DRDO DIAT Post-doctoral Fellowship 2026

DRDO DIAT Post-doctoral Fellowship 2026 — Overview

The DRDO DIAT Post-doctoral Fellowship 2026 is an esteemed opportunity offered by the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) for individuals holding a PhD degree. This fellowship is designed to promote advanced research and innovation in various scientific and technological fields. The selected candidates will receive a generous monthly stipend along with other financial benefits, enabling them to focus on their research projects effectively.

Key Highlights

• Monthly stipend of ₹55,000 for PhD holders.
• Annual research grant of ₹2,00,000 for research-related expenses.
• Eligibility for Indian nationals, PIOs, and OCIs.
• Age limit of 35 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
• Tenure of 2 years, with potential for extension based on performance.
• Independent research objectives with DIAT consent for absences.
• Annual progress evaluations for fellows.
• Support for PhD and postgraduate students in the department.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must hold a PhD degree awarded within the last three years or have submitted a PhD thesis.
• Must have research publications in high-impact-factor SCI journals.
• Must be an Indian national, PIO, or OCI; foreign nationals may be considered for up to 20% of fellowships.
• Age should not exceed 35 years as of the application deadline, with relaxations for SC/ST/Physically disabled/women candidates (up to 5 years) and OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates (up to 3 years).

Stipend & Financial Benefits

The selected candidates will receive:

• Monthly fellowship of ₹55,000 + HRA (or ₹35,000 + HRA for those who have submitted their thesis but not yet received the degree).
• Annual research grant of ₹2,00,000 for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, and domestic travel.
• Annual overheads of ₹1,00,000.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official DIAT website: http://www.diat.ac.in.
2. Click on the 'Apply Now' button.
3. Register by filling in the required details (if already registered, log in).
4. Download the application form from the website.
5. Complete the form and forward it in a sealed envelope to the Joint Registrar (Academics), DIAT, Pune.
6. Ensure that completed applications reach DIAT by January 27, 2026.

Important Dates & Deadlines

• Application Deadline: January 27, 2026

Selection Process

The selection process includes evaluation of the submitted application and research proposal, followed by an interview if shortlisted. Candidates are selected based on their academic qualifications, research experience, and the relevance of their proposed research to DIAT's objectives.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, candidates can reach out to:
Email: jr@diat.ac.in
Phone: 02024604412 / 98
Address: Joint Registrar (Academics), Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Girinagar, Pune 411025, India.