IIT Madras Fellowship 2026: PhD Holders Can Apply, Check Eligibility, Age Limit and Selection Process

 

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has invited applications for its Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme for researchers who have completed their PhD and wish to pursue advanced research at the institute.

The fellowship is aimed at researchers looking to strengthen their academic and research careers through independent work under the guidance of IIT Madras faculty members.

IIT Madras fellowship 2026: Who can apply?

According to the fellowship guidelines, candidates must have completed their PhD within five years before applying. Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis may also apply, subject to fulfilling the required conditions.

The maximum age limit is 32 years on the date of joining the fellowship.

Age relaxation is available for certain categories. SC, ST and women candidates will receive a five-year relaxation, while OBC-NCL candidates will be eligible for a three-year relaxation.

Candidates are also required to demonstrate a strong research record. Applicants must have at least two Q1 journal publications in which they are listed as the primary contributor.

Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis but have not yet received the degree can apply. However, they will be required to submit a provisional degree certificate within six months of joining the fellowship.

How to apply for IIT Madras Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Applicants must first identify an IIT Madras faculty member whose research area aligns with their proposed work.

Candidates are required to discuss their research proposal with the faculty member and obtain their consent before submitting the application.

Once submitted, applications will undergo scrutiny by the concerned department. Eligible candidates will then be invited to give a seminar, during which their research proposal and expertise will be assessed.

The Departmental Evaluation Committee will evaluate factors including the originality of the proposed research, the candidate's research experience and the potential contribution of the proposed work to the department.

Candidates who successfully clear the departmental evaluation will move to the next stage of the selection process.

The shortlisted applicants will be considered by the Institute Selection Committee, which will conduct interviews before making recommendations to the Director for final approval.

IIT Madras fellowship tenure

The Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship will have a minimum tenure of two years.

Initially, the fellowship will be offered for one year. It may subsequently be extended for up to two additional years, depending on the fellow's research performance and other applicable conditions.

Interested candidates should carefully review the official fellowship guidelines and application requirements before applying.