TWAS–S.N. Bose Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme: Fully Funded Research Opportunity in India
Program Overview
The TWAS–S.N. Bose Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a collaborative initiative between the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, a prominent research institution under India’s Department of Science and Technology. Designed for early-career scientists from developing nations, this fellowship enables them to engage in advanced postdoctoral research in the physical sciences.
The fellowship supports placements of 6 to 12 months at the S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata. The program provides access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, mentorship by leading scientists, and a stimulating academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. With full financial support covering stipends, housing, and institutional access, the fellowship empowers researchers to enhance their expertise and contribute to global scientific advancement.
Advance your career in physical sciences through the prestigious TWAS–S.N. Bose Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme. Hosted in India, this fully funded opportunity supports researchers from developing countries with hands-on experience at a leading research institute, providing mentorship, laboratory access, and international visibility.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the TWAS–S.N. Bose Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be under the age of 45 at the end of the application year.
Academic Qualifications
A PhD in physics, mathematics, physical chemistry, or a closely aligned field is mandatory.
Nationality
Candidates must be nationals of developing countries, excluding India. They should not hold any temporary or permanent residency in India or any developed nation.
Professional Engagement
Applicants must be actively engaged in research or teaching and affiliated with an institution in a developing country.
Institutional Endorsement
Applicants must obtain a preliminary acceptance letter from a faculty supervisor at the S.N. Bose Centre before submitting the final application.
Language Proficiency
If the candidate’s primary education language was not English, proof of English proficiency is required.
Return Obligation
Fellows must commit to returning to their home country after completing the fellowship, contributing acquired knowledge to their domestic academic systems.
Restrictions
Fellows may not undertake additional employment during the fellowship, and the program does not cover expenses for family members.
Financial Support and Benefits
The TWAS–S.N. Bose Fellowship provides comprehensive funding to support postdoctoral research in India. Key components include:
Monthly Stipend
A monthly stipend, disbursed in Indian Rupees, is provided to cover living expenses and meals.
Housing
Fellows receive free on-campus accommodation, fully furnished and inclusive of basic amenities. This replaces any housing allowance.
Medical Reimbursement
The Centre offers partial reimbursement of medical costs through its internal contributory medical scheme. Coverage is limited to treatment within Kolkata.
Research Resources
Fellows gain unrestricted access to advanced laboratories, libraries, and high-performance computing resources at the Centre.
Note: Fellows are responsible for obtaining comprehensive health insurance prior to arrival.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
Applicants must adhere to the following key dates:
Call Opens: April (annually)
Acceptance Letter Deadline: Mid-August (16 August)
Final Letter Issued by Centre: End of August (31 August)
TWAS Application Deadline: Late September (22 September)
Projected dates for the next cycle: April to September (we will update soon).
Early communication with potential supervisors is highly encouraged to avoid last-minute delays in documentation.
Research Focus Areas
TWAS fellows at the S.N. Bose Centre can pursue research across various specializations in physical sciences, including:
Condensed Matter Physics
Spectroscopy and Materials Chemistry
Quantum Optics and Nonlinear Dynamics
Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
Statistical and Computational Physics
Astrophysics and Cosmology
Research projects must align with the ongoing work of faculty at the Centre. Fellows are encouraged to produce publishable outcomes and actively participate in academic discourse.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Identify a Supervisor
Explore faculty profiles on the S.N. Bose Centre website and contact a faculty member whose research aligns with your expertise. Include a CV and a clear research outline in your initial email.
Step 2: Request a Preliminary Acceptance Letter
Submit a formal request to the Dean (Academic Programme) along with the selected faculty’s approval. Deadline: 16 August.
Step 3: Secure Final Acceptance
Candidates receiving faculty endorsement will be issued an official acceptance letter from the Centre by 31 August.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Visit the TWAS fellowship portal to access the application form. Upload the following documents:
CV
Acceptance Letter
Research Proposal
Passport Copy
Proof of English Proficiency
Step 5: Submit Application
Complete and submit your application before 22 September (CEST). Late applications will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
The TWAS–S.N. Bose Postdoctoral Fellowship offers far more than financial assistance:
Global Research Exposure: Access international research standards in an emerging global science hub.
Career Development: Enhance your research portfolio through publications and lab experience.
Academic Networks: Build collaborative ties that continue beyond the duration of the fellowship.
Impact at Home: Bring back skills, data, and methodologies to your institution and country.
Many alumni of this fellowship have successfully transitioned into tenured positions, grant-winning roles, or leadership in regional science policy initiatives.
Fellowship Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | TWAS–S.N. Bose Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Host Country | India |
| Funded By | The World Academy of Sciences & S.N. Bose Centre |
| Duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-site research |
| Eligibility | PhD holders under 45 from developing countries (excluding India) |
| Financial Support | Stipend, accommodation, partial medical reimbursement |
| Fields of Study | Physical sciences, chemistry, astrophysics, theoretical & computational physics |
| Deadline | 22 September (next cycle: September, we will update soon) |
| Official Website | TWAS Fellowship Official Page |
Final Thoughts
The TWAS–S.N. Bose Postdoctoral Fellowship is a rare opportunity for scholars from the Global South to engage in high-level physical science research at an internationally recognized Indian institution. With comprehensive support, advanced research facilities, and a collaborative environment, this fellowship helps build both individual careers and institutional capacities.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start early by reaching out to potential supervisors and refining your research proposal. Your next step in scientific discovery could begin here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Researchers under 45 with a PhD in physics, chemistry, or related fields from developing countries can apply for this fellowship.
The fellowship supports postdoctoral research for a period ranging from 6 to 12 months at the host institution in Kolkata.
Yes, the fellowship provides a monthly stipend, on-campus housing, and partial medical reimbursement, covering all major research-related expenses.
Fellows may bring family at their own expense, but the fellowship does not cover costs for dependents or accompanying persons.
Yes, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency if their previous education was not conducted in English.
You must contact a faculty member whose research matches your interests and request a preliminary acceptance letter.
Supported fields include condensed matter physics, spectroscopy, quantum optics, astrophysics, and computational physics.
No, fellows are not permitted to take up any other employment during the fellowship period.
The fellowship typically opens in April, with the final application deadline falling in late September.
This fellowship provides international research exposure, advanced training, and networking that can boost long-term academic and research careers.
