Sarkari Yojana

ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship

Quick Summary: ICMR's Post-Doctoral Fellowship gives fresh PhD/MD/MS holders (under 32, relaxable) a two-year research placement at ICMR institutes, paying ₹65,000/month plus HRA and a ₹3 lakh annual contingency grant. About 50 fellowships are awarded each year, continuing the candidate's doctoral research under a Scientist-C-or-above guide.

About ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, runs the “ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF)” to advance health-sciences research, giving fresh PhD, MD, or MS holders the chance to work at ICMR institutes and centres. It focuses on research in basic science, communicable and non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, and nutrition, awarding around 50 fellowships annually to deserving candidates who gain access to modern research facilities and expert mentorship. The scheme aims to strengthen high-quality research and build skilled health-sector professionals.

Scheme Overview

Government Level

Central Government

Ministry

Ministry Of Health & Family Welfare

Implementing Agency

Indian Council Of Medical Research, Government Of India

Eligible Entity

Individual

Scheme Details

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship , applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

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ICMR-PDF is open only to Indian nationals

ICMR-PDF is open only to Indian nationals.

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Candidates who completed their Ph.D./MD/MS within the last…

Candidates who completed their Ph.D./MD/MS within the last three years (as on the application's last date), including those with a provisional degree, may apply.

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The proposed post-doctoral research must continue the candidate's…

The proposed post-doctoral research must continue the candidate's Ph.D. or MD/MS work; otherwise the application will be rejected.

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The maximum age is 32, relaxable by up…

The maximum age is 32, relaxable by up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates and women.

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Deserving candidates may get up to a further…

Deserving candidates may get up to a further 3 years' relaxation based on prior work, publications, and awards, on the sponsoring Director/Director-in-Charge's request; the Director General, ICMR, decides this on the screening committee's recommendation.

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The PDF Guide must hold at least Scientist-C…

The PDF Guide must hold at least Scientist-C grade.

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Postgraduate medical students may also pursue ICMR's PDF…

Postgraduate medical students may also pursue ICMR's PDF at MCI-recognized postgraduate medical colleges that have graduated at least three postgraduate batches. Note 01: A result notification/certificate, or a notification of thesis submission/viva-voce, will not be accepted as proof of degree completion. Note 02: A Plagiarism Check Report, with a declaration, must accompany the PDF proposal and application. Note 03: The list of ICMR Institutes/Centers and their focus areas/R&D activities is on the ICMR website.

Applicants must meet all of the above conditions to be considered eligible for this scheme.
Benefits

Benefits Provided

ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:

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Monthly Fellowship:

₹65,000/- per month, plus HRA and NPA per Government rules.

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Contingency Grant:

₹3,00,000/- per year for research expenses.

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Travel Support:

Up to 25% of the contingency grant for research-related domestic travel.

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Tenure Duration:

2 years, extendable by 1 more year based on performance.

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Refund Clause:

The fellowship amount must be refunded if the fellow leaves before completing 1 year.

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Fund Disbursement:

Fellowship and contingency grants are released every six months.

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Accommodation Facility:

Accommodation may be provided (HRA doesn't apply if so).

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Medical & Leave Benefits:

As per ICMR's rules for fellows.

Benefit amounts and conditions may vary by category — refer to the official scheme guidelines for exact figures applicable to your case.
Documents Required

Documents Required

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:

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Passport-size photograph

Passport-size photograph.

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Attested copy of School Leaving/High School/Secondary School Certificate…

Attested copy of School Leaving/High School/Secondary School Certificate (for date of birth).

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Attested copies of mark sheets/grade cards and degrees

Attested copies of mark sheets/grade cards and degrees.

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Attested copy of the caste certificate, where applicable

Attested copy of the caste certificate, where applicable.

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Reprints of publications

Reprints of publications.

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A one-page summary of the Ph.D

A one-page summary of the Ph.D. thesis.

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Attested copies of acceptance letter(s) for paper(s) accepted…

Attested copies of acceptance letter(s) for paper(s) accepted for publication, plus pre-prints.

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A detailed research proposal

A detailed research proposal.

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Testimonials from two referees (one must be the…

Testimonials from two referees (one must be the Ph.D. Guide).

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Plagiarism Check Report, verified by ICMR-RIO

Plagiarism Check Report, verified by ICMR-RIO. Documents Format: Click here.

Ensure all documents are valid and, where required, duly attested before submitting your application.

How to Apply

Offline Application

Applicants can apply for ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship through the offline application process outlined below.

Last Date of Application (30th June and 31st December Every Year)

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Eligible candidates visit ICMR's official website and download…

Eligible candidates visit ICMR's official website and download the application form.

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Complete the application form fully and sign where…

Complete the application form fully and sign where required.

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No field should be left blank — write…

No field should be left blank — write NA/Nil where applicable. Step 04: Use additional sheets where needed, with the relevant column headings and proper references.

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Attach all requisite documents, along with self-attested photocopies…

Attach all requisite documents, along with self-attested photocopies as needed.

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Send the fully completed application, per the prescribed…

Send the fully completed application, per the prescribed format, to: Director General (Kind Attention)
Also email a soft copy to pdfhrd.icmrat]gmaildot]com.
Clearly write "Application for ICMR centenary post-doctoral fellowship" on the envelope. Note 01: Incomplete applications may be rejected. Note 02: Complete applications must reach by the closing date noted above. Note 03: Candidates should contact the Director/Officer-in-Charge of the ICMR Institute/Centre they wish to join for their PDF. Note 04: Applicants can check a particular ICMR Institute/Centre's website to learn about its activities and mandate. Note 05: Applications lacking a recommendation from the sponsoring ICMR institute/centre's Director/Officer-in-charge will not be considered. Mode of Selection:
A Selection Committee, constituted by DG, ICMR, interviews shortlisted candidates and selects "ICMR Centenary Post Doctoral Fellows" based on their publications, citations, and impact factors.
Interviews take place at ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi.
Eligible candidates must route applications through the sponsoring ICMR Institute/Centre; suitable applicants from abroad may be considered in absentia.

Ensure all required documents are ready before starting the application process.

Official Application & Website

Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.

Official Sources & References