NIDM Doctoral Fellowship Programme on Disaster Studies (India)

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is inviting applications for its Doctoral Fellowship Programme to support full-time Ph.D. scholars conducting research in disaster management. The fellowship provides financial assistance following UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) norms, with support of up to ₹42,000 per month plus HRA, contingency grants, and additional assistance for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

About the NIDM Doctoral Fellowship Programme

The NIDM Doctoral Fellowship Programme supports high-quality doctoral research that contributes to disaster risk reduction, resilience building, climate adaptation, and disaster management in India.

The programme encourages research that addresses emerging disaster challenges and develops practical solutions to improve disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and sustainable development. By supporting full-time Ph.D. scholars, NIDM aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and innovation in disaster management.

The fellowship is available for a maximum period of five years or until the submission of the Ph.D. thesis to NIDM, whichever occurs earlier.

Research Areas

Applicants may undertake research in one or more disaster-related themes, including:

• Landslides
• Floods
• Cyclones
• Earthquakes
• Fire and fire safety
• Multi-hazard disaster management
• Disaster risk reduction
• Climate resilience
• Disaster preparedness
• Disaster response and recovery
• Risk assessment
• Resilient infrastructure
• Environmental risk management

Research should contribute to improving disaster resilience and reducing disaster risks.

Priority Research Interventions

The programme encourages interdisciplinary research across several intervention areas.

Priority themes include:

Nature-Based and Ecosystem Interventions

• Ecosystem restoration
• Nature-based disaster risk reduction
• Watershed management
• Forest and wetland conservation
• Climate adaptation through ecosystems
• Sustainable environmental management

Community-Centric Interventions

• Community disaster preparedness
• Community resilience
• Disaster awareness programmes
• Local capacity building
• Participatory disaster management
• Inclusive disaster planning

Urban and Infrastructure Interventions

• Urban resilience
• Disaster-resilient infrastructure
• Smart city resilience
• Infrastructure risk assessment
• Urban flood management
• Critical infrastructure protection

Social, Behavioral, and Health Interventions

• Disaster psychology
• Public health preparedness
• Mental health during disasters
• Social vulnerability
• Behavioural risk communication
• Inclusive disaster response

Climate and Ecosystem Knowledge Interventions

• Climate change adaptation
• Climate risk assessment
• Ecosystem services
• Climate resilience planning
• Environmental monitoring
• Sustainable disaster management

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive financial support in accordance with UGC JRF/SRF norms.

Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

During the first two years, fellows will receive:

• ₹37,000 per month
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable
• Contingency grant of ₹10,000 per year

Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)

After successful performance evaluation, fellows may be upgraded to SRF and receive:

• ₹42,000 per month
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Contingency grant of ₹20,500 per year

Support for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

Eligible PwD fellows may also receive:

• Reader or escort assistance of ₹2,000 per month

Duration of the Fellowship

The fellowship is awarded:

• From the date of selection.
• For a maximum of five years.
• Until submission of the Ph.D. thesis to NIDM, whichever is earlier.

Continuation of funding depends on satisfactory academic progress and compliance with reporting requirements.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. programme.
• Study at a UGC-recognized university, institution, or college.
• Conduct research related to disaster management.
• Have completed Ph.D. coursework with at least 60% marks.

Applicants awaiting coursework results may still apply if the status is clearly mentioned in the bonafide certificate.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should also:

• Have an approved Ph.D. synopsis.

If synopsis approval is pending:

• Mention the pending status in the bonafide certificate.
• Submit proof of synopsis approval within six months of selection.

Applicants must be able to continue full-time doctoral research throughout the fellowship period.

Reporting and Fellowship Continuation Requirements

To continue receiving fellowship support, selected fellows must submit regular progress reports.

Required submissions include:

• Monthly progress reports signed by the research supervisor
• Quarterly continuation reports
• Annual progress reports
• Utilization certificates for contingency grants
• Other documents requested by NIDM

Monthly fellowship payments are released after submission of the required monthly progress report.

Why This Fellowship Matters

India experiences multiple natural and human-induced disasters each year, making disaster research increasingly important.

The fellowship helps to:

• Promote evidence-based disaster management research.
• Support innovation in disaster risk reduction.
• Strengthen climate resilience.
• Improve disaster preparedness.
• Enhance policy development.
• Build research capacity in disaster management.
• Encourage interdisciplinary research.
• Support sustainable development and resilience.

The programme contributes to building safer and more disaster-resilient communities.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility for the fellowship.
2. Ensure enrollment in a full-time Ph.D. programme at a UGC-recognized institution.
3. Complete or provide the status of Ph.D. coursework.
4. Obtain an approved Ph.D. synopsis or indicate pending approval in the bonafide certificate.
5. Prepare all required academic documents.
6. Complete the official fellowship application form.
7. Submit the application before the prescribed deadline.
8. Provide additional documents if requested during the evaluation process.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Choose a research topic aligned with NIDM priorities.
• Clearly explain the significance of your research.
• Demonstrate potential policy or practical impact.
• Prepare a well-defined research methodology.
• Ensure all academic records are complete.
• Obtain strong recommendations from supervisors where required.
• Submit accurate and complete documentation.
• Clearly indicate pending approvals if applicable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying without full-time Ph.D. enrollment.
• Incomplete coursework documentation.
• Failing to mention pending coursework or synopsis approval.
• Missing required certificates.
• Submitting incomplete application forms.
• Choosing research topics unrelated to disaster management.
• Providing inaccurate academic information.
• Missing application deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NIDM Doctoral Fellowship Programme?

The programme provides financial support to full-time Ph.D. scholars conducting research in disaster management, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and related fields.

How much fellowship support is provided?

Selected fellows receive ₹37,000 per month plus HRA during the first two years under JRF. After successful evaluation, the fellowship may be upgraded to ₹42,000 per month plus HRA under SRF.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. programme at a UGC-recognized university, institution, or college and have completed Ph.D. coursework with at least 60% marks, or be awaiting results as permitted under the guidelines.

Which research areas are supported?

Research may focus on landslides, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, fire, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, ecosystem-based interventions, community resilience, infrastructure, public health, and other disaster management topics.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of five years or until submission of the Ph.D. thesis to NIDM, whichever occurs earlier.

Are Persons with Disabilities (PwD) eligible for additional support?

Yes. Eligible PwD fellows may receive ₹2,000 per month as reader or escort assistance.

What reporting requirements must fellows meet?

Fellows must submit monthly progress reports, quarterly continuation reports, annual progress reports, and utilization certificates to continue receiving fellowship support.

Conclusion

The NIDM Doctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for full-time Ph.D. scholars to conduct impactful research in disaster management while receiving financial support aligned with UGC JRF and SRF norms. By funding research on disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, community preparedness, and resilient infrastructure, the programme helps develop innovative solutions that strengthen India’s disaster management capabilities and contribute to safer, more resilient communities.