India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) 2026: Deadlines, Eligibility

India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) — Overview

The India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) is a prestigious short-term research fellowship supported by India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) and implemented by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). This fellowship allows researchers from selected neighboring countries to visit India for a period of 3 to 6 months to collaborate with Indian scientists on ongoing research projects. It is not a degree program or a permanent job, but rather a unique opportunity for international collaboration in scientific research.

Key Highlights

• Fully funded fellowship covering living expenses, airfare, and research support.
• Open to researchers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• Eligibility includes holding a Ph.D. or equivalent degree with relevant research experience.
• Age limit of 45 years as of 31 March 2026.
• Application requires a Letter of Acceptance from an Indian host scientist.
• Fellowship duration ranges from 3 to 6 months.
• Opportunity to build long-term research collaborations.
• Exposure to advanced laboratories and scientific infrastructure in India.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ISRF, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a citizen of one of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, or Thailand.
• Must hold a permanent position in a university or research institute in their home country.
• Must possess a Ph.D. degree or an M.Tech/M.Sc/MBBS with 3-5 years of research or teaching experience.
• Ph.D. students registered in their home country are also eligible to apply.
• Age must be below 45 years as of 31 March 2026.
• Applicants should not hold an Indian residency visa.

Stipend & Financial Benefits

The ISRF provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• ₹50,000 per month for living and accommodation expenses.
• ₹10,000 one-time contingency grant.
• ₹20,000 allocated to the Indian host scientist for lab expenses.
• Round-trip economy airfare.
• Local travel reimbursement.
• Visa fee reimbursement.

How to Apply

To apply for the ISRF, follow these steps:

1. Identify an Indian host scientist whose research aligns with your area of expertise.
2. Contact the host scientist to request a Letter of Acceptance.
3. Download the official application form from the DST or INSA website.
4. Carefully fill out the application form.
5. Attach all required documents.
6. Submit the application through the implementing agency in your country or directly to INSA.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Key dates for the ISRF 2025-26 are as follows:

• Application Start: 31 December 2025
• Last Date to Apply: 31 March 2026
• Fellowship Visit Period: Late 2026 or early 2027

Selection Process

The selection process for the ISRF involves:

• Review of submitted applications and documents.
• Shortlisting of candidates based on eligibility and proposal quality.
• Official communication to shortlisted candidates regarding their selection.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, you can contact:

• Email: info@insaindia.res.in
• Phone: +91-11-2651-1230
• Address: Indian National Science Academy, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002, India