The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has announced the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme 2026 under its Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division.
This fellowship aims to strengthen India’s transition toward a clean and sustainable hydrogen economy.
This fellowship provides Hands-on experience in advanced hydrogen ecosystems and International research exposure in the Netherlands. Interested researchers can apply online by 06 March 2026.
Fellowship Categories
| Category | Duration | Host Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Fellows | 12 Months | University in the Netherlands |
| Postdoctoral Fellows | 12 Months | University in the Netherlands |
| Faculty (Assistant/Associate Professor) | Up to 12 Months | University in the Netherlands |
Key Research Themes
The programme supports India-relevant hydrogen research, including:
- Low-Carbon and Clean Hydrogen Production
- Hydrogen Compression, Storage, Transport, and Distribution
- Digital Twinning and Simulation for Hydrogen Systems
- Hydrogen Utilization Pathways
- Techno-Economic and Life-Cycle Studies
- Policy and Regulatory Studies for Hydrogen Economy
- Institutional Capacity-Building and Industry Linkages
- Hydrogen Safety, Standards, and Testing Across the Entire Value Chain
- Socio-economic Impact of the Hydrogen Economy
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Indian nationals working in the field of engineering science, basic science, social and humanities, economics and finance, public policy, and safety engineering
Doctoral Fellows
- Applicants must be registered PhD scholars in India
- The applicant is expected to submit their thesis at least 8 months after fellowship completion
Postdoctoral Fellows
- The applicant must have a Ph.D. degree within the past four years from a recognized Indian university or research institution.
- Reputed journal publications are required.
Faculty Fellowship
The applicant must be a full-time, regular faculty member (Assistant Professor or Associate Professor) at a recognized Indian university or R&D institution.
Selection Process
The applicant must obtain an acceptance letter from the host institution (in the Netherlands). The selection will follow a two-tier evaluation system:
Tier I – Preliminary Evaluation
The DST National Expert Advisory Committee (NEAC) will evaluate all submitted applications based on Proposal quality and Relevance to India’s hydrogen ecosystem.
Tier II – Presentation and Interaction
Shortlisted applicants will defend their proposal before the DST NEAC.
Download Official Notification