Deadline: 06-May-2026
The TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship supports foreign scholars from developing countries to pursue PhD research in emerging science and technology areas in India. The program offers Sandwich and Full-Time Fellowships, providing up to four years of funding at CSIR research laboratories and institutes to strengthen scientific capacity and doctoral research opportunities.
Overview
The fellowship is designed to:
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Support advanced research in emerging areas of science and technology
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Promote collaboration with CSIR laboratories and institutes in India
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Strengthen scientific capacity in developing countries
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Provide doctoral research opportunities for scholars from developing nations
Fellowship Details
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Host institutions: CSIR laboratories and institutes across India
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Duration: Up to 4 years
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Formats:
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Sandwich Fellowship: For applicants already registered for a PhD in their home country (6 months to 3 years)
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Full-Time Fellowship: For applicants enrolling in a PhD in India (up to 4 years)
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Focus: Emerging science and technology fields
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be nationals of a developing country other than India
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Not hold a visa for temporary or permanent residence in India or a developed country
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Be 35 years old or younger by 31 December of the application year
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Hold a Master’s degree in science or technology
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Be regularly employed in their home country with a research assignment
Additional requirements based on fellowship type:
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Sandwich Fellowship:
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Must be registered for a PhD in home country
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Submit a Registration and No Objection Certificate from home university
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Full-Time Fellowship:
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Must enroll in a PhD programme in India within the first year if approved
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How to Apply / What to Do
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Confirm eligibility: Check age, nationality, degree, and employment requirements
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Select fellowship type: Sandwich (PhD in home country) or Full-Time (PhD in India)
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Secure supporting documents:
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For Sandwich: Registration & No Objection Certificate from home university
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For Full-Time: Willingness to register in an Indian PhD program
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Prepare research proposal: Focus on emerging areas of science and technology
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Submit application: Through TWAS-CSIR official channels and adhere to deadlines
Focus Areas
The fellowship prioritizes research in:
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Emerging areas of science and technology
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Collaborative projects that strengthen research capacity
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Innovative solutions that can contribute to scientific and technological development
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the TWAS-CSIR Fellowship?
Foreign scholars from developing countries (excluding India) under 35 with a Master’s degree in science or technology.
2. What are the two types of fellowships offered?
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Sandwich Fellowship: For those already pursuing a PhD in their home country (6 months–3 years)
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Full-Time Fellowship: For enrolling in a PhD in India (up to 4 years)
3. Where is the fellowship tenable?
At CSIR laboratories and institutes across India.
4. Can applicants from developed countries apply?
No, only nationals of developing countries other than India are eligible.
5. What supporting documents are required?
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Sandwich: PhD registration and No Objection Certificate from home university
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Full-Time: Confirmation of willingness to register in a PhD program in India
6. Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be 35 years or younger by 31 December of the application year.
7. Can applicants already living in India apply?
No, applicants must not hold a visa for temporary or permanent residence in India or developed countries.
Final Takeaway
The TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for young scientists from developing countries to conduct advanced PhD research in India, collaborate with world-class CSIR laboratories, and contribute to emerging scientific and technological developments while strengthening global research capacity.
For more information, visit TWAS.