AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 (ADF) is one of the most sought-after research funding schemes for full-time PhD scholars in India. Run by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education, this fellowship supports meritorious candidates pursuing doctoral research in engineering, technology, management, design, pharmacy, applied arts, and allied technical disciplines. The scheme was introduced as a modern replacement for the earlier National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) and works on a decentralised model, where AICTE-approved universities and institutions register scholars, and AICTE’s evaluation committee reviews research proposals before releasing financial benefits. For lakhs of engineering and management graduates who wish to enter full-time research instead of taking up a job immediately after their postgraduate studies, the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship offers a stable monthly stipend, contingency grants, and house rent allowance so they can focus entirely on their PhD work.
As the new academic session approaches, candidates are actively searching for the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 eligibility, application process, and stipend structure. It is important to note that AICTE releases a fresh notification for every academic year, and at the time of writing, the official notification specifically for the 2026-27 cycle had not yet been released on the AICTE portal the most recent completed cycle was for Academic Year 2025-26, with the institute-level application window closing on 10 April 2026.
AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 Key Highlights
| Scheme Name | AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) |
| Conducted By | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Applicable For | Full-time PhD scholars in AICTE-approved institutions |
| Eligible Disciplines | Engineering & Technology, Management, Design, Pharmacy, Planning, Applied Arts & Crafts, HMCT, Computer Applications |
| Monthly Stipend (JRF) | ₹37,000 per month |
| Monthly Stipend (SRF) | ₹42,000 per month |
| Contingency Grant | ₹15,000 per year |
| House Rent Allowance | As per Central Government norms (if hostel not provided) |
| Fellowship Duration | Maximum 5 years |
| Application Mode | Online through AICTE ADF Portal |
| Official Website | fellowship.aicte.gov.in / aicte-india.org |
| Latest Completed Cycle | Academic Year 2025-26 (application window closed 10 April 2026) |
What is the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)?
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship is a flagship research funding initiative that aims to strengthen doctoral-level research within technical education institutions across India. It provides financial assistance in the form of a monthly fellowship, an annual contingency grant, and house rent allowance to meritorious PhD scholars. The scheme’s core objective is to build a strong research ecosystem, encourage collaborative and industry-linked research, and improve both the quality and quantity of PhD output from AICTE-approved universities. Unlike the older, centrally-selected National Doctoral Fellowship, the ADF works through a decentralised structure, institutions register in the scheme and admit students through their own procedure, after which AICTE’s evaluation committee assesses each candidate’s research proposal before releasing funds.
The fellowship is particularly relevant for students who want to pursue research careers in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, renewable energy, robotics, electric mobility, smart cities, cybersecurity, and sustainable infrastructure, as well as in management areas like business analytics, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who wish to apply for the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 must fulfil the following eligibility conditions, based on the scheme’s established guidelines:
- The candidate must have secured admission into a full-time PhD programme at an AICTE-approved institution or university.
- Candidates must generally hold a minimum of 7.5 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) or 75% marks in their qualifying postgraduate degree, with relaxed norms applicable for reserved categories.
- Candidates must have qualified a recognised national-level examination such as GATE, NET, GPAT, CAT, CMAT, GMAT, or CEED, depending on their discipline, generally within the last five years.
- Applicants should typically be below 30 years of age as on the last date of application, with age relaxation available for SC/ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and women candidates as per Government of India norms.
- Candidates must not be receiving any other fellowship or scholarship concurrently while availing the ADF.
- The PhD admission and research work must be undertaken on a full-time basis only — part-time scholars are not eligible.
Eligible Disciplines Under the ADF Scheme
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship covers a wide range of technical and professional streams. Broadly, eligible disciplines include:
| Stream | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | AI, machine learning, big data, blockchain, cybersecurity, renewable energy, EVs, IoT, robotics, quantum computing, defence technology |
| Management | Business analytics, supply chain, innovation & entrepreneurship, risk management, strategic planning |
| Design & Planning | Product design, urban planning, sustainable architecture |
| Pharmacy & Applied Sciences | Pharmaceutical research, applied chemistry and biosciences |
| Applied Arts & Crafts | Creative and design-based technical research |
| Hotel Management & Catering Technology | Hospitality research and allied fields |
| Computer Applications | Software systems, data science, computational research |
AICTE Doctoral Fellowship Stipend and Benefits 2026-27
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship stipend is one of the biggest attractions of this scheme, as it is on par with the UGC-NET JRF/SRF stipend structure. Selected fellows receive the following benefits:
| Benefit | Amount/Details |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Stipend | ₹37,000 per month (first 2 years) |
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) Stipend | ₹42,000 per month (after upgradation) |
| Contingency Grant | ₹15,000 per year for books, journals, conference travel |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per Central Government city-wise norms, only if hostel accommodation is not provided |
| Leave Entitlement | Up to 30 days per year, plus public holidays |
| Maternity/Paternity Leave | As per Government of India norms |
| Maximum Duration | 5 years (JRF + SRF combined) |
Fellows residing in institute hostels are not entitled to HRA, since accommodation is already provided. It is also important to note that ADF scholars are strictly barred from taking up any part-time or full-time employment during the fellowship tenure, and unsatisfactory research progress can lead to discontinuation of the fellowship.
Category A vs Category B: Application Pathways
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship follows two distinct registration routes:
- Category A: The candidate registers directly on the AICTE ADF portal using a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by their university. This route suits candidates who have already secured PhD admission independently.
- Category B: The university itself registers under the scheme and admits students through its own admission procedure, while ensuring candidates meet AICTE’s minimum eligibility norms.
