If you are looking for a Post Doctoral Fellowship in India 2026, then the ANRF National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) 2026 is something you should definitely check once. This fellowship is meant for young researchers who want to continue serious research work after PhD, with proper financial support and freedom.
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Earlier, this fellowship was handled by SERB, but now it is officially managed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). For 2026, many things are updated — including fellowship amount, portal, and timelines.
In this article, I will explain everything in simple words — National post doctoral fellowship N PDF 2026 login, last date, eligibility, dates, and application process, without making it confusing.
What is National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) 2026?
The NPDF fellowship 2026 is a prestigious research fellowship offered by ANRF to support motivated PhD holders in India. The main goal is to encourage independent research and help scholars work with reputed mentors and institutions.
Under the ANRF NPDF 2026, selected fellows receive a good monthly stipend, research grant, and institutional support for two full years.
This fellowship is considered one of the best Post Doctoral Fellowships in India 2026 for early-career researchers.
Important Dates – NPDF 2026
If you are planning to apply, dates are very important. Below are the official timelines for National post doctoral fellowship N PDF 2026 dates:
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Application Start Date: 15 January 2026
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National post doctoral fellowship N PDF 2026 last date: 17 February 2026 (till 5:00 PM IST)
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NPDF 2026 last date: Same – 17 Feb 2026
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Result / Selection List: Mostly announced between June to July 2026
👉 It is always better to apply early because server load increases near the last date.
Fellowship Amount & Financial Support (Revised for 2026)
One good update this year is that ANRF has increased the fellowship support.
💰 NPDF Fellowship 2026 Benefits
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₹80,000 per month + HRA
(For candidates who already have PhD degree) -
₹50,000 per month + HRA
(For candidates who have submitted thesis, till degree award) -
Research Grant: ₹2,00,000 per year
(Consumables, travel, contingency etc.) -
Overhead Charges: ₹1,00,000 per year to host institute
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Tenure: 2 Years only (no extension allowed)
This makes ANRF National Post Doctoral Fellowship N PDF 2026 financially strong compared to many other postdoc options in India.
Eligibility Criteria – ANRF NPDF 2026
Before applying, make sure you meet all conditions:
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Nationality: Applicant must be an Indian citizen
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Qualification: PhD / MD / MS degree holders
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Thesis Submitted candidates: Also eligible
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Age Limit: 35 years (as on 17 Feb 2026)
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Age Relaxation:
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5 years for SC / ST / OBC / PwD
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5 years relaxation for all Women candidates
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Time Limit: Application must be within 5 years of PhD viva
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Mobility Rule:
You cannot apply with:-
Your PhD guide or co-guide
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Same department or institution where PhD was awarded
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This rule is very strict in ANRF NPDF 2026, so check carefully.
National Post Doctoral Fellowship N PDF 2026 Login & Application Process
The application process is fully online through ANRF portal.
Step-by-Step Apply Process
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Visit the official ANRF portal:
https://www.anrf.gov.in -
Click on Login / Register
(If you had SERB login earlier, same credentials usually works) -
Complete your profile details carefully
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Choose a Mentor from a recognized Indian institution
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Mentor must be a regular employee
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One mentor can guide only two NPDF fellows at a time
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Upload required documents:
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Research proposal
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PhD degree or thesis submission proof
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CV of applicant and mentor
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Endorsement certificate from host institute
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Final submit the application before NPDF 2026 last date
After submission, you can track status using National post doctoral fellowship N PDF 2026 login dashboard.
Priority Research Areas – NPDF 2026
For ANRF National Post Doctoral Fellowship N PDF 2026, preference is given to projects aligned with national missions like:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Semiconductors
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Sustainable & Renewable Energy
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MAHA MedTech
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Deep-tech and interdisciplinary research
This does not mean other areas are rejected, but priority areas may get faster attention.
Why NPDF 2026 is Important for Researchers?
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High monthly fellowship compared to many schemes
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Freedom to work independently
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Exposure to top Indian institutions
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Strong boost for academic and R&D career
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One of the best Post Doctoral Fellowships in India 2026
Final Words
If you are serious about research and looking for a stable and respected NPDF fellowship 2026, then ANRF NPDF 2026 is a golden chance. Just make sure you follow the rules, choose mentor wisely, and submit before the National post doctoral fellowship N PDF 2026 last date.