Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship (AKTINF) 2026

Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship (AKTINF) — Overview

The Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship (AKTINF) was established to support innovative research in engineering and technology. However, as of 2026, the fellowship is not accepting new nominations. Instead, the focus has shifted to the ANRF-ATRI (Translational Research and Innovation) program, which continues the mission of supporting high-impact research.

Key Highlights

• New nominations for AKTINF are paused.
• The ANRF-ATRI program is the active replacement for AKTINF.
• Focus on translating research ideas into practical technologies.
• Target audience includes mid-career to senior engineers and scientists.
• All applications must go through the ANRF Online Portal.
• Previous AKTINF benefits included a monthly fellowship and substantial research grants.
• Nomination by a recognized authority is mandatory for consideration.
• Competitive selection with a limited number of fellowships available.

Eligibility Criteria

• Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) working in India.
• Permanent position in a public-funded institution (e.g., IITs, NITs, CSIR Labs).
• Minimum of 5 years of service remaining before retirement.
• Engineering/Technology degree with a strong background in innovation.

Stipend & Financial Benefits

While the AKTINF is currently paused, the previous benefits included:

• Monthly Fellowship: ₹25,000 per month (over and above salary).
• Research Grant: ₹15 lakh per year for consumables, manpower, travel, etc.
• Institutional Overhead: ₹1 lakh per year.
• Duration: 3 years (extendable up to 5 years based on performance).

How to Apply

To apply for the ANRF-ATRI program, follow these steps:

1. Visit the ANRF Online Portal: https://anrfonline.in.
2. Ensure your profile is migrated from the previous SERB account if applicable.
3. Obtain a nomination from an eligible authority (Head of Institution, Fellow of National Academies, etc.).
4. Submit your nomination through the ANRF portal during the application window.

Important Dates & Deadlines

• Application Start: 15 January 2026
• Last Date: 24 February 2026 (up to 5:00 PM IST)
• Expected Interview: TBD

Selection Process

Selection for the ANRF-ATRI program is based on nominations. Candidates must be nominated by recognized authorities, and the selection will consider the quality of the proposed research and the nominee's credentials.

Contact Information

For more information, you can contact:

• Email: info@anrf.gov.in
• Phone: +91-11-12345678
• Address: Anusandhan National Research Foundation, New Delhi, India.