The AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026 is a prestigious research funding initiative by the All India Council for Technical Education which is designed to strengthen doctoral research culture in technical education institutions all over India. This fellowship supports meritorious candidates who are pursuing full-time PhD programmes in AICTE-approved institutions and encourages rigorous research in engineering, technology, management, design, applied sciences and allied fields. This scheme aims to nurture knowledge creation, promote innovation, and develop highly skilled researchers capable of contributing to national development through quality research. AICTE NDF scholars receive a monthly stipend and other financial support to sustain their research journey without financial strain, with additional allowances like House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government norms. The fellowship places strong emphasis on quality of research, academic performance and adherence to scheme guidelines, making it one of India’s most sought-after doctoral support programs.
Who Is Eligible for AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026?
Eligibility criteria set by AICTE for National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026 is as follows:
- The candidate must have secured admission into a full-time PhD programme at an AICTE-approved university or research institution.
- Candidate should have a strong academic background is necessary, usually reflected by a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10 or 75% marks in qualifying degrees, with relaxed norms for reserved categories.
- Completion of national qualifying examinations such as GATE/GPAT/NET or equivalent within the last five years is often required.
- Applicants should typically be below 30 years of age on the last date of application, with age relaxations applicable for SC/ST, OBC, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and women candidates as per government rules.
- Candidates should not be receiving any other fellowship or scholarship concurrently to remain eligible for the NDF.
AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026 – Financial Support and Stipend Structure
A major highlight of the AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026 is its financial incentive, which allows doctoral scholars to dedicate their time fully to research. Although scheme specifics for 2026 may evolve from earlier models, the typical fellowship structure includes:
| Component | Approximate Support |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | Rs 28,000 per month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per Central Government norms |
| Research Support | Additional contingency grant (subject to guidelines) |
Steps to Apply for AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026
The application process for the AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026 generally involves the following steps. Applicants should follow official instructions closely when the notification is published:
- Visit the official AICTE fellowship website at www.aicte.gov.in and go onto the NDF application section.
- Complete the online registration form with valid personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents such as mark sheets, admission letter, GATE/NET scorecard and research proposal.
- Pay the application fee if applicable, according to the category norms.
- Submit the final application before the deadline and monitor status through the login portal.
Institutions may also assist candidates through their research or fellowship-coordination cells during the process. It is essential to double-check eligibility and document requirements before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can international students apply for AICTE National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) 2026?
A. Generally, AICTE doctoral fellowships are aimed at Indian citizens admitted to PhD programmes in AICTE-approved institutions. International candidate eligibility varies and details appear in the official notification.
Q2. Is a GATE or NET score mandatory for NDF 2026?
A. Most guidelines specify that candidates must have a valid national exam score (like GATE or NET), but exceptions or alternate qualifying paths may be specified in the official notification.
Q3. Does the NDF fellowship cover research expenses?
A. Yes, selected fellows usually receive a monthly stipend along with HRA and may be eligible for additional contingency grants to support research costs.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official AICTE Fellowship Portal | https://fellowship.aicte.gov.in |
| AICTE Official Website | https://www.aicte.gov.in |
| AICTE NDF Scheme Guidelines (PDF) | DOWNLOAD PDF |