The Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) represents a premier opportunity for early-career researchers to develop and expand their independent research agendas. The fellowship is open to scholars across a diverse array of disciplines and is geared toward fostering innovation, collaborative inquiry, and academic leadership within one of India’s most progressive research ecosystems.
Backed by world-class infrastructure and strong mentorship support, the programme aims to integrate talented postdoctoral researchers into IITGN’s academic fabric while providing them with the resources needed to excel in competitive national and international research environments.
The IIT Gandhinagar Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme offers early-career researchers a one-year, extendable appointment with full-time support, access to labs, and opportunities for interdisciplinary research across engineering, science, and humanities.
IIT Gandhinagar Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:
- Hold a PhD degree, or have submitted their doctoral thesis in any discipline within science, engineering, humanities, or social sciences.
- Have obtained their PhD from a recognized institution with a proven academic record.
- Demonstrate a strong potential for research excellence through high-quality publications, innovation, or interdisciplinary contributions.
Preference is given to candidates who exhibit both independence in research thinking and a willingness to engage collaboratively with faculty and student researchers.
Fellowship Duration and Extension
- The initial tenure for the fellowship is one year, during which performance and alignment with institutional goals are formally reviewed.
- Subject to satisfactory progress and continued relevance of the research, the fellowship may be extended for up to three years in total.
This structure ensures a balance between fostering long-term research and maintaining academic rigor and accountability.
Funding and Institutional Benefits
IIT Gandhinagar provides a competitive support system to its postdoctoral fellows, including but not limited to:
Monthly Stipend
A competitive monthly salary is offered, aligned with standard postdoctoral fellowship norms in India. The exact amount may vary based on funding source or internal departmental schemes.
Contingency Grant
Fellows receive an annual contingency grant to support:
- Conference travel
- Research equipment and software
- Fieldwork and data collection
Institutional Facilities
Postdoctoral fellows are granted access to:
- Research laboratories and instrumentation
- Campus library and digital resources
- Residential accommodation (subject to availability)
- Career development workshops and seminars
The goal is to create a productive, resource-rich environment conducive to academic advancement.
Fields of Research
IITGN welcomes applications from researchers across the following core and interdisciplinary domains:
Core Engineering Disciplines
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
Natural and Basic Sciences
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences
- Literature
- Cognitive Science
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Economics and Public Policy
Interdisciplinary Areas
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Climate and Environmental Studies
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Sustainability and Urban Planning
Candidates are encouraged to design proposals that bridge traditional disciplinary boundaries and align with national or global research priorities.
Application Process and Submission Requirements
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Interested candidates may apply directly through the official IITGN portal or may initiate discussions with potential faculty mentors prior to formal submission.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic background, research experience, awards, and publications.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Outlining research goals and motivation to pursue the fellowship at IITGN.
- Detailed Research Proposal: Including background, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance.
- Publication List: Highlighting peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, or patents.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically two, with at least one from the candidate’s PhD supervisor.
- Proof of PhD Award or Submission: Accepted in the form of a provisional certificate or university confirmation.
All materials must be submitted in English and formatted according to the institute’s application guidelines.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The IIT Gandhinagar Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme serves as a springboard for early-stage researchers aspiring to contribute meaningfully to both Indian and global academic landscapes. With its strong emphasis on mentorship, infrastructure, and research freedom, the programme has become a preferred destination for scholars ready to advance their academic careers.
Prospective applicants are advised to explore IITGN’s ongoing research clusters and faculty interests before submission. For upcoming application review cycles and potential project alignments, monitor the official portal and institutional announcements.
For further details and updates on upcoming cycles, refer to the official IITGN Fellowship Portal (link given below)
Review Cycle Recommendation: Please revisit and update this article in June of the following year to reflect any changes in application guidelines, funding structure, or eligibility criteria.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | IIT Gandhinagar Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme |
| Host Country | India |
| Funded By | Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) |
| Duration | 12 months (initial); extendable up to 36 months |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Eligibility | PhD holders or thesis-submitted candidates in science, engineering, humanities, or social sciences |
| Financial Support | Monthly stipend, contingency grant, campus facilities, and research support |
| Fields of Study | Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary (AI, Data Science, Sustainability) |
| Deadline | Rolling basis (applications accepted year-round) |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The initial duration is one year and may be extended up to three years based on performance and funding availability.
PhD holders or thesis-submitted candidates in science, engineering, humanities, or social sciences are eligible to apply.
You can apply directly through the IITGN recruitment portal or by contacting a faculty member in your field.
The monthly stipend is competitive and aligned with national postdoctoral salary standards, subject to funding availability.
Yes, on-campus housing may be provided subject to availability and institutional guidelines.
Yes, applications are accepted throughout the year, so there is no fixed deadline for submission.
Yes, the program is open to scholars of all nationalities, subject to visa regulations and institutional approval.
Research areas include engineering, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary domains like AI and sustainability.
Yes, applicants are encouraged to connect with a potential faculty supervisor to align research interests before applying.
Yes, selected fellows may receive contingency grants for research activities, travel, and attending academic conferences.
