Post-Doctorate in Indian Universities List: Top-5 Institutes in 2025

Post-doctorate in Indian universities is one of the major steps forward in building a career for students who have completed their master’s degree and PhD in the same field. Many aspirants wish to continue their higher education even after completing their master’s degree. For PhD holders, post-doctoral research is a significant step that helps them gain deeper knowledge and research experience in academics. Several Indian universities offer the opportunity to pursue a post-doctoral degree. Read this article to learn more about the Post Doctorate in Indian Universities list.

What is a Post-Doctorate Fellowship?

A Post Doctorate Fellowship in India is a research program for those who have completed their Ph.D. It gives scholars the chance to conduct independent research in a specific area, with the support of a senior faculty member or research mentor at a university, institute, or research organization.

Key Features of Post-Doctorate Fellowships in India

The following are the key features of post-doctorate fellowships in India.

• Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Objective: To enhance research experience, publish in academic journals, and contribute original research to their field of study.
• Host Institutions: Offered by top universities and institutes like:
  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
  • IITs
  • IIMs
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
  • UGC and CSIR Labs
• Fellowship Amount: Monthly stipend typically ranges from INR 47,000 to INR 54,000, along with house rent allowance (HRA) and contingency grants.
• Duration: Usually 1 to 3 years, extendable based on performance and funding.

What is the Scope of a Post-Doctorate Fellowship in India?

The scope of a Post-Doctorate Fellowship (PDF) in India is broad and valuable, especially for those pursuing academic, research, or specialized professional careers. It serves as a crucial bridge between doctoral studies and permanent positions in research, academia, and industry.

1. Academic Careers

• Enhances qualifications for faculty positions in universities and colleges.
• Strengthens academic profiles for tenure-track roles, assistant professorships, or research faculty posts.
• Encourages deeper exploration of a specialized area, leading to published research papers, books, or conference presentations.

2. Research Opportunities

• Facilitates independent or mentored research in reputed institutions like IISc, IITs, CSIR labs, and central universities.
• Opens doors to international collaborations and exchange programs.
• Helps build expertise in advanced methodologies, data analysis, and project design.

3. Industry and Think Tanks

• Post-doctoral experience is valued in R&D departments, think tanks, policy-making bodies, and NGOs.
• Scholars may work on projects with real-world applications, contributing to innovation and development.

4. Grants and Funding

• Builds credibility for applying to research grants, fellowships, and awards (e.g., DST, UGC, SERB, DBT).
• Acts as a stepping stone for securing independent research funding or project leadership roles.

5. International Prospects

• Strengthens profiles for post-doc opportunities abroad in universities, labs, and international organizations.
• Facilitates global exposure, cross-cultural research experience, and professional networking.

Overview Table of Post-Doctorate Universities in India

The following is the overview table of post-doctorate universities in India that contains the institute’s name, fellowship program, eligibility, duration, and stipend. These universities are categorised as top-notch institutions for pursuing a post-doctorate fellowship in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024.

Universities	Fellowship Program	Eligibility	Duration	Stipend
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore	Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF)	Ph.D. in a relevant discipline	1–2 years (extendable)	INR 47,000-54,000
IIT Bombay	Post Doctoral Fellowship Program	Ph.D. with a strong academic record	1-2 years	INR 60,000-67,000
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi	UGC/ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship	Ph.D. and research publications	Up to 5 years	INR 38.000-46,000 + contingency
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)	Visiting Fellow / Postdoctoral Position	Ph.D. in Science or Mathematics	1-3 years	INR 47,000-54,000 + accommodation
University of Hyderabad	Institute of Eminence (IoE) Postdoctoral Fellowship	Recent Ph.D. with research experience	1-2 years	INR 50,000-55,000 + accommodation

Also read – Top Post Doctoral Fellowships You Should Know About

Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bangalore)

IISc is India’s premier institution for advanced scientific research and consistently ranks #1 in the NIRF rankings. The Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF) at IISc supports young researchers in their transition to independent investigators. HRA is provided if hostel accommodation is not available

Eligibility: Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with a strong academic background. Candidates who have submitted their thesis may also apply. Age preferably under 32.

Duration: Initially 1 year; extendable based on performance.

Stipend: INR 80,000/month (with Ph.D.), INR 50,000/month (awaiting Ph.D. defense), Research Grant: INR 2,00,000/year.

Also read – Difference Between IIT vs MIT: Which is Better?

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

IIT Bombay, known for its cutting-edge innovation and interdisciplinary research, offers an Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship aimed at recent Ph.D. graduates.

Stipend: INR 65,000–₹71,000/month (based on experience), HRA, and INR 15,000 annual contingency grant included.

Eligibility: Fresh Ph.D. holders or those with up to 2 years post-Ph.D. experience. Candidates must have at least two publications in reputed journals. Age preferably below 32.

Duration: 1 year, extendable up to 2 years.

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

JNU is one of India’s leading public universities for humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. It offers Post-Doctoral Fellowships under schemes like UGC and ICSSR.

Stipend: INR 31,000/month and contingency Grant: INR 20,000/year

Eligibility: Ph.D. with research publications. An Indian citizen under 45 years (relaxation applicable for reserved categories).

Duration: Up to 2 years (renewed annually based on progress).

Also read – IIT Delhi And Queensland University’s Joint PhD Program

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai

TIFR is globally renowned for its contributions in mathematics, physics, biology, and computer science. Its Post-Doctoral Program provides scholars with a highly stimulating research environment.

Stipend: INR 58,000–INR 67,000/month (depending on experience), Contingency: INR 60,000/year, Campus accommodation or HRA available.

Eligibility: Ph.D. in Science or Mathematics. Candidates who have submitted their thesis may also be considered.

Duration: 1 year, extendable for another year based on review.

University of Hyderabad

The University of Hyderabad, a UGC “Institution of Eminence,” offers IoE Post-Doctoral Fellowships across disciplines.

Research Grant: INR 1,00,000/year (sciences/engineering), INR 50,000/year (other subjects)

Eligibility: Recent Ph.D. with solid research credentials. Age limit is 32 (relaxable to 35 for SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Women).

Duration: 1–2 years, depending on performance and funding.

Stipend: INR 55,000/month (with Ph.D. degree) and INR 35,000/month (if awaiting degree)

FAQs

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UGC’s Junior Research Fellowship: Eligibility, Benefits, Application Process	Swachh Bharat Fellowship 2024-25: Eligibility, Application Process, Benefits

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