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Science, IT & Communications; Education & Learning

Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT: Young Faculty Research Fellowships

This fellowship is meant for Young Faculty having regular position at their institution and proven track record in research. Support is provisioned for 50 candidates, for an initial period of support of 2 years, extendible till 5 years based on performance review.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Nature of Support: | - Research Fellowship: ₹20,000/- per month, in addition to the regular salary - Research Contingency Grant: ₹5,00,000/- per year for a maximum of 5 years - The fellowship is tenable only in India and can be implemented in any of the recognized & eligible academic and R&D institution. | - Research Contingency Grant can be used for minor equipment, consumables and domestic travel. The host institution should provide necessary administrative and infrastructural support for YFRF. | - The fellows are not eligible to receive any other fellowship from any Government or Non-Government source during the tenure of the fellowship. | - YFRFs are non-transferrable. The research work is to be carried out in the same eligible institution though which YFRF proposal was submitted. | Duration of Support: | - The fellowship is purely a temporary assignment, and is tenable for a maximum period of 05 years. | - The award will initially be for 2 years and further extendible, based on performance review.

Who can apply

Appropriate progress is not being made.; The grant is not being utilized properly.; Violation/ Non-compliance of guidelines.; Any other reason, which is deemed appropriate by PhD Cell, DIC, MeitY.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the main objective of the YFRF scheme?

The main objective is to encourage high-quality research in emerging areas of ESDM and IT/ITES by supporting talented young faculty members in academic and R&D institutions.

How many fellowships are awarded under this scheme?

A total of 50 fellowships are provisioned.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship is awarded for an initial period of 2 years, extendable up to a maximum of 5 years based on performance review.

Which institutions are eligible to participate in the scheme?

Please visit https://phd.dic.gov.in/eligibility for eligibility criteria

What support is available for Young Faculty Research Fellowship?

- Fellowship of ₹20,000 per month (in addition to regular salary). | - Research Contingency Grant of ₹5 lakh per year

Can faculty from private institutions apply for the Young Faculty Research Fellowship?

Yes, if the institution & applicant meet the eligibility criteria specified in the guidelines

Can an awardee of another research fellowship avail the Young Faculty Research Fellowship?

No, the candidate must opt for only one fellowship.

How a faculty can apply for Young Faculty Research Fellowship (YFRF)?

PhD Cell invites nominations periodically from eligible institutions for award of YFRF under the scheme. Subsequently the nominations received are evaluated and accordingly, the fellowships are awarded.

What are the research areas?

ESDM & IT / ITeS

Is the fellowship tenable outside India?

No, it is tenable only in India at recognized academic and R&D institutions.

Is there an age limit for applying?

Yes, the maximum age is 40 years on the date of submission of application.

Can I apply if I have already availed YFRF in the past?

No, the fellowship can be availed only once in a career.

Can I apply directly as an individual?

No, proposals must be submitted through eligible institutions only.