Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) continues to invite applications for the ICMR Centenary-Post Doctoral Fellowship in 2026. This scheme gives fresh PhD, MD, or MS graduates a chance to do advanced research at ICMR centers across India. Selected candidates get a monthly stipend of ₹65,000 plus a yearly contingency grant of ₹3,00,000 to support their research work.
This fellowship offers 50 positions every year and covers research areas like basic science, communicable diseases, and reproductive health. Candidates get access to modern lab facilities at ICMR-affiliated institutes across the country. For those looking for more education-related schemes, check the Central Government schemes for students education page.
ICMR Centenary-Post Doctoral Fellowship - Key Details
This fellowship program helps researchers build their careers in medical research. The tenure is for two years, and extensions may be given based on performance. If a fellow leaves before completing the first year, they must refund any fellowship money already received.
Highlights Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | ICMR Centenary-Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) |
| Launched By | Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Fresh PhD/MD/MS graduates |
| Benefit Amount | ₹65,000/month stipend + ₹3,00,000/year contingency grant |
| Application Mode | Online (email) and offline (post) |
| Official Website | https://www.icmr.gov.in/post-doctoral-research |
Benefits
Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹65,000 plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as per government rules.
A yearly contingency grant of ₹3,00,000 is given to cover research costs. Up to 25% of this can be used for domestic travel related to the research. The institute pays these amounts every six months.
Fellows staying in institute accommodation do not get HRA. They also get medical benefits and leave as per rules for other research associates at ICMR.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for this fellowship, candidates need to meet these requirements:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must have completed PhD, MD, or MS within the last three years. Those with a provisional degree can also apply.
- The proposed research should be a continuation of the previous thesis work.
- Age should be 32 years or less. SC, ST, OBC, PH, and female applicants get 5 years of age relaxation. The screening committee can recommend up to 3 more years of relaxation for deserving candidates.
- The research guide must hold at least Scientist-C grade rank.
- A plagiarism check report verified by the ICMR Research Integrity Officer must be submitted with the proposal.
Application Process
Candidates can apply through both online and offline modes for the ICMR Centenary-Post Doctoral Fellowship.
STEP 1 - Visit the official ICMR website at www.icmr.gov.in/post-doctoral-research and download the application form.
STEP 2 - Fill out the form carefully. For sections that do not apply, write NA or Nil.
STEP 3 - Send a soft copy of the filled application form by email to pdfhrd.icmr[at]gmail[dot]com. Write "Application for ICMR CENTENARY - Post Doctoral Fellowship" clearly on top of the application.
STEP 4 - Attach all required documents with self-attested photocopies and send the hard copy by post to the ICMR Headquarters.
STEP 5 - The application must be routed through the sponsoring ICMR institute, and the director's recommendation is required.
STEP 6 - Send the complete application to: Director General, Division of Human Resource Development, Indian Council of Medical Research Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029.
The last dates for submission are 30th June and 31st December every year. Selection depends on academic record, publications, and an interview at the ICMR headquarters in New Delhi.
Documents Required
Candidates need to keep these documents ready before applying:
- Passport-size photograph.
- Proof of date of birth (high school or secondary certificate).
- Mark sheets, grade cards, and degree certificates.
- Caste certificate if applying under a reserved category.
- Copies of research publications or pre-prints.
- A one-page summary of the PhD thesis.
- Detailed research proposal.
- Testimonials from two referees (one must be the former PhD guide).
- Plagiarism check report verified by the ICMR Research Integrity Officer.
References
Official ICMR Website for Application
FAQ's
What is ICMR Centenary-Post Doctoral Fellowship?
It is a research program that supports fresh PhD and MD/MS graduates in doing advanced medical research at specialized ICMR institutes across India.
Who manages this scheme?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) manages the scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
How many fellows are selected each year?
The council selects 50 fellows every year for this program.
What is the monthly stipend amount?
Selected fellows get ₹65,000 per month plus HRA and NPA as applicable.
Is there a contingency grant?
Yes, fellows get a yearly contingency grant of ₹3,00,000 for research and travel expenses.
What is the age limit?
The maximum age is 32 years. Relaxation is available for women and reserved category candidates as per government rules.
How does the selection happen?
A committee reviews the academic record and publications, then calls shortlisted candidates for an interview at the ICMR headquarters.
Where to send the application?
Send the soft copy to pdfhrd.icmr[at]gmail[dot]com and the hard copy to the Division of Human Resource Development at ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi before the deadline.