Honestly, if you’ve been tracking fellowships in India for the last few years, 2026 feels… different. A bit confusing, a bit overwhelming, but also full of solid opportunities if you know where to look. Many people are still stuck on old SERB pages, expired PDFs, or WhatsApp forwards that are no longer valid. And that’s where things go wrong.
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The biggest shift this year is the full transition of major research fellowships to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Deadlines have moved, portals have changed, and selection priorities are not exactly what they used to be. So if you’re a PhD scholar, postdoc, senior scientist, or even someone working in social policy, this guide should help you breathe a little easier.
I’ve gone through the current notifications, portals, and eligibility documents myself. Not skimming. Actually reading them. And here’s what genuinely matters for the 2026 cycle.
Why Fellowships in 2026 Feel More Competitive Than Ever
So, here’s the truth. It’s not that funding has reduced. It’s that expectations have gone up.
ANRF is clearly pushing outcome-based research. Keywords like translational impact, national relevance, and prototype readiness are no longer just fancy language. Reviewers are actively scoring applications on these points.
Another thing people are missing: timelines are tighter. Most ANRF and research fellowships for 2026 close in February itself. If you wait till March thinking “abhi time hai”, you’re already late.
Science & Research Fellowships (ANRF / SERB Transitioned)
The new ANRF online portal is now the main hub for STEM and research funding. Many older SERB schemes still exist in name, but the application process has completely changed.
Below are the major fellowships currently open for the 2026 cycle.
J.C. Bose National Fellowship 2026
This one remains among the most respected fellowships in India, especially for senior researchers.
Who should apply:
Senior scientists between 45 and 65 years with a strong publication and mentorship record.
Deadline: February 10, 2026
A small but important detail people overlook — this fellowship is not about proposing something entirely new. It rewards sustained excellence. If your CV doesn’t show long-term impact, this might not be the right bet.
Ramanujan Fellowship 2026
If you’re an Indian researcher currently abroad (or recently returned), this is still one of the best re-entry fellowships.
Eligibility:
Indian scientists working overseas, usually with a PhD and postdoctoral experience.
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Selection committees are now paying more attention to institutional fit. So don’t randomly pick a host institute. That mismatch shows.
National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) – ANRF
This one is getting massive attention in 2026, partly because of limited postdoc options in India.
Who can apply:
PhD holders within 5 years of award.
Deadline: February 17, 2026
Quick advice from experience: start your host institute paperwork early. Many good applications fail simply because the endorsement letter came late.
Microsoft Research (MSR) India Fellowship
A slightly different category, but still highly competitive.
Eligibility:
B.Tech, M.Tech, or PhD students in Computer Science or related fields.
Deadline: February 15, 2026
This is more industry-aligned. Strong coding profiles, GitHub work, and problem-solving skills matter more than long publications.
ANRF-ATRI (Applied & Translational Research Initiative)
This one is clearly aligned with India’s push for commercialization and deep-tech.
Best for:
Researchers with prototype-ready technologies or near-market research.
Deadline: February 24, 2026
Honestly, theoretical proposals struggle here. If you don’t have something tangible to show, rethink before applying.
Academic & Student Fellowships (International Exposure)
Not everyone wants a lab-based career forever. Some fellowships are more about exposure, learning, and networks. And yes, they’re still worth it.
Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship 2026
This is one of those fellowships people dream about but don’t prepare for properly.
Applications open: February 15, 2026
Deadline: March 30, 2026
Funding: Up to USD 120,000 for tuition and living expenses.
Inlaks looks beyond marks. They want clarity. If you can’t explain why this course, this university, and this career path, it shows immediately.
NTU Global Connect Fellowship (Singapore)
A short-term but powerful opportunity.
Duration: 2 months
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Benefits: SGD 5,000 stipend + on-campus accommodation.
This is ideal for students who want international research exposure without committing to a full degree abroad.
Social Impact, Law & Policy Fellowships
Not all fellowships are about science labs and equations. Policy, governance, and education-focused fellowships are quietly gaining relevance.
NLSIU Research Fellowships (Second Round)
The National Law School of India University is accepting applications again.
Who can apply:
Graduates and postdoctoral researchers.
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Good writing skills matter here. If your proposal reads like a government circular, it won’t help.
LEAP Emerge Fellowship 2026
Designed for final-year students and early professionals who want structured mentorship.
Deadline: March 13, 2026
This one values intent and leadership potential more than academic rank.
Bhumi Fellowship 2026
If you’re serious about education reform and grassroots impact, this is worth a look.
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Be prepared for fieldwork. This is not a desk-based fellowship.
How to Actually Increase Your Selection Chances in 2026
I’ve seen strong CVs get rejected and average profiles get selected. The difference is rarely intelligence. It’s preparation.
1. Follow the ANRF Transition Rules Properly
Many SERB-era formats are outdated now. Always apply through the official anrfonline.in portal for government-funded research. Using old templates is a silent killer.
2. Institutional Endorsement Is Not a Formality
For fellowships like N-PDF and J.C. Bose, your host institute’s approval matters a lot. Start at least 10 days early. Faculty travel, holidays, and admin delays are very real.
3. Statement of Purpose Needs a Direction
In 2026, vague research goals don’t work.
Align your SoP with themes like Viksit Bharat 2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat, or national problem-solving. Don’t force it. Just show awareness of where Indian research priorities are heading.
Common Mistakes Applicants Are Still Making
And yes, people repeat these every year.
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Copy-pasting old SoPs with updated dates
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Ignoring word limits
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Choosing a host institute only based on ranking
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Submitting applications on the last day (portal crashes are real)
Avoiding these already puts you ahead of many applicants.
FAQs
Are SERB fellowships still active in 2026?
Technically yes, but most are now managed under ANRF. Always check the latest notification.
Can I apply for more than one fellowship at the same time?
Usually yes, but read the conflict rules carefully. Some fellowships don’t allow parallel funding.
Is February really the peak deadline month?
For research fellowships, absolutely. February 2026 is packed.
Do social impact fellowships care about publications?
Not much. They care more about clarity, commitment, and on-ground understanding.
Is it worth applying if my profile isn’t “perfect”?
Honestly, yes. A well-written, realistic proposal beats a flashy but confused one.