AICTE Post Doctoral Fellowship 2024-25: Registration Deadline Extended to November 15

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has extended the application deadline for its Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) 2024-25 scheme to November 15, 2026. The extension gives eligible PhD holders additional time to submit their applications and complete the required verification process.

Alongside the deadline extension, recent reports indicate changes to the fellowship's eligibility requirements, financial assistance and evaluation criteria. The scheme supports full-time research at AICTE-approved institutions and aims to help qualified researchers pursue advanced research and development opportunities.

AICTE Post Doctoral Fellowship 2024-25: Key Highlights

What Is the AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship?

The AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship is designed to support researchers who have completed a PhD and want to develop their research careers at eligible institutions. The scheme covers specified academic and professional disciplines, including engineering and technology, management, design, planning, applied arts and crafts, hotel management and catering technology, computer applications, applied sciences and interdisciplinary areas.

According to recent reporting, the scheme supports 200 full-time Indian research scholars each year. Candidates should review the current scheme guidelines to confirm whether their discipline, research proposal and proposed host institution meet the requirements.

Revised Fellowship Amount and Research Grants

The reported revised financial support includes a monthly fellowship of ₹80,000, along with applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA). Fellows may also receive an annual research grant of ₹2 lakh and ₹50,000 per year towards institutional overheads.

The research grant may be used for eligible research expenses, including minor equipment, consumables, contingency requirements and domestic travel, subject to the scheme's rules. The reported guidelines do not provide separate financial support for research personnel. Fellows are expected to carry out the approved research objectives independently.

Applicants should confirm the applicable financial terms in the latest official guidelines before making decisions based on the reported revised amounts.

AICTE PDF Eligibility Criteria 2024-25

Applicants must hold a PhD from a recognised university in a discipline covered by the scheme. Recent reports also describe eligibility provisions for candidates with physics, chemistry and mathematics backgrounds, subject to the relevant disciplinary requirements.

The reported revised academic criteria require general-category applicants to have at least 60% marks, or an equivalent percentage converted from CGPA, at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level. A five-percentage-point relaxation is reported for SC, ST, OBC, women and persons with disabilities (PwD) candidates.

Applicants are also expected to demonstrate research credentials through quality publications indexed in SCI, SCIE or Scopus journals and/or granted patents. Age requirements and relaxations may apply, so candidates should consult the official scheme document for the precise rules relevant to their category.

How Are AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Candidates Selected?

Selection involves evaluation of the candidate's academic record, PhD-level achievements, research publications or patents, proposed research work and interview performance. Recent reporting describes an evaluation framework totalling 50 marks, with 10 marks each for undergraduate performance, postgraduate performance, research publications or patents, the research proposal and the interview.

The final merit list is prepared according to the applicable evaluation parameters. Research output, including the number and impact of publications and granted patents, may be considered in determining preference. Candidates should verify the current scoring framework in the official guidelines.

How to Apply for AICTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2024-25

1. Visit the official AICTE website at aicte.gov.in.
2. Locate the Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2024-25 scheme and read the latest notice and guidelines.
3. Register on the prescribed application portal and create the required login credentials.
4. Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic and research details.
5. Upload the required certificates, marksheets, research documents and institutional approvals.
6. Submit the application and complete any required verification steps before November 15, 2026.
7. Save the acknowledgement and monitor the official portal for subsequent updates.

Documents Applicants Should Prepare

Applicants may need their PhD degree or provisional certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates and marksheets, proof of age, research publications or patent details, and a No Objection Certificate or other institutional approvals where required. Category and disability certificates should also be prepared when applicable. The exact list must be checked against the latest official application instructions.

Important Instructions Before the Deadline

The November 15, 2026 deadline is the key date for prospective applicants. Candidates who have already started an application should check whether submission and institutional verification are complete. Those who have not applied should avoid waiting until the last day, particularly if their host institution needs to approve or verify the application.

The deadline extension does not automatically mean that all eligibility conditions have been relaxed. Applicants should rely on the latest AICTE notification and scheme guidelines for binding requirements, financial terms and selection procedures.