If you’re a recent PhD graduate or have just submitted your thesis and are planning to pursue a postdoctoral position in India, here’s some great news: the National Postdoctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) 2025 is now open after a gap year in 2023. The last date to apply is 30th June 2025. This prestigious fellowship is a valuable opportunity to kickstart your independent research career.
Important information you should know about N-PDF 2025
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Should hold a PhD in Science/Technology or an M.D./M.S. in Medicine.
- Age below 35 years (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged/Women).
- Must have a consent letter from a mentor who hosts no more than one active N-PDF.
- Mentor must hold a regular academic/research position at a recognized Indian institution.
- Cannot apply with PhD supervisor or at the same institute where PhD was awarded.
Selecting a mentor is crucial for the N-PDF application—you cannot apply without one. When reaching out to a potential mentor, you’ll need a well-written cover letter that introduces your background and aligns your research with theirs. These two articles can help you with that:
Writing a Cover Letter for Postdoctoral or Ph.D. Positions
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Cover Letter for Postdoc Applications
Application Process
- Submit application and research proposal online.
- Proposal will be evaluated by an expert committee; their decision is final.
- Personal interview may be required, based on committee's assessment.
Fellowship Details
- ₹80,000/month + HRA (for PhD holders)
- ₹50,000/month + HRA (for thesis submitted, degree awaited)
- Contingency grant: ₹2,00,000/year
- Institutional overheads: ₹1,00,000/year
Proposal Format (to be uploaded online)
You need to submit your research proposal in the following format:
- Title (max 500 characters)
- Project Summary (max 3000 characters)
- Key Words (max 6)
- Objectives of the Project (max 1500 characters)
- Expected Outcome and Deliverables (max 1500 characters)
- Additionally, you must upload a 3-page PDF that includes your Work Methodology and Research Plan.
Important Note About Mentors
Your mentor must also register online as a mentor and fill in their details on the ANRF portal before you can submit your application.
Documents Required
- Bio-data
- Age proof (10th standard certificate)
- Qualification certificate (PhD degree or thesis submission certificate)
- Category certificate (if age relaxation is claimed)
- Undertaking certificate by the applicant
- Endorsement certificate from the mentor and host institute
- Mentor’s CV
- Plagiarism undertaking
All the required document formats are available on the ANRF website.
For complete details and registration please visit the official website: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/npdf?HomePage=New
Final Tip:
Start early! Reach out to potential professors well in advance and ensure your selected mentor registers on the ANRF portal—preferably at least 10 days before the application deadline. Take time to develop a novel and impactful research idea in your field, as this can significantly boost your chances of selection. Also, make sure all your documents are in the correct format as specified on the official ANRF website.
All the best for your N-PDF 2025 application!
