monthly Fellowship: INR 70,000–80,000

Additional Financial Support:

• Research Contingency Grant: Up to INR 10 lakh

• International Conference Support: Up to INR 1 lakh

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Official Application Link: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in

Conclusion

The IndiaAI Research Fellowship 2026 offers an opportunity for eligible doctoral scholars to pursue advanced research in Artificial Intelligence with structured financial assistance and additional research support.

Interested candidates should review the official fellowship guidelines and complete their applications by 30 November 2026.

Note: Fellowship awards, financial assistance, and additional research grants are subject to eligibility, applicable conditions, and approval.

Job Domain: Computer Science & Engineering – Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Research and Doctoral Studies.