AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) 2026–27

PhD Program

AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) scheme portal is open for submission of applications by the students admitted in AICTE approved Institutes/programs pursuing Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology/Management/ Design/ Planning/Applied Science/ Applied Arts, Crafts and Design/Hotel Management and Catering Technology/Computer Application as prescribed by the AICTE for the 1st year students of the academic year 2026-27 having gained qualified examination as per the scheme guidelines.

AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF)

Admissions 2026-27

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AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) 2026–27

Apply For Doctoral Research Program

The Fellowship scheme aims to promote high-quality doctoral research in technical and professional disciplines by providing financial assistance. Eligible researchers can submit their applications online by 10th April 2026.

Applicants/Institute and University will strictly follow the timeline given below:

Session Stage Particulars Date/Period
First Session I Submission of Application 05th January to 20th April
II Last date for Submission of Application 20th April
III Evaluation of Applications 1st May – 30th May
IV Announcement of Selected Candidates 15th June
V Start date for Award of Fellowship 1st July (from the date of joining)

Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D Admission

Candidates seeking admission to the Ph.D Programme must fulfill any one of the following eligibility conditions:

  • Applicants must have completed a two-year Master’s degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to a Master’s degree by the relevant statutory or regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent Grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point grading scale (or an equivalent grade where a different grading system is followed).
  • Candidates holding an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution must ensure that the institution is accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency approved, recognized, or authorized by an authority established under the law in its home country for maintaining quality and academic standards.
  • Candidates who have successfully completed M.Phil. coursework with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent Grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale) and have been awarded the M.Phil. degree are eligible to proceed with research leading to the Ph.D degree in the same institution.
  • A relaxation of 5% marks or an equivalent grade relaxation is applicable for candidates belonging to SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / Differently-Abled categories, as per UGC norms.

Required Documents & Instructions

All the eligible students pursuing Ph.D. program shall collect the Unique ID from the institute

  • Proposal of Research.
  • Only Aadhaar active savings bank account will be considered since the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) is released through Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS) mode through Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
  • No-Frill Account, Jan Dhan account, Bank Account having limits on transactions/credits, and Joint Account are not permitted.
  • Bank account should not either be closed or transferred/shifted during the period of the course.
  • Scanned copy of original Aadhaar Card should be uploaded in jpg/jpeg format.
  • Scanned copy of the valid Category Certificate for SC/ST, EWS, OBC & Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) should be uploaded. The latest certificate (not older than one year) for EWS and OBC-NCL must be issued by the Competent Authority.
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