The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) Industrial Fellowship Programme was launched on 14th June 2021 to provide industrial exposure to young Indian researchers at German industries and industrial R&D institutions. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany, jointly manage this fellowship.
Objectives
- Encourage PhD students to engage in applied research and technological development.
- Strengthen Indo-German industry-academia and industry-industry collaborations.
- Offer exposure to Germany’s advanced industrial research ecosystem.
- Build capacity and foster innovation through industrial networking.
Duration
- The Fellowship duration is 3 to 6 months.
- No extensions will be entertained.
Benefits
- €1500 per month as Fellowship amount.
- Up to €1000 for a single round-trip economy class airfare, visa fees, and travel insurance.
- Health insurance coverage of up to €100 per month.
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizens only.
- Maximum age limit: 30 years.
- Must be a PhD student (Science/Engineering) enrolled in an Indian research institution or university.
- Must have completed at least one year of their PhD.
- Candidates with high-quality research projects that focus on industrial research in Germany will be preferred.
Additional Notes
- The applicant must submit a detailed activity plan with objectives, execution strategy, and expected outcomes.
- The host industry or industrial research organization must provide an endorsement/consent letter.
- Applicants must provide an NOC from their parent institution and a recommendation letter from their mentor.
- The awardee must follow the conduct rules of the German host organization.
- Fellowship funds will be transferred to the awardee’s Indian bank account in INR.
- The awardee must start the fellowship within 3 months of the result announcement.
- A detailed completion report must be submitted within 4 weeks of fellowship completion.
- Acknowledgment of IGSTC support in all related publications, reports, and PhD theses is mandatory.
Application Process
Mode: Online via IGSTC Official Website
Step 1: Visit the IGSTC website and check for Fellowship Call Advertisements.
Step 2: Register and submit an online application with all required documents before the deadline.
Step 3: Scientific Committee evaluates applications based on merit and eligibility.
Step 4: Selected candidates receive confirmation and must start their fellowship within 3 months.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph.
- Consent letter from the German host institution.
- NOC from the parent institution (if affiliated).
- Recommendation letter from the mentor at the parent organization.
- Proof of Date of Birth (Passport/Aadhaar Card).
- Academic certificates (arranged in reverse chronological order).
- Proof of employment (if applicable).
- Any additional documents required by IGSTC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the IGSTC Industrial Fellowship?
It is a fellowship that provides PhD students with industrial exposure in Germany for 3-6 months.
Q. Who is eligible?
PhD students from Science and Engineering disciplines, enrolled in Indian universities, who have completed at least one year of their PhD.
Q. What research areas are eligible?
Research focused on applied industrial science and technology.
Q. What is the maximum age limit?
30 years.
Q. Can foreign university PhD students apply?
No, only Indian university students are eligible.
Q. How do I find a host industry in Germany?
Applicants must identify a German industrial research organization on their own.
Q. Can the Fellowship be extended?
No, extensions are not allowed.
Q. How to apply?
Apply online via IGSTC’s official website when the Fellowship Call is announced.
Q. When will the selection process be completed?
Evaluation takes place after the submission deadline, and results are announced shortly thereafter.