AI SummaryAnusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Department of Science and Technology along with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) runs Prime Minister's Fellowship for Doctoral Research (PMFDR) for PhD scholars in India. This scheme provides up to ₹12.49 lakh per year to full-time doctoral students, helping them work on industry-relevant research projects with support from a partner company.
The scheme offers 100 fellowship slots every year and has already awarded more than 350 fellowships since its first batch in 2013. More than 130 institutes and 300 companies have joined hands to support this scheme so far.
How to Apply for PMFDR 2026
Applications for this fellowship are accepted online throughout the year. You can apply within 14 months from your PhD admission date. Here are the steps to follow:
STEP 1 - Get approval from your PhD supervisor and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your host institution. This is the first step before you look for an industry partner.
STEP 2 - Develop a research proposal that matches industry needs with your academic interests. Discuss and finalise the proposal with your supervisor and the industry partner you plan to work with.
STEP 3 - Find an eligible industry partner. The partner company must be registered under the Indian Companies Act (including eligible MNCs registered in India). They need to commit to co-funding the fellowship for up to four years and provide a mentor for your research. NGOs, societies and government agencies like ISRO or DRDO are not eligible as industry partners.
STEP 4 - Register and apply online at the official PMFDR portal www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in. Fill the application form online (it cannot be downloaded and requires internet while filling). Upload all required documents and submit your application. Do not send any physical copies to CII.
STEP 5 - Selected candidates have to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the PhD scholar, industry partner, host institution and CII. The fellowship amount is then disbursed monthly from April or the month mentioned in the selection letter.
Benefits
Selected fellows get a total fellowship amount of up to ₹12.49 lakh per year (subject to revision as per JRF/SRF and HRA norms). Half of this amount (up to ₹6.24 lakh per year) comes from ANRF and the other half is contributed by the partner company. The fellowship is given for a maximum period of four years and stops once you submit your PhD thesis. Selected fellows cannot receive any other fellowship or salary at the same time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Prime Minister's Fellowship for Doctoral Research (PMFDR) |
| Level | Central |
| Target Beneficiary | Full-time PhD scholars in Indian institutions |
| States | All |
| Benefit Type | Composite Fellowship |
| Fellowship Amount | Up to ₹12.49 lakh per year |
| Funding Pattern | 50% ANRF + 50% Industry Partner |
| Duration | Maximum 4 years |
| Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Implementing Agency | CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) |
Eligibility
Before you apply, make sure you meet these conditions:
- You must be an Indian citizen and enrolled as a full-time PhD scholar in a recognised Indian university, institute or research laboratory.
- Your PhD admission date should not be more than 14 months from the date you submit your application.
- You need to have a valid industry partner who is ready to support your research financially and provide guidance and mentorship.
- Your research topic should be innovative and have practical relevance with industrial application.
- You should be willing to work with the partner company when needed during the project period.
- You must not be getting any other fellowship after selection under this scheme.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before you start your online application:
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- PhD admission or registration certificate.
- Undertaking from your PhD supervisor and head of the institution.
- Undertaking from the industry partner.
- CVs of the PhD scholar, academic supervisor (with publications and projects) and industry mentor.
- Research synopsis explaining your proposal and its uniqueness.
- Partner company profile and balance sheet (cash flow statement for SMEs or start-ups).
- List of publications if any.
Selection Process
Your application is reviewed by a high-level Apex Council that has members from academia, industry and government. The council checks your proposal based on its scientific merit, innovation level, commercialisation potential and how much the industry is involved. A strong track record of you, your supervisor and your industry mentor also helps in selection.
Important Points to Remember
- The application window is open throughout the year. You can apply anytime within 14 months from your PhD admission.
- Selection happens multiple times in a year depending on how many applications are received.
- Transfer of fellowship from one host institution to another is not allowed at any stage.
- The fellowship automatically ends when you submit your PhD thesis.
- All publications, patents and outcomes from this fellowship must acknowledge ANRF, CII and the industry partner.
- ANRF and CII do not claim ownership of any intellectual property generated under this scheme. IP ownership is decided through the MoA between all parties.
References
Science and Engineering Research Board Official Website
FAQ's
What is Prime Minister's Fellowship for Doctoral Research?
This is a central government scheme run by ANRF and CII that supports full-time PhD scholars working on industry-relevant research. Selected fellows get up to ₹12.49 lakh per year for four years, with funding coming equally from the government and a partner company.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
Indian citizens enrolled as full-time PhD scholars in a recognised Indian institution can apply. Your PhD registration should not be older than 14 months at the time of application. You also need a committed industry partner who will co-fund and mentor your research.
How much money do fellows get under this scheme?
The total fellowship amount is up to ₹12.49 lakh per year. ANRF contributes up to ₹6.24 lakh per year and the industry partner matches this amount. The amount can change based on revisions to JRF/SRF and HRA norms.
Do I need an industry partner to apply?
Yes, having a valid industry partner is required. The partner must be a company registered under the Indian Companies Act. NGOs, societies and government agencies are not eligible as partners. You can use the official portals to find potential partners.
What is the last date to apply for PMFDR 2026?
There is no fixed last date. The scheme is open-ended and you can apply anytime within 14 months from your PhD admission. Selection is done multiple times a year based on the number of applications.
How are applications selected?
An Apex Council made up of experts from academia, industry and government reviews all applications. They look at the scientific quality of your proposal, how innovative it is, its business potential and how strong your academic and industry team is.
Can I transfer my fellowship to another institution?
No, transfer of fellowship from one host institution to another is not allowed at any stage during the tenure.
Who can I contact for more information?
You can reach CII at pm.scheme@cii.in or call +91 11 4577 1000 (Ext. 240).