Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowship Program for Doctoral Studies

Deadline: 25-Sep-2026

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) invites applications from Indian and overseas nationals holding a Master’s degree in Agriculture and Allied Sciences for the Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowships (NS-ICARIFs) 2026. The fellowship program promotes international collaboration, academic exchange, and research capacity building in advanced areas of agricultural science. Indian fellows can undertake doctoral studies at identified universities overseas, while eligible overseas candidates can pursue PhD studies at Indian Agricultural Universities within the ICAR-AU system.

About the Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowships

The NS-ICAR International Fellowships are designed to strengthen international cooperation in agricultural research and education. The program enables researchers and doctoral scholars to gain international academic exposure while working in frontier areas of agricultural science. Fellowships are available for a maximum period of three years. Indian candidates are supported to study at identified overseas universities, while overseas candidates can undertake doctoral studies at eligible Indian Agricultural Universities within the ICAR-AU system. Purpose of the Fellowship

The fellowship aims to:

- Promote international collaboration in agricultural science. - Encourage knowledge exchange between India and other countries. - Strengthen advanced agricultural research. - Provide international exposure to agricultural researchers. - Support doctoral research in priority areas. - Develop scientific expertise in frontier agricultural technologies. - Build long-term academic and research partnerships. Priority Areas of Research The NS-ICARIF program supports research in several major areas of Agriculture and Allied Sciences.

Priority areas include:

- Crop sciences. - Horticulture. - Biotechnology. - Nanotechnology. - Animal sciences. - Natural resource management. - Agricultural engineering. - Fisheries. Applicants should secure admission to an eligible PhD program that falls within the identified priority areas. Fellowship Duration The fellowship is awarded for a period of three years. The fellowship provides financial support throughout the approved fellowship period, subject to the applicable program conditions. The maximum fellowship duration is three years, making it suitable for candidates undertaking substantial doctoral research and training. Number of Fellowships Up to 30 fellowships are offered each year. The allocation between Indian and overseas candidates depends on the availability of qualified applicants in the identified priority areas. Therefore, the final distribution of fellowships between the two applicant groups may vary according to the quality and availability of eligible candidates. Financial Support for Indian Fellows Indian fellows undertaking doctoral studies abroad receive comprehensive financial assistance.

The support includes:

- Monthly stipend: US$2,000.

- Annual contingency grant: US$1,000.

- Air travel: Economy-class airfare to and from the host institution.

The financial support is intended to help Indian fellows meet living and research-related expenses during their overseas doctoral studies. Financial Support for Overseas Fellows Overseas candidates undertaking doctoral studies in India receive:

- Monthly stipend: INR 40,000.

- Annual contingency grant: INR 25,000.

- Air travel: Economy-class airfare to and from the host institution.

This support enables international scholars to undertake doctoral research within the Indian Agricultural University system. Air Travel Support Selected fellows are provided economy-class air travel to and from their host institution. The travel support facilitates international movement between the fellow’s home country and the country where the doctoral research is undertaken. Additional Costs and University Fees Although the fellowship provides substantial financial support, it does not necessarily cover every cost associated with doctoral study. Fellows remain responsible for additional expenses such as: - Medical insurance. - University fees. - Other costs not covered under the fellowship provisions. Applicants should therefore consider the complete cost of their doctoral program before accepting the fellowship. Security Requirements The fellowship includes specific financial security provisions. Indian fellows are required to provide a bank guarantee. For overseas fellows, a portion of the fellowship is withheld as a security deposit. This amount is refundable after successful completion of the program, subject to the applicable conditions. Applicants should carefully review these requirements before accepting the fellowship. Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to:

- Indian nationals seeking doctoral study at identified overseas universities. - Overseas nationals seeking doctoral study at Indian Agricultural Universities within the ICAR-AU system. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Agriculture or Allied Sciences and satisfy the academic and age requirements. Academic Eligibility Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Agriculture or Allied Sciences. They must also meet the minimum academic performance requirement of: - OGPA of 6.60/10, or - 65% marks. Candidates should ensure that their academic qualifications satisfy the prescribed requirements before submitting an application. Age Eligibility Age requirements vary according to the applicant’s status.

- Fresh candidates: Not more than 35 years of age.

- In-service candidates: Not more than 40 years of age.

Both fresh and in-service candidates are eligible to apply, subject to the additional conditions applicable to their category.

Eligibility for In-Service Candidates

In-service candidates can apply under the fellowship program, provided they satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements. Indian in-service candidates must meet additional requirements specified for applicants employed in service. Ca