KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 - Apply Online, Eligibility, Benefits

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has launched the Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme for Ph.D. holders in science and engineering. The scheme provides financial support for advanced research and helps researchers build a strong career as professional scientists.

The fellowship amount has been increased to ₹60,000 per month along with 10% House Rent Allowance. Eligible candidates can also receive an annual contingency grant of ₹75,000 for research expenses. The fellowship can be availed for a maximum period of 2 years at recognized research institutions across India.

KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme 2026

The KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme helps talented doctoral candidates pursue advanced research in science and engineering fields. If you have completed your Ph.D. and have published quality research papers in SCI journals, this scheme gives you a chance to strengthen your research skills and establish yourself as an independent scientist.

Candidates are selected through a detailed evaluation process that checks the research proposal, academic background, and presentation abilities. You can conduct your research at any recognized institution in India, as long as it is not the same department where you completed your original Ph.D. For example, if someone completed their doctorate at a State University, they can pursue this fellowship at a top national institute like an IIT or IISER.

The programme aims to develop your research skills, improve your technical leadership abilities, and prepare you for a long-term career in science. To ensure success, you need to work under a Scientist Mentor at your host institution. Your mentor will track your progress and help with implementing your research project.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme provides strong financial support to help you focus completely on your research work:

The total duration for which you can avail of this fellowship is a maximum of 2 years. This amount is revised as per the 2025-26 guidelines released by KSCSTE in September 2025.

Eligibility

To apply for this fellowship, you should meet the following criteria:

1. You should be a permanent resident of Kerala.

2. You should have achieved at least 60% marks during your post-graduation.

3. You must hold a Ph.D. in science or engineering.

4. You should not be a permanent employee at the time of your application.

5. Your age should be 40 years or below. (Note: OBC candidates get a 3-year relaxation, and SC/ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation).

6. You must have at least one research paper published in an SCI journal or hold a patent.

7. You should select a research centre that is different from where you completed your Ph.D. work. The chosen host institution must be a government-aided R&D centre or a university department. Private institutions can also host fellows if they meet the revised requirements from November 2025.

8. You should not be currently availing of any other fellowship from KSCSTE or other funding agencies.

Application Process

You should submit your online application through the official KSCSTE web portal at https://submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in/.

The selection process follows these steps:

STEP 1 - Officials review your application to ensure all basic eligibility requirements and documents are in order. This preliminary scrutiny checks if you meet the minimum criteria.

STEP 2 - Expert reviewers in your field evaluate your proposal based on its research merit. You need at least three reviews graded above 5 on a 10-point scale to proceed to the next stage.

STEP 3 - Shortlisted candidates present their proposals before the Programme Advisory Committee. Upon a favorable recommendation, you will be invited to execute an agreement to begin your fellowship.

For any guidance, you may reach out to the Scientist-in-charge, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695004, or call 0471-2548402. You can also email jaya.kscste@kerala.gov.in for queries.

Documents

Please keep digital copies of the following documents ready for your online application:

1. Identity proof and recent photograph.

2. Proof of date of birth and, if applicable, proof for reservation categories.

3. Proof of your permanent residency in Kerala.

4. Post-graduation marks sheet and Ph.D. certificate.

5. Research experience certificate and your complete list of publications.

6. Full-length reprints of your latest research papers.

7. A 2-page biodata of your proposed Scientist Mentor.

8. Your detailed technical research proposal.

9. Download the latest forms from the official website (see Downloads section below).

Downloads

For New Applicants (2025-26 Cycle)

Notifications and Guidelines:

• Notifications
• Revised Guidelines (Applicable for new selections after November 2025)

Format for File Uploads:

• Research Proposal – Technical Information
• List of Publications
• Declaration by the Applicant
• Consent from Scientist Mentor
• Endorsement from Head of Institution

For Private Institutions (if applicable):

• Declaration of Compliance with Mandatory Requirements
• Proof of Facilities available for Research
• Information on Faculty available for Research
• List of Students/Faculty doing Ph.D

For Ongoing Fellowships

Previous Guidelines:

• Guidelines 2023-24
• Guidelines 2024-25

On Tentative Sanction of Project:

• Revised Terms & Conditions (Applicable for new selections after November 2025)
• E-payment form

Upon Joining the Institute:

• Date of Start

For Ongoing Researchers

Documents for Release of Subsequent Year Grant:

• Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate
• Annual Progress Report (Project year)

Documents to be Submitted on Completion of Project:

• Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate, Consolidated Statement of Expenditure
• Annual Progress Report for the 2nd year
• Project Completion Report
• Final Technical Report (FTR)
• Asset Transfer Certificate (if any)

Important Guidelines for 2026

The revised guidelines from November 2025 include new requirements for private institutions hosting fellows. Private organizations must meet at least 2 out of 4 basic requirements and submit compliance documents during application. The Scientist Mentor must be a permanent faculty member with at least 5 years remaining before retirement.

References

For detailed guidelines, forms, and application process, visit the official KSCSTE website.

FAQ's

What is the aim of this programme?

The programme encourages Ph.D. holders to carry out advanced research and build a strong career as a professional scientist.

Who qualifies for this fellowship?

Applicants holding a Ph.D. in science or engineering with at least 60% marks in their post-graduation are eligible to apply.

What is the maximum age to apply?

The age limit is 40 years, with a 3-year relaxation for OBC candidates and a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST candidates.

Is there a residency requirement?

Yes, this fellowship is open exclusively to permanent residents of Kerala.

How much is the monthly stipend?

You will receive ₹60,000 per month along with a 10% HRA component. This amount was revised in the 2025-26 guidelines.

What is the annual contingency grant amount?

The scheme provides an annual contingency grant of ₹75,000 to cover your research expenses.

What is the maximum duration of the project?

The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of 2 years and cannot be extended.

How do I apply?

You should apply online via the official portal at https://submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in/.

Can I apply if I have already received a fellowship from another agency?

No, candidates who have previously availed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or any other agency are not eligible to apply.

Can I do my fellowship outside Kerala?

Yes, you can pursue the fellowship at premier national institutions outside Kerala such as IISc, IITs, or IISERs, provided they are government-aided R&D centres or university departments.