Delhi government fellowship, Delhi Archives Fellowship, Delhi Archaeology Fellowship, heritage conservation, research fellowship 2026, and Delhi heritage research are gaining attention after the Delhi government approved two annual fellowship programmes aimed at strengthening archival studies, archaeological research and the preservation of the national capital's rich historical legacy. The initiatives seek to promote academic research, digitisation, conservation and public engagement while developing skilled professionals in heritage management.

The newly approved Research Fellowship in Archives and Research Fellowship in Archaeology will be implemented by the Departments of Delhi Archives and Archaeology, respectively.

Under the Archives Fellowship, the government will support 15 researchers each year for a one-year tenure. The programme includes 10 Senior Research Fellows (SRFs) who will receive a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 and five Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) who will receive ₹25,000 per month.

Research under the archives programme will span seven key areas, including records management, conservation and preservation of archival material, digitisation of historical records, information dissemination, microfilming and reprography, research and publications, and oriental languages such as Urdu and Persian. Fellows will work with rare manuscripts, historical maps, photographs and administrative records to explore Delhi's institutional history, urban development, environmental history, festivals, cinema and social life.

The Research Fellowship in Archaeology will engage 12 researchers annually, including three SRFs each in archaeology and conservation, along with three JRFs in both disciplines. Senior fellows will receive ₹50,000 per month, while junior fellows will receive ₹25,000 per month.

The archaeology fellowship will focus on themes such as the earliest settlements in the Delhi Ridge and Yamuna basin, Painted Grey Ware and Northern Black Polished Ware cultures, early historic Delhi, ancient trade routes, archaeology of the Yamuna floodplain, monument conservation, digital documentation, climate change impacts on heritage, public archaeology, community participation and protection of heritage sites from encroachment.

According to the Delhi government, the fellowship programmes aim to strengthen research capacity in archival science, archaeology and heritage conservation while encouraging the use of modern conservation technologies and digital tools. Fellows will also be encouraged to publish their research, organise exhibitions and conduct outreach programmes to enhance public awareness and ensure the long-term preservation of Delhi's documentary and archaeological heritage.