JRF to SRF Upgradation Process
Upgradation from Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) status happens after the successful completion of two years from the ADF start date, subject to the following conditions:
- Successful completion of the mandatory PhD coursework.
- Approval of the research proposal by the institute’s competent authority or committee (such as the SRC/DRC).
- A satisfactory assessment conducted by a three-member committee, comprising the head of the department, the research supervisor, and one external expert.
Documents Required for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27
Applicants should keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting the application process:
- Mark sheets and degree certificates of qualifying examinations
- PhD admission letter from the AICTE-approved institution
- Valid GATE/NET/GPAT or equivalent qualifying examination scorecard
- Research proposal/synopsis
- Scanned copy of Aadhaar card (JPG/JPEG format)
- Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates (not older than one year for OBC/EWS)
- Bank account details linked to PFMS (Public Financial Management System)
- Passport-size photograph and signature
How to Apply for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 (Step by Step)
- Visit the official AICTE Doctoral Fellowship portal at fellowship.aicte.gov.in.
- Register using valid personal and academic details to create a login.
- Fill in the online application form with PhD admission and research details.
- Upload all required documents, including mark sheets, admission proof, category certificate, and research proposal.
- Submit the completed application before the institute-level deadline.
- The Institute/University verifies the candidate’s data and approves eligibility on the AICTE portal.
- Once verification is complete, AICTE’s evaluation committee reviews the research proposal for final approval.
- Track your application status regularly through the login portal.
Important Dates for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Last completed cycle (AY 2025-26) application window | Opened January 2026 — closed 10 April 2026 |
| AY 2026-27 official notification | Yet to be released by AICTE at the time of writing |
| Expected notification window (based on past cycles) | Typically between December and April |
| Application Mode | Online only, via fellowship.aicte.gov.in |
Important note: Since AICTE has not yet published a separate notification specifically for the 2026-27 academic cycle, candidates are strongly advised to keep checking the official AICTE website for the latest update rather than relying on unofficial dates circulating online. The eligibility criteria and stipend structure are expected to remain largely consistent with the AY 2025-26 cycle unless AICTE announces revisions.
Terms and Conditions for ADF Scholars
- The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship cannot be transferred from one institute to another under any circumstances.
- Fellows must complete their entire PhD programme at the same institution where the fellowship was granted.
- If a scholar leaves the programme before completion, they are liable to refund the entire fellowship amount received up to that date.
- Time spent attending approved conferences, workshops, or outstation research (with supervisor’s permission) is treated as “On Duty” but capped at 30 days per year.
- Commercial exploitation of patentable research outcomes is shared between the institute, the student, and the supervisor as per scheme guidelines
People Also Ask
Is AICTE Doctoral Fellowship better than UGC NET JRF?
Both offer similar stipend structures — ₹37,000/month for JRF and ₹42,000/month for SRF. The AICTE ADF is specifically meant for scholars in AICTE-approved technical institutions (engineering, management, design, pharmacy), while UGC NET JRF covers a broader range of subjects across all UGC-recognised universities. The right choice depends on your discipline and target institution rather than one being universally “better.”
How many seats are available under AICTE Doctoral Fellowship each year?
The number of fellowships varies annually and is published by AICTE around July each year along with the university-wise allocation list. In past cycles, the count has ranged between approximately 300–340 fellowships distributed across 35–42 AICTE-approved universities.
What is the age limit for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27?
Candidates should generally be below 30 years of age as on the last date of application, with age relaxation available for SC/ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and women candidates as per Government of India norms.
Does AICTE Doctoral Fellowship require teaching duties?
Yes. ADF fellows are typically assigned a teaching assistantship of 6–8 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship, which may include assisting with labs, exams, and tutorials.
Can I get AICTE Doctoral Fellowship without a GATE score?
Most disciplines require a valid score in GATE, NET, GPAT, CAT, CMAT, GMAT, or CEED depending on the field of research. Alternate qualifying paths, if any, are specified in the official year-wise notification, so candidates without GATE should check discipline-specific eligibility carefully before applying.
What happens if I receive another fellowship along with AICTE ADF?
Receiving any other financial aid or fellowship pauses the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship. It resumes only after the external funding ends, and that paused period is deducted from the total 5-year fellowship tenure.
What is the difference between AICTE Doctoral Fellowship and AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
The Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) is for scholars pursuing a full-time PhD and offers up to ₹42,000/month for a maximum of 5 years. The Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) is for candidates who already hold a PhD and wish to pursue advanced research, offering a higher stipend of around ₹65,000/month for 1 year, extendable by another year.
Official Website and Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| ADF Login/Registration Portal | fellowship.aicte.gov.in/login |
| AICTE Official Website | aicte-india.org |
| Home Page | https://cbtexams.in/ |
FAQs
What is the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27?
It is a research funding scheme by AICTE that provides a monthly stipend, contingency grant, and HRA to full-time PhD scholars in AICTE-approved technical institutions.
What is the stipend under AICTE Doctoral Fellowship?
JRF scholars receive ₹37,000 per month, while SRF scholars (after upgradation) receive ₹42,000 per month, along with an annual contingency grant of ₹15,000.
Who is eligible for the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship?
Full-time PhD candidates admitted to AICTE-approved institutions, generally below 30 years of age, with a valid GATE/NET/GPAT or equivalent score and minimum CGPA of 7.5/10, are eligible, subject to reserved category relaxations.
Can the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship be transferred to another institute?
No, the fellowship cannot be transferred between institutions under any circumstances.
What is the maximum duration of the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship?
The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of five years, covering both JRF and SRF tenure.
Where can I apply for the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship?
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal at fellowship.aicte.gov.in.