Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship

Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (KDF) Build impactful research. Grow as a scholar. Shape industry and society. KDF is a full-time, residential/non-residential doctoral fellowship for aspirational researchers who want to advance engineering, technology, and management through high-quality, interdisciplinary work. Fellows deepen research capability while contributing solutions to real scientific and technological challenges that matter to industry and society. RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS: - Artificial Intelligence & Robotics - Engineering for Health & Wellness - Climate & Energy - Environment & Biodiversity - Defense Technology & Systems - Innovative & Sustainable Textiles - Advanced Materials & Manufacturing - Business Innovation & Growth - Cybersecurity, FinTech, XR & Blockchain Why KDF? - Interdisciplinary, impact-first research across departments/Industry and KI institutions, with a focus on sustainable development outcomes. - Structured 3-year journey with milestones, continuous reviews, and strong faculty mentorship. - Residential ecosystem designed for research focus, collaboration, and professional growth. Who can apply? Mandatory eligibility: Freshers or candidates with up to 3 years’ experience who hold: - Master’s degree in engineering/technology / management, or - M.Sc. in Mathematics / Statistics / Physics / Chemistry, or a master’s in management domains. - Applicants working in Government/industry research labs are also eligible. Desirable : Preference for GATE-qualified candidates. Fellowship duration : The fellowship is awarded for 3 years, with progress determined through continuous reviews and assessments. The fellowship may be withdrawn if research goals are not met. Stipend & categories : Category A | Monthly Fellowship ₹25,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG with min CGPA 6.5 Category B | Monthly Fellowship ₹35,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG from NIRF Top 100 Category C | Monthly Fellowship ₹50,000 | Eligibility Guide: UG or PG from NIRF Top 25 institutions/ Industry R&D Compensation includes subsidized living expenses and institutional fees. Your 3-year research journey : Year 1 — Foundation & proposal - Complete 4 coursework subjects aligned to your research area - Publish 2 Scopus-indexed papers - Prepare extramural funding proposal / pitch to industry for financial assistance - Support laboratory operations during evenings Year 2 — Depth & delivery - Clear Oral Comprehensive assessment - Co-guide UG/PG capstone projects - Publish 2 SCI-indexed papers - Build & facilitate one software tool or experimental setup for the institution Year 3 — Translation & thesis - File 1 patent (published & license granted) - Co-guide UG/PG capstones - Publish 1 SCI + 1 Scopus paper - Submit synopsis & thesis to the University Research ethos & objectives - Promote a sustainable research environment in thrust areas - Inculcate interdisciplinarity across KI institutions - Deliver solutions to scientific and technological issues for societal development FAQs (quick answers) - Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds? - No. Eligible candidates include Engineering/Technology/Management postgraduates and M.Sc. in Math/Stats/Physics/Chemistry; candidates from government/industry research labs may also apply. - Is the fellowship strictly 3 years? - Yes, the designed duration is 3 years, governed by continuous reviews; non-attainment of goals can lead to withdrawal. - Are there categories for the stipend? - Yes—₹25k / ₹35k / ₹45k per month based on academic background and NIRF-ranked institutions, with subsidized living and institutional fees covered.