ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship Scheme 2025: Benefits, Eligibility, Application Process

ICMR-Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMRI-PDF) Scheme, is initiated by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to give best quality research opportunities to new Ph D/MD/MS awardees in the promising areas like basic science, communicable and Non-Communicable diseases with a focus on Reproductive and nutritional health. Sponsors: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Administering Scheme provides 50 fellowships per annum at “ICMR Institutes/Centers equipped with latest R&D facilities.

Benefits

1. Fellowship Amount:
   • ₹65,000/- per month (consolidated) plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Government of India rules.
   • Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as admissible.
2. Contingency Grant:
   • ₹3,00,000/- per annum.
   • Up to 25% of the contingency grant can be used for national travel expenses related to research work.
3. Accommodation & Benefits:
   • Accommodation may be provided by ICMR Institutes/Centers (HRA will not be paid in such cases).
   • Medical benefits and leave as per ICMR rules for JRF/Research Associates.
4. Tenure:
   • Two years, extendable for a maximum of one additional year based on exceptional performance.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality:
   • Open to Indian nationals only.
2. Educational Qualification:
   • Fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders (within three years of degree completion).
   • Provisional degree holders can also apply.
3. Age Limit:
   • Maximum 32 years as of the last date of application.
   • Relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PH and women candidates.
   • Additional 3 years of relaxation for deserving candidates based on prior work, publications, or awards.
4. Research Work:
   • Proposed research work should ideally be a continuation of Ph.D./MD/MS research.
5. Guide Eligibility:
   • The PDF guide must have a minimum designation of Scientist-C grade.
6. Special Provisions:
   • Postgraduate medical students from MCI-recognized colleges can pursue PDFs where a minimum of three postgraduate batches have graduated.

Note: Plagiarism check reports and declarations are mandatory with the application.

Application Process

Offline Application:

1. Last Dates:
   • 30th June and 31st December every year.
2. Steps to Apply:
   • Step 1: Visit the official ICMR website to download the application form.
   • Step 2: Fill out the form completely, ensuring no fields are left blank.
   • Step 3: Attach self-attested copies of all requisite documents.
   • Step 4: Submit the completed application to:

1. Key Notes:
   • Applications must be routed through sponsoring ICMR Institutes/Centers.
   • Incomplete applications will be rejected.
   • Applicants from abroad may be considered in absentia.

Documents Required

1. Photograph: Passport-size.
2. Proof of Date of Birth: Attested copy of school leaving certificate.
3. Mark Sheets/Degrees: Attested copies of academic qualifications.
4. Caste Certificate: If applicable.
5. Publications: Reprints and preprints.
6. Ph.D. Thesis: One-page summary.
7. Acceptance Letters: For papers accepted for publication.
8. Research Proposal: Detailed proposal for post-doctoral work.
9. Testimonials: Two references, including one from the Ph.D. guide.
10. Plagiarism Check Report: Verified by ICMR-RIO.

Selection Process

• Shortlisting: Based on publications, citations, and impact factors.
• Interview: Conducted by a specially constituted selection committee at ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi.
• Final Decision: Recommendations by the selection committee are reviewed by the Director General, ICMR.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the duration of the fellowship?
   • Two years, extendable by one year based on performance.
2. What is the fellowship amount?
   • ₹65,000/- per month plus HRA and NPA as per Government rules.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
   • Indian nationals with a Ph.D./MD/MS degree within three years of completion.
4. What is the contingency grant?
   • ₹3,00,000/- per annum.
5. Can I apply if I have a provisional degree?
   • Yes, provisional degree holders are eligible.
6. What is the age relaxation for women candidates?
   • Up to 5 years.
7. Can applicants from abroad apply?
   • Yes, they may be considered in absentia.
8. What happens if the fellowship is discontinued early?
   • Fellows must refund the drawn fellowship amount.
9. Who sanctions the fellowship?
   • The Director General, ICMR, based on recommendations by the selection committee.

Sources and References

1. Official Website: ICMR Official Portal
2. Guidelines: PDF Guidelines Document.
3. Application Form: Download from the official website.