The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has extended the registration deadline for the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) 2024-25 to November 15. This fellowship supports 200 full-time Indian research scholars annually, promoting advanced research in AICTE-approved institutions. The council has revised eligibility criteria, stipend amounts, and selection rules to enhance the fellowship program.
- Application deadline extended to November 15, 2024
- Eligibility limited to PhD holders in specific disciplines with quality publications or patents
- Monthly fellowship stipend set at Rs 80,000 plus applicable HRA
- Annual research grant of Rs 2,00,000 and overheads of Rs 50,000 provided
- Selection based on academic performance, publications, research proposal, and interview
What assistance does the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship provide?
The AICTE PDF offers financial support to selected fellows through a monthly stipend and annual grants. Fellows receive Rs 80,000 per month along with applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA). Additionally, they get a research grant of Rs 2,00,000 per year to cover minor equipment, consumables, contingency expenses, and domestic travel. Overheads of Rs 50,000 per annum are also provided. However, the fellowship does not fund research personnel, and fellows must independently conduct their research.
Who is eligible to apply for the AICTE PhD fellowship?
Eligibility criteria have been revised to focus on candidates from specific academic backgrounds. Only those with a PhD degree from a recognized university in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering and technology, management, design, planning, applied arts and crafts, hotel management and catering technology, computer applications, applied sciences, or interdisciplinary areas can apply.
General category candidates must have at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA at the postgraduate or undergraduate level. Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/women/PWD) receive a 5% relaxation in marks. Candidates must also have quality publications indexed in SCI, SCI-E, or SCOPUS, or hold granted patents.
How are candidates selected for the fellowship?
The selection process involves shortlisting based on the candidate’s PhD accomplishments, the professional standing of their supervisor and university, and their published research papers. Evaluation parameters include academic performance at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, research publications or patents, the quality of the research proposal, and an interview.
| Academic/Research Activity | Weightage Marks |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Percentage | 10 (scaled from 5 to 10 based on marks) |
| Postgraduate Percentage | 10 |
| Research Publications (SCI/SCIE/Scopus) and/or Patents | 10 |
| Research Proposal | 10 |
| Interview | 10 |
| Total | 50 |
For candidates who completed postgraduate studies through an integrated course, the total weightage for the integrated course is 20 marks. A merit list is prepared based on these criteria, with preference given to candidates with more publications of higher impact and patents.
Are candidates allowed to receive other fellowships during the AICTE PDF tenure?
No, candidates are not permitted to receive any other fellowship from government or non-government sources while holding the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
