Central GovernmentVerified

Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research

Ministry: Ministry Of Science And Technology

Department: Department Of Science & Technology

Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research scheme is a prestigious initiative of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India towards the advancement of university research engagements in line with industry requirement.

Last verifiedToday
Source: myScheme.gov.in ↗Last verified: 5 Oct 2026·YojnaGuru is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government body

About This Scheme

The "Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research" is an initiative of the Science and Engineering Research Board under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. The scheme supports young researchers to pursue industry-relevant Ph.D. research in reputed institutions across India. It aims to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medicine. Selected fellows receive financial support, industry exposure, and mentorship from academic and industry experts. The fellowship is implemented by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry on behalf of SERB. > Duration of Fellowship: • As per the provisions of the scheme, the scholarship is given for a maximum period of four years.

Benefits

  1. Under this scheme, full-time PhD scholars get double the JRF/SRF fellowship amount, as a scholarship.
  2. The scheme has the provision to award up to 100 new scholarships every year. One-half of this scholarship comes from the government; the second half comes from a partner company that also works closely with the candidate on the research project.

Eligibility

Note: You may be eligible based on the information shown. Please verify the official eligibility requirements before applying.
  • •

    The applicant should be Indian.

  • •

    The applicant should be a full-time PhD scholar in any recognized Indian university/institute/research laboratory.

  • •

    The scholar’s PhD registration date should not be more than 14 months from the date of submission of application i.e. the applicant should apply within 14 months of PhD admission/registration whichever date is earlier.

  • •

    The applicant should have a valid industry partner who should be ready to support the research project financially as well as provide guidance and mentorship.

  • •

    The mutually agreed topic of research, between the applicant and the supporting company, should be innovative, have practical relevance, and have industrial application.

  • •

    The selected applicant should be willing to work with/in the supporting company as and when required during the project period.

  • •

    The applicant should not draw any other fellowship after the selection.

Required Documents

  • ✦
    Recent Passport Size Picture
  • ✦
    PhD Enrolment & Registration Certificate
  • ✦
    th, 12th, Graduation & Post-Graduation Certificate
  • ✦
    Scan Other Degree / Diploma Certificates (if applicable)
  • ✦
    Profile of the host institute
  • ✦
    Bio-data of PhD Supervisor, not exceeding 3 pages
  • ✦
    Profile of Partner Company with Logo
  • ✦
    Bio-data of Industry Mentor, not exceeding 3 pages
  • ✦
    Undertaking from the Research Supervisor and Head of the Organization of the Institute / University
  • ✦
    Undertaking from the Industry Partner in the Research Project
  • ✦
    Letter from the Industry Partner (on the company’s letterhead) on the research problem and the future plans for implementation, if any
  • ✦
    Publications
  • ✦
    Research Synopsis
  • ✦
    Any other document, as required

✦ Required ◦ Optional

How to Apply

OOnline
Application Procedure:

Step 1: Register as a student on the portal: www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in or www.serbficci-iirrada.in.

Step 2: The application form should be prepared according to the guidelines and submitted online through the website as mentioned below:-

Step 3: Download the Call for Proposal and Document Checklist.

Step 4: Tie up with a company and get the required undertakings signed by a valid signatory in the company as well as in the host institute.

Step 5: Collect all documents and make digital copies of each.

Step 6: Fill out the application form online (the form cannot be downloaded and requires net connectivity while filling).

Step 7: Submit application.

Note: Do not send any physical copy of the application/documents to CII / FICCI.

Selection Parameters:
  • The projects should be innovative and of high scientific merit; with discrete R&D as opposed to exploratory investigation.
  • The proposed research project should have a high commercialization potential.
  • The applicant, the academic guide, and the industry mentor should have a strong track record.