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Here are the top PhD fellowships and scholarships in India relevant to Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, and related fields. Most are open to wide scientific disciplines but include a strong focus or opportunities for nano research. These fellowships are highly competitive, prestigious, and provide substantial funding for doctoral studies:
Fellowship Overview — Top 10 Opportunities in Nano Research
| # | Fellowship Name | Monthly Stipend | Research Focus | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) | ₹70,000–₹80,000 | Nanotech & other STEM at IITs/IISc | pmrf.in |
| 2️⃣ | CSIR-UGC NET JRF | ₹31,000–₹35,000 | Physical, Chemical & Nano Sciences | csirnet.nta.nic.in |
| 3️⃣ | DST-INSPIRE Fellowship | ₹31,000–₹35,000 + contingency | Nano/Physics/Chemistry/Materials | online-inspire.gov.in |
| 4️⃣ | DBT-JRF (BET) | ₹37,000–₹42,000 | Nanobiotech & interdisciplinary sciences | dbtjrf.gov.in |
| 5️⃣ | DST Nano Mission Doctoral Fellowship | ₹60,000 + ₹2L/year grant | Dedicated to nanoscience/nanotech | onlinedst.gov.in |
| 6️⃣ | SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) | ₹55,000 + grants | Early-career nano researchers | serbonline.in |
| 7️⃣ | Ramanujan Fellowship (SERB) | ₹1,35,000 + ₹7L/year | Nano scientists joining Indian labs | serbonline.in |
| 8️⃣ | ICMR JRF | ₹37,000–₹42,000 | Biomedical Nano (e.g., nanomedicine) | icmr.gov.in |
| 9️⃣ | Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowship | Fully funded | Nanotech research in USA | usief.org.in |
| 🔟 | Institutional Fellowships (IISc, IITs, INST, etc.) | Varies (₹31,000–₹45,000) | Based on institute-specific programs | See institute websites |
India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in nanoscience and nanotechnology research, with numerous institutions advancing cutting-edge studies in quantum materials, nanosensors, nanomedicine, and nanoelectronics. For aspiring PhD candidates, securing a prestigious fellowship not only provides financial security but also connects you with India’s top nano research facilities and mentors.
Here’s a deeper dive into the most sought-after PhD fellowships in India for those interested in nano research:
1. Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Arguably India’s most elite doctoral fellowship, PMRF is awarded to top graduates entering direct PhD programs at IITs, IISc, and other tier-1 institutes. The fellowship is open to nanoscience-aligned proposals and offers unmatched stipends and research support.
2. CSIR-UGC NET JRF
Ideal for candidates aiming to work in nanomaterials, nanochemistry, or nano-enabled biomedical sciences. Requires passing the national-level CSIR NET exam in Physical or Chemical Sciences.
3. DST-INSPIRE Fellowship
Open to top postgraduates in basic science streams (including physics, chemistry, and materials science). It supports nano-oriented research provided the topic aligns with frontier science.
4. DBT-JRF (BET)
Geared toward biotech and life science graduates. If your nano work involves nanobiotechnology, biosensors, or drug delivery systems, this is a top-tier option.
5. DST Nano Mission Fellowship
Specifically created for nanoscience and nanotechnology, this is India’s only dedicated fellowship for the field. It provides funding at both doctoral and postdoctoral levels.
6. SERB National Postdoctoral Fellowship
This fellowship supports recent PhD holders aiming to continue nano research under a host mentor. Excellent for transitioning from doctoral to independent research.
7. Ramanujan Fellowship
Designed to attract top talent back to India, this highly funded award supports early-career scientists working in emerging nano areas such as quantum nanodevices or nanoenergy systems.
8. ICMR JRF
For those interested in nanomedicine or nanoparticle-based diagnostics. ICMR supports interdisciplinary research with biomedical applications.
9. Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Fellowship
Offers Indian PhD students the chance to conduct part of their research in U.S. labs. Strong nano projects—especially in areas like nanobiotechnology or nanomaterials—are encouraged.
10. Institutional Fellowships
Institutes like IISc, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, INST Mohali, JNCASR, and others have their own PhD fellowships. These often align with DST norms and are typically granted alongside admission.
Reference Links
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. Please refer to the official fellowship websites for updated eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application instructions. We do not guarantee fellowship awards or endorse any agency.
🎯 Ready to Apply?
Check eligibility, plan your research proposal, and apply directly using the official links above. 🧬 Nano is the future—fund yours today.
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