The Netaji Subhas – ICAR International Fellowship (NS-ICAR IF) 2025 is a Fellowship Scheme launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The main objective of this fellowship is to develop competent human resources by providing training in the best laboratories worldwide for Indian candidates, while also exposing overseas candidates to the best Indian Agricultural Universities (AUs) within the ICAR-AU system. This aims to create a pool of scientist-envoys for better future cooperation.
Objectives: In its continuous efforts to improve the quality and relevance of agricultural education, ICAR has established the International Fellowships with two major goals:
- Human Resource Development in cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
- Demonstrating the Strength of the Indian Agricultural System abroad.
The fellowships are offered to Indian and overseas nationals pursuing doctoral degrees in agriculture and allied sciences, focusing on priority research areas.
Fellowship Benefits:
- Air Tickets: To and fro economy-class tickets will be provided for both Indian and overseas candidates. For overseas fellows in India, travel costs from the arrival port in India to the destination University will be reimbursed.
- Monthly Fellowship:
- Indian Fellows Going Abroad: US$ 2,000/month for Ph.D. candidates.
- Overseas Fellows in India: INR 40,000/month for Ph.D. candidates.
- Contingent and Preparatory Expenses:
- Indian Fellows: US$ 1,000 per year.
- Overseas Fellows: INR 25,000 per year.
- Fellowship Release: The first six months of the fellowship will be released after receiving the fellow’s acceptance for the fellowship and admission letter. Subsequently, the fellowship will be released every six months after receiving an academic progress report certified by the advisor.
- Other Costs: Fellows will be responsible for all other costs, including medical insurance, from the fellowship or their own resources.
- In-Service Fellows: In-service fellows may continue to receive their salary and benefits from their parent organization during the fellowship.
Tenure of Fellowship:
- The fellowship is available for a period of three years and will not be extended.
- If the fellow does not complete the Ph.D. within the prescribed period, they must use their own resources to complete the degree.
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have a Master’s degree in agriculture or allied sciences with at least 6.60 OGPA (out of 10.0) or 65% marks.
- Fresh candidates should be under 35 years of age on the last date for application, while in-service candidates can be up to 40 years of age.
- The fellowship is available for both fresh and in-service candidates. Fresh candidates should have completed their qualifying degree within two years before the specified date for admission.
- In-service candidates should be employed in the ICAR-AU system.
Bank Guarantee and Service Bond:
- Indian Fellows: A bank guarantee of US$ 10,000 (or equivalent) must be provided for the entire duration of the fellowship.
- Overseas Fellows: A sum of ₹2,00,000 will be recovered from their fellowship in two installments.
- In-service Indian Fellows: They will be required to execute a bond with the deputing institution to serve that institution for at least three years after completing their degree.
Eligibility for Fellowship Continuance:
- Fellows must submit progress reports every six months to the Council, certified by the advisor or head of the institution.
- The fellowship will be terminated if the fellow deviates from the research plan or fails to make satisfactory progress.
- The fellowship is not meant for short-term research or training programs.
Medical Fitness: Fellows must undergo a medical fitness test and secure medical insurance at their own cost.
Payment of Fees: The fellows will pay the fees charged by the host institution from the fellowship grant or their own resources.
IPR Issues:
- Fellows are expected to protect the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) generated during their stay at the host institution.
- The Council will have appropriate rights to any patents or knowledge generated during the fellowship period, as per the IP Management Bulletin.
Completion Report: Fellows must submit a dissertation or thesis and a report on research activities to the Council within 15 days of completing the program.
Non-return of Indian Fellows:
- Indian Fellows must return to India after completing their Ph.D. degree. If a fellow does not comply, the entire amount paid to the fellow along with a 10% overhead cost will be recovered by the Council.
Application Process
The applications are invited annually via announcements in national newspapers and notifications on the ICAR website. Indian diplomatic missions abroad will also be informed. Candidates must submit the application online in the prescribed format.
- Step 1: Fill out the fellowship registration form here.
- Step 2: Log in and complete details like personal information, academic qualifications, research plan, publications, and referee details.
- Step 3: Obtain an acceptance letter from the host institution and submit it along with the application.
- Step 4: Submit the application by clicking “Final Submit.”
Mode of Selection:
- The selection process evaluates the candidate’s research plan, academic records, achievements, and past work experience.
- The selection committee may conduct interviews or teleconferences. Candidates are selected based on evaluation scores.
- In-service candidates must provide a No Objection Certificate from their employer.
Documents Required:
- Passport-size photo
- Proof of identity, age, and residence (Aadhaar, Passport)
- Academic certificates and marksheets
- Acceptance letter from the host institution
- Research plan
- Experience letters, publications, and achievements
- Self-declaration form
- Certificate of physical fitness
- No-objection certificate from the employer (for in-service candidates)
- Bank account details linked to Aadhaar
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What documents are required while filling the online application?
A1: You will need to submit passport-size photographs, proof of identity, proof of age, academic certificates, a research plan, and an acceptance letter from the host institution.
Q2: What is the mode of application?
A2: The application process is online. Candidates must register on the ICAR portal and submit all required details and documents.
Q3: Do I need to register before applying for the fellowship?
A3: Yes, candidates must first fill out the registration form online before submitting their application.
Q4: Is there a manual for filling out the online form?
A4: The guidelines for filling out the online form are available on the ICAR website, and candidates can follow the instructions provided there.