The AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) 2024-25 aims to foster an environment of innovation and research excellence in India. This fellowship, offered by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), provides opportunities for 200 scholars in various disciplines, including engineering, management, design, hotel management, and interdisciplinary fields. With a clear vision of supporting post-doctoral researchers who have recently completed their Ph.D., the fellowship aims to nurture India’s next generation of scholars and researchers by giving them a platform to excel in research and development.
Objectives of the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship
The primary objective of the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship is to offer post-doctoral researchers an opportunity to pursue advanced research in AICTE-approved institutions. These fellowships encourage scholars to explore cutting-edge research in disciplines such as engineering, management, applied arts, hotel management, and more. The program ensures that candidates gain exposure to the latest advancements in their field and contribute to the scientific and technological development of the country.
By supporting interdisciplinary research and encouraging collaboration between academia and industry, AICTE aims to stimulate creativity and innovation. The fellowship also provides young researchers with mentorship, enabling them to thrive under the guidance of experienced supervisors.
Eligible Disciplines
The fellowship is available to scholars in the following disciplines:
- Engineering and Technology
- Management
- Design
- Planning
- Applied Arts, Crafts, and Design
- Hotel Management and Catering Technology
- Computer Applications
- Applied Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Areas
This broad spectrum ensures that scholars from diverse fields can apply for the fellowship, thereby contributing to a wide range of research areas critical to India’s growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Ph.D. Completion: Candidates must have been awarded a Ph.D. in one of the relevant disciplines mentioned above. Provisional certificates may be accepted if the degree has not yet been formally awarded.
- Academic Performance: General category applicants must have a minimum of 55% marks at the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels. A 5% relaxation is provided for candidates from SC, ST, OBC, women, and PWD (Persons with Disabilities) categories.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be below 35 years of age at the time of application. Age relaxations of 5 years for SC, ST, women, and PWD candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates are available.
- Mentorship: Applicants must identify a supervisor from an AICTE-approved institution for their post-doctoral research and obtain their consent. A “No Objection Certificate” signed by the supervisor, head of the department (HOD), and the director/registrar of the institution must be uploaded during the application process.
Duration and Number of Fellowships
Each year, 200 fellowships are awarded under this scheme. The fellowship has an initial tenure of one year, which can be extended to a maximum of two years if the research work is deemed satisfactory by the evaluation committee. No further extensions are permitted beyond the two-year period.
Financial Assistance
The fellowship offers significant financial support to scholars:
- Fellowship Stipend: ₹65,000 per month.
- Contingency Grant: ₹50,000 per annum to cover research-related expenses.
The fellowship also provides additional allowances, including House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on the city’s central government norms if hostel accommodation is unavailable. Medical assistance is not separately provided but scholars can utilize the medical facilities available at their respective institutions.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online throughout the year. Applicants must ensure that all required documents, including the No Objection Certificate from the research center, are submitted in the prescribed format. Incomplete or misleading applications will be rejected.
Selection Procedure
AICTE has a rigorous selection process designed to maintain high standards of research. The evaluation committee assesses the candidate’s accomplishments at the Ph.D. level, the research proposal, and the professional standing of the supervisor and institution. Only those with strong research proposals and solid academic records are selected for the fellowship.
Monitoring and Responsibilities
Once awarded, scholars must join the fellowship within one month of receiving the award letter. In exceptional cases, the joining period may be extended up to three months with prior approval from AICTE. Regular monitoring of the fellowship is conducted both at the institutional and AICTE levels through half-yearly and annual progress reports.
Institutions hosting post-doctoral fellows are required to provide adequate infrastructure and research facilities. Additionally, they must assign a nodal officer to liaise between the fellow, institution, and AICTE to ensure smooth operations. Universities are also responsible for submitting the fellow’s progress reports and maintaining a proper record of attendance to facilitate the disbursement of funds through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Conclusion
The AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2024-25 is a prestigious opportunity for scholars to advance their research careers. By offering financial support, mentorship, and access to world-class research facilities, the fellowship aims to build a robust pool of researchers who can contribute significantly to the academic and technological landscape of India. With a focus on innovation, interdisciplinary research, and industry collaboration, this fellowship serves as a catalyst for shaping the future of research in the country.
IMPORTANT LINKS TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
| Link for Registration | CLICK HERE | |
| Link for downloading Key Features of the scheme | CLICK HERE | |
| Link for downloading scheme documents | CLICK HERE | |
| Link to our website to find out more opportunities | CLICK HERE | |