AI SummaryMinistry of New and Renewable Energy is running National Solar Science Fellowship Programme for Indian scientists and engineers working in solar energy research. Selected fellows get a monthly fellowship of ₹1.2 lakh along with a yearly research grant of ₹15 lakh and a contingent grant of ₹5 lakh to carry out advanced work in solar science, engineering and technology.
This fellowship now sits inside the wider National Renewable Energy Science Fellowships (NRESF) framework of MNRE, which has been supported by continued approval under the 16th Finance Commission cycle from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹436.93 crore for the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme.
National Solar Science Fellowship Programme 2026
National Solar Science Fellowship Programme was first launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in February 2011. The aim was simple. Give top Indian scientists and engineers a proper platform, a good stipend and open access to lab resources so they can solve real problems in solar power generation, storage and end use.
Over the years, the scheme has been reshaped and pulled under the NRESF umbrella of MNRE's Human Resource Development programme in renewable energy. The core idea is still the same. Support serious research in solar science and engineering by working closely with reputed host institutions, IITs, NITs, IISc and central research labs.
A Fellowship Management Committee, headed by the Secretary of MNRE, decides research areas, picks host institutions and selects fellows through an open advertisement process. Under the current NRESF structure, five fellows are supported at any given time for a period of up to five years.
If you are a scientist or engineer with strong work in solar energy, this fellowship can give you the funding, freedom and institutional backing needed to push a serious research idea from lab bench to a working product.
Highlights of National Solar Science Fellowship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Solar Science Fellowship Programme (under NRESF) |
| Launched By | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India |
| Launched In | February 2011 (continued under 16th FC cycle 2026-27 to 2030-31) |
| Beneficiaries | Indian scientists and engineers in solar energy research |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹1.2 lakh per fellow (including tax) |
| Research Grant | Up to ₹15 lakh per year |
| Contingent Grant | Up to ₹5 lakh per year |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Number of Fellows | 5 at any given time |
| Application Mode | Offline through open advertisement |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy |
| Official Website | mnre.gov.in |
How to Apply for National Solar Science Fellowship Programme
Applications are called only when MNRE releases an open advertisement, either on the ministry website or in leading newspapers. There is no round-the-year online form. You have to wait for the notification and then apply offline in the format given by MNRE.
STEP 1 - Keep an eye on the official MNRE website at mnre.gov.in and the HRD portal at hrd.mnre.gov.in for the open advertisement calling applications for the National Solar Science Fellowship. Newspaper ads in national dailies also carry the notification.
STEP 2 - Download the prescribed application proforma from the official notification PDF. Fill in your personal details, academic background, work experience, publications and past research work in the exact format asked.
STEP 3 - Prepare a detailed R&D proposal in one of the thrust areas identified by the Fellowship Management Committee of MNRE. Your proposal should clearly explain the solar energy problem you want to solve, the method you will use, expected results and how the work will help Indian solar sector.
STEP 4 - Attach all supporting documents, including proof of qualification, experience certificates, published papers and any national or international awards you have received in the field of solar energy.
STEP 5 - Send the complete application along with the proposal to the address given in the notification, addressed to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, New Delhi. Keep a copy of the application and courier receipt for your record.
STEP 6 - The Fellowship Management Committee will review your track record and proposal. Shortlisted candidates may be called for a presentation or interview. If selected, you will be attached to a host institution and have to sign a bond for the fellowship tenure.
Eligibility for National Solar Science Fellowship
This fellowship is meant for serious researchers, not for fresh graduates. The rules are strict on qualification and experience because the ministry is looking for people who can lead an independent research project in solar energy.
- You must be an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin. Foreign nationals are not eligible.
- You should hold a PhD in solar sciences or solar engineering with at least ten years of proven research experience, including the time spent on your doctoral work.
- M.Tech or M.S. degree holders can also apply if they have a strong record of published research work and relevant industry or lab experience. Their case will be reviewed by the Fellowship Management Committee.
There is no upper age limit for this fellowship. Scientists working in government departments, public sector institutions or those doing independent research all can apply. The Fellowship Management Committee can also refine these rules as the programme grows.
Benefits Under National Solar Science Fellowship
The financial support under this fellowship is one of the strongest offered by MNRE for solar research. The money is released to the host institution, which then pays the fellow and manages the research spending.
Under the current NRESF structure, every selected fellow gets a monthly fellowship of ₹1.2 lakh, which is tax-inclusive. On yearly basis that comes to ₹14.4 lakh only as fellowship. On top of this, a research grant of up to ₹15 lakh per year is given for lab work, equipment, consumables and travel. A contingent grant of up to ₹5 lakh per year covers other running costs of the project.
The total support package can go up to around ₹34 lakh per year per fellow, depending on the project approved. Fellows are also allowed to raise additional funds from their host institution or other grant agencies to strengthen their work.
You will need to submit quarterly progress reports and a final technical report at the end of the fellowship. Every year, fellows also present their work in an annual conference organised by MNRE, where they can share findings and connect with other researchers.
Documents Required for Application
Before you sit down to fill the application, keep the following documents ready. Missing papers is one of the common reasons applications get rejected at the first level itself.
- Valid identity proof like Aadhaar card, PAN card or passport.
- Certificates and mark sheets of your educational qualifications, including PhD, M.Tech or M.S.
- Detailed experience certificate showing your R&D work in the field of solar energy.
- Complete R&D project proposal in the thrust area notified by MNRE.
- Copies of technical or scientific papers you have published in reputed journals.
- Proof of any national or international awards, recognitions or patents in solar science and engineering.
Duration and Selection of Fellows
The fellowship is given for an initial period of two years. Based on the progress of your research work, this can be extended for another three years on a year to year basis, taking the total duration to a maximum of five years.
Selection is done by the Fellowship Management Committee of MNRE. The committee looks at your past research record, quality of publications, relevance of the proposed project to India's solar energy needs and the fit with a suitable host institution.
Related Solar Schemes on Sarkari Yojana
If you are looking at other MNRE-backed solar schemes for households, farmers or rooftop projects, you can also check the PM-KUSUM Yojana for solar pump subsidy for farmers and the MNRE Rooftop Solar Power Plant Subsidy Scheme for setting up rooftop solar systems at home or office.
Official Links
Applicants should refer to the official MNRE portal for the latest notifications and scheme guidelines.
MNRE Fellowships in Higher Studies and Research
FAQ's
Is National Solar Science Fellowship Programme still running in 2026?
Yes. The programme is running as part of MNRE's National Renewable Energy Science Fellowships and has been supported by continued approval under the RE-RTD Programme for the 16th Finance Commission cycle from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
How much stipend does a fellow get every month?
Under the current NRESF structure, a fellow gets ₹1.2 lakh per month (including tax), along with a yearly research grant of up to ₹15 lakh and a contingent grant of up to ₹5 lakh.
How many fellows are selected at a time?
A maximum of five fellows are supported at any given time under the current NRESF programme, for a period of up to five years.
Can I apply online for this fellowship?
No, there is no online application form. Applications are invited only through open advertisements released by MNRE, and you have to send the filled proforma along with your R&D proposal offline.
Is there any age limit to apply?
There is no upper age limit for this fellowship. You need to meet the qualification and research experience rules set by MNRE.
Can M.Tech or M.S. degree holders apply?
Yes, M.Tech or M.S. holders can apply if they have a strong record of published research work and good experience in solar science or engineering. Their case is reviewed by the Fellowship Management Committee.
Which ministry runs this fellowship?
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, runs this fellowship through its Human Resource Development division. The official website is mnre.gov.in.