AICTE extends post-doctoral fellowship deadline to November 15: Rs 80,000/month
By TUF News Desk · Published 18 October 2026 · 4 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
PhD holders eyeing the All India Council for Technical Education’s Post-Doctoral Fellowship have four extra weeks. AICTE has extended the last date for submitting and verifying online applications under the scheme to November 15, 2026, through a public notice dated October 16. The extension covers both the submission of the application and its verification by the host institution.
Rs 80,000 a month plus research money
Along with the extension, the council has revised the grants attached to the fellowship. Selected fellows will now receive Rs 80,000 a month plus applicable HRA, an annual research grant of Rs 2,00,000 and overheads of Rs 50,000 a year.
The research grant can go toward minor equipment, consumables, contingency expenses and domestic travel. The scheme does not pay for research personnel, so the fellow is expected to carry out the proposed work independently. Fellows also cannot hold any other fellowship, government or otherwise, during the tenure.
The scheme funds 200 full-time scholars a year and is meant to draw PhD holders into research and development careers at AICTE-approved institutions. The fellowship runs for one year at first and can be extended by another year if the review committee finds the work satisfactory.
Who can apply
Eligibility is specific. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline: engineering and technology, management, design, planning, applied arts and crafts, hotel management and catering technology, computer applications, applied sciences or interdisciplinary areas. General-category candidates need at least 55 percent marks at the UG or PG level, with a 5 percent relaxation for reserved categories.
Applicants must be under 35 on the last date. SC, ST, women and PwD candidates get a five-year relaxation, and OBC candidates three years. Applicants cannot be in regular employment.
The research itself must be full-time at an AICTE-approved institution, under a supervisor who is an approved PhD guide at that university or institute. Before applying, the host institution has to create the candidate’s unique ID on the portal; without it, the online form cannot be submitted.
How selection works
Selection is scored out of 50. UG and PG percentages carry 10 marks each. Research publications in SCI, SCIE or Scopus-indexed journals and patents carry 10, the research proposal carries 10, and the interview carries 10. The shortlisting also weighs what the candidate achieved during the PhD, the professional standing of the supervisor and the host university, and the papers published at the time of application.
What to do before November 15
Eligible candidates can apply through the official AICTE website. The October 16 notice does not change the eligibility rules, so the existing scheme guidelines apply. Since the host institution must create the candidate ID and verify the application, candidates should contact their proposed supervisor and institute well before the deadline instead of waiting for the last day.
If a PhD is still a few years away for you, the scholarships guide for Indian university students tracks the major funding options available at the postgraduate level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new last date for AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship applications?
November 15, 2026. AICTE’s public notice dated October 16 extended the deadline for submitting and verifying online applications under the Post-Doctoral Fellowship (APDF) scheme.
How much does the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship pay?
Under the revised grants, fellows receive Rs 80,000 a month plus HRA, an annual research grant of Rs 2,00,000 and Rs 50,000 a year in overheads.
Who is eligible for the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
PhD holders under 35 in relevant disciplines, with at least 55 percent marks at the UG or PG level (relaxations for reserved categories), who are not in regular employment. The host institution must be AICTE-approved, and the supervisor an approved PhD guide.
Where do I apply for the fellowship?
On the official AICTE portal at aicte.gov.in. The host institution must first create the applicant’s unique candidate ID before the online form can be submitted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new last date for AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship applications?
November 15, 2026. AICTE's public notice dated October 16 extended the deadline for submitting and verifying online applications under the Post-Doctoral Fellowship (APDF) scheme.
How much does the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship pay?
Under the revised grants, fellows receive Rs 80,000 a month plus HRA, an annual research grant of Rs 2,00,000 and Rs 50,000 a year in overheads.
Who is eligible for the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
PhD holders under 35 in relevant disciplines, with at least 55 percent marks at the UG or PG level (relaxations for reserved categories), who are not in regular employment. The host institution must be AICTE-approved, and the supervisor an approved PhD guide.
Where do I apply for the fellowship?
On the official AICTE portal at aicte.gov.in. The host institution must first create the applicant's unique candidate ID before the online form can be submitted.
Sources: Careers360, EduAdvice