The IndiaAI Fellowship Programme has opened applications for the 2026–27 academic year.
The programme is offering financial support to eligible Indian students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated dual-degree, and PhD programmes.
The initiative aims to strengthen India’s AI research ecosystem by supporting students working in AI and related fields.
Eligible PhD scholars can receive a monthly fellowship of up to ₹80,000 and an annual research grant of ₹2 lakh
Interested Candidates can submit their applications by November 30, 2026.
Overview of the IndiaAI Research Fellowship 2026–27
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | IndiaAI Research Fellowship |
| Academic Session | 2026–27 |
| Organising Initiative | IndiaAI FutureSkills |
| Target Applicants | Eligible UG, PG, Integrated Dual-Degree and PhD students |
| Research Area | Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields |
| PhD Fellowship | ₹70,000–₹80,000 per month |
| Annual Research Grant | ₹2 lakh |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | November 30, 2026 |
| Official Website | https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/ |
Fellowship Benefits for PhD Scholars
The IndiaAI Research Fellowship provides financial support to eligible doctoral researchers throughout their PhD programme, subject to the scheme’s terms and conditions.
1. Monthly Fellowship Amount
Selected PhD scholars can receive the following monthly fellowship amounts:
| PhD Year | Monthly Fellowship |
|---|---|
| First Year | ₹70,000 |
| Second Year | ₹70,000 |
| Third Year | ₹75,000 |
| Fourth Year | ₹80,000 |
| Fifth Year | ₹80,000 |
The fellowship amounts include applicable allowances, such as House Rent Allowance (HRA).
2. Annual Research Grant
In addition to the monthly fellowship, eligible PhD scholars can receive a research grant of ₹2 lakh per year. This funding can help scholars meet research-related expenses and strengthen their academic work.
3. International Conference Travel Support
PhD scholars whose research papers are accepted at eligible international AI conferences with an h5-index rating above 100 may qualify for one-time financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh towards travel and/or accommodation expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Applicants
- Candidates need to have a confirmed admission to a PhD Course.
- The Research Domain must be based on AI and/or any other related field.
- Can apply only during enrolment into the PhD program.
- Candidates must have secured at least 8.0 CGPA or 80% in their undergraduate degree, or at least 7.5 CGPA or 75% in their postgraduate degree, as specified in the guidelines.
- Part-time students are not eligible to apply.
Documents Required for PhD Applicants
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their applications:
- Institute Endorsement Letter
- Bank Account Proof
- Academic Mark Sheets
- Passport-Size Photograph
How to Apply for the IndiaAI Research Fellowship 2026–27
The application process involves coordination between participating academic institutions and eligible scholars. According to the programme’s process, institutions first register and nominate eligible candidates, after which the scholar completes the application through the fellowship portal.
The general process is outlined below:
- Check Institutional Participation
- Contact the Institute’s Nodal Officer
- Complete the Institutional Nomination
- Once the required institutional process is completed, follow the instructions to access the fellowship portal.
- Fill in the Application Form
- Upload the Required Documents
- Submit and Track the Application
The application will undergo the prescribed verification and selection process. Fellowship approval is subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements and final decision.
What If Your Institute Is Not Listed?
PhD scholars whose institutions are not listed on the fellowship portal should contact their institution’s nodal officer or the appropriate institutional authority.
The nodal officer can use the official registration link to initiate the institutional registration process, where applicable:
Nodal Officer Registration: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/nodal-registration
Official Links
- Apply Online: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/
- Updated Fellowship Guidelines: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/formats/Updated_Guidelines_IndiaAI_Fellowship_010725.pdf