The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has announced its Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program 2026, offering young researchers an excellent opportunity to pursue advanced research in science and engineering.

The fellowship provides financial support, research grants, and the chance to collaborate with world-class scientists at one of India’s most prestigious research institutions located in Bengaluru.

For PhD graduates aiming to build an academic or research career, this program is considered one of the best postdoctoral opportunities in India.

🎓 About IISc Post-Doctoral Fellowship

The IISc Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF) is designed to attract talented researchers from India and around the world.

The fellowship allows scholars to work with IISc faculty members on cutting-edge research projects across multiple disciplines.

Researchers gain access to:

• Advanced laboratories

• International collaborations

• Research funding

• High-impact publication opportunities

This program helps scholars strengthen their research profile before applying for faculty or senior research positions.

💰 Fellowship Benefits

Selected candidates receive attractive financial support.

Monthly Fellowship

• ₹80,000 per month

Additional Benefits

• House Rent Allowance (HRA) if accommodation is not provided

• ₹2 lakh annual research grant

For Thesis Submitted Candidates

If the PhD thesis is submitted but the degree is not yet awarded:

• ₹50,000 per month + HRA

• upgraded to ₹80,000 after degree award.

These benefits allow researchers to focus entirely on high-quality research without financial stress.

⏳ Duration of the Fellowship

The fellowship is initially offered for:

1 Year

Based on performance and research progress, it may be extended for:

1 additional year

👉 Maximum duration: 2 Years

👨‍🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualification

• PhD degree in relevant discipline

• Strong academic background

Research Profile

• Good publication record in reputed journals

• Strong research proposal

Age Requirement

• Preferably below 32 years

International Applicants

The fellowship is open to international candidates and OCI applicants.

🔬 Research Areas Available

The fellowship covers research in several disciplines.

Science Fields

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Mathematics

Engineering Fields

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

Interdisciplinary Research

IISc encourages collaboration across departments.

🧑‍🔬 Faculty Supervisor Requirement

Before applying, candidates must:

1. Identify a faculty member at IISc

2. Obtain their approval as supervisor

3. Submit application with their recommendation

This ensures the fellow joins an active research group.

📅 Application Review Cycles

Applications are reviewed four times per year.

Review Deadlines

• 31 March

• 30 June

• 30 September

• 31 December

The selection decision is typically communicated within 45 days after the review.

🌍 Why IISc is One of the Best Research Institutes

The Indian Institute of Science is consistently ranked among the top research institutions in India.

Reasons researchers choose IISc:

✔ world-class laboratories
✔ top faculty researchers
✔ global collaborations
✔ strong funding support
✔ high research impact

Working at IISc significantly improves chances of securing international academic or industry research positions.

📊 Quick Overview