AI SummaryPost-Doctoral Fellows scheme at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) gives Indian researchers a chance to build their scientific or engineering career after PhD, with a monthly stipend of ₹58,000 to ₹67,000, research support and accommodation help for up to two years.
PRL keeps accepting applications for this fellowship every quarter, and the current round is open till 31 August 2026. Researchers who have submitted their PhD thesis or are about to submit it can apply online through the official PRL website.
Post-Doctoral Fellows - Introduction
Post-Doctoral Fellows scheme supports researchers who have recently completed or are finalizing their PhD in science or engineering. The scheme helps researchers carry out important studies in the specialized science and engineering environment at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad.
Selected fellows work on modern investigations for a tenure of up to two years, subject to annual progress reviews. The scheme offers a monthly stipend, research engagement and accommodation support so that researchers can focus fully on their work. Fellows who are employed in government, PSU or autonomous body jobs need to bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of interview.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Post-Doctoral Fellows |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend, Apprenticeships and training |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Space |
| Tags | Opportunity, PhD, Researchers, Fellowship |
Benefits
Fellows get financial support to continue their research during the whole tenure. The monthly stipend depends on the academic status of the applicant:
| Academic Status | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. thesis submitted but degree awaited | ₹58,000 |
| Ph.D. degree completed | ₹61,000 |
| Ph.D. with two or more years of PDF or research associate experience | ₹67,000 |
On top of the stipend, fellows get a one-time academic allowance of ₹10,000 during the tenure. PRL also provides accommodation or a house rent allowance (HRA) as per its rules, and the fellowship can be extended to a second year after a satisfactory annual progress review.
Eligibility
Applicants need to meet these conditions to apply for the Post-Doctoral Fellows scheme:
- PhD degree completed or thesis submitted in any field of science or engineering. The research area should match the fields being pursued at PRL.
- Bachelor's and Master's degrees in science or engineering with first class (60%) or equivalent grades at both levels.
- Age should not be more than 35 years. For example, if applying in 2026, the birth date should fit this age limit.
Application Process
PRL selects fellows four times a year. Applications for the October 2026 round are accepted from 1 June to 31 August 2026. External applicants must apply through the online application form only.
STEP 1 - Go to the official PRL website and open the online application form for the Post-Doctoral Fellowship. The direct link to the form is given on the official Post Doctoral Fellowship page of PRL.
STEP 2 - Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, publications and employment details in the form.
STEP 3 - Upload the PhD thesis summary, list of publications and a research proposal prepared with a PRL faculty member. The proposal should cover motivation, background, objectives, methodology and a first-year timeline.
STEP 4 - Ask at least three referees who are not PRL faculty members to send their recommendation letters directly to the Chairperson, PDF Committee at pdf@prl.res.in.
STEP 5 - Submit the form and keep the application ID safe. Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview at PRL after the initial screening.
For offline submission, download the prescribed application form, fill it in and send it by email to pdf@prl.res.in. The contact address is Chairperson, PDF Committee, Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009. Phone: 079-2631 4869.
Documents
Before applying, keep the following documents ready:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- PhD thesis abstract
- Full list of research publications
- Detailed research proposal (2 to 3 pages)
- Bio-data with educational qualifications and work experience
- Three letters of recommendation from referees who are not PRL faculty members
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed in government, PSU or autonomous bodies
Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)
In 2026, PRL also opened applications for the Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS), a new fellowship started in memory of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai. Selected researchers get a monthly stipend of ₹1 lakh along with HRA and other support as per PRL and Department of Space rules. PRL has announced three vacancies under this fellowship.
Indian citizens who received their PhD within the last four years, are below 35 years of age and have a first-class record throughout their education can apply. The fellowship is given for two years with yearly reviews, and it can be extended by one more year with approval. Applications are submitted on the official VISHWAS page of PRL.
References
For the latest guidelines, stipend details and application deadlines, check the official pages below:
Fellowship rules and quarterly deadlines: official Post Doctoral Fellowship page of PRL.
Online application form: PRL PDF online application form. All external applicants must apply through this form.
VISHWAS details: Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship page.
Related schemes: National Post Doctoral Fellowship and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
FAQ's
What is the duration of the Post-Doctoral Fellowship at PRL?
The fellowship lasts for a maximum of two years, with performance reviewed annually for continuation.
What is the stipend under this scheme?
The monthly stipend ranges from ₹58,000 to ₹67,000 depending on qualifications and research experience.
Can I apply if I have submitted my Ph.D. thesis but have not received the degree yet?
Yes, applicants who have submitted the thesis can apply. A thesis submission certificate is required at the time of joining if selected.
Is there an age limit for this scheme?
Yes, applicants should be 35 years of age or younger to qualify.
What research fields does PRL support?
The scheme covers diverse fields including Astronomy, Physics, Geosciences, Space Sciences, and Theoretical Physics.
Do I need a research proposal to apply?
Yes, a research proposal prepared in consultation with a PRL faculty member is required.
How many recommendation letters are required?
At least three recommendation letters from referees who are not current PRL faculty members are required.
Are there specific deadlines for the application?
Yes, PRL accepts applications every quarter. The current round is open till 31 August 2026, and deadlines generally fall in November, February, May and August.
Is this fellowship open to international citizens?
No, this opportunity is for Indian citizens.
Can I apply if I already have a job?
Yes, but a No Objection Certificate from the current employer is required at the interview stage.
What is the selection procedure?
The selection involves an initial screening of documents and the research proposal, followed by an interview.
When will I be notified if I am selected?
Candidates receive notification about their selection status after the interview rounds.
Can I request an extension after my two year tenure?
The fellowship is limited to a maximum tenure of two years, with extension subject to approval after annual reviews.
Am I allowed to collaborate with other researchers at the laboratory?
Yes, PRL encourages collaboration with other researchers at the laboratory.
What is the difference between VISHWAS and the regular Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
VISHWAS is a separate PRL fellowship with a ₹1 lakh monthly stipend and three vacancies, while the regular PRL-funded PDF pays ₹58,000 to ₹67,000 per month.