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ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) Program: A Golden Opportunity for Aspiring Researchers

Karan Ghongade May 13, 2025 0

 Sure! Here's a detailed and up-to-date article on the ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) Program suitable for aspiring researchers and PhD holders in biomedical sciences.

ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) Program: A Golden Opportunity for Aspiring Researchers

Introduction

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is India’s premier organization for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. To promote high-quality research and encourage young scientists, ICMR offers the Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) program. This prestigious fellowship enables qualified PhD/MD/MS holders to carry out advanced research in biomedical and health sciences.

The ICMR PDF is a stepping stone for researchers aiming to build a long-term career in biomedical research and academia.

Objectives of the ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship

The main aims of the ICMR PDF program are:

  • To foster talented researchers in the field of biomedical sciences.

  • To create a pool of highly qualified scientists to lead future research in public health, medical sciences, and related areas.

  • To support innovative and impactful research that can contribute to national health priorities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualifications

  • Candidates must have a PhD in Life Sciences/Biomedical Sciences OR an MD/MS degree in medical or allied subjects.

  • Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis and are awaiting the award of the degree are also eligible to apply. However, they must produce the degree at the time of joining the fellowship.

Age Limit

  • The upper age limit is 32 years for PhD holders and 35 years for MD/MS holders as on the last date of application.

  • Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India rules (e.g., SC/ST/OBC/Persons with Disabilities).

Fields of Research Supported

ICMR encourages proposals in the following research areas:

  • Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

  • Nutrition and Child Health

  • Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Traditional Medicine

  • Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Immunology

  • Environmental and Occupational Health

  • Biomedical Engineering

  • Health Policy and Systems Research

Note: The project must align with ICMR’s strategic goals and should preferably be carried out in one of ICMR’s 26 permanent institutes or other recognized research institutes.

Duration and Number of Fellowships

  • The duration of the fellowship is two years, extendable by one more year based on performance and review.

  • ICMR usually awards up to 25 fellowships per year, although this number may vary depending on the availability of funds and quality of applications.

Fellowship Amount and Benefits

The fellowship provides generous support, including:

  • Monthly Stipend: ₹60,000 per month (consolidated)

  • Contingency Grant: ₹3,00,000 per annum

  • Host Institute Support: Must provide infrastructure, laboratory, and administrative support.

  • Travel Grant: Limited support may be available for attending national/international conferences related to the research.

Application Process

1. Notification and Timeline

  • ICMR generally releases the call for applications once a year, usually in May or June.

  • The detailed notification is published on the ICMR official website.

2. Application Mode

  • Applications are accepted online via the ICMR recruitment portal.

  • The candidate must also submit a hard copy of the application to the specified address (if required in the notification).

3. Documents Required

  • Detailed Research Proposal

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Recommendation letters from at least two referees

  • Consent from a Mentor (a scientist from the host institute)

  • Proof of educational qualifications (PhD/MD/MS)

  • Caste certificate (if applicable)

  • 2. Attested copy of School Leaving/ High School/Secondary School Certificate (for date of birth)
    3. Attested copies of Mark Sheets/Grade Cards & Degrees
    4. Attested copy of the Caste certificate, if applicable
    5. Reprints of publications
    6. One-page summary of Ph.D. thesis
    7. Attested copies of Letter(s) of Acceptance for paper(s) accepted for publication & pre-prints
    8. Detailed research proposal
    9. Testimonials from two Referees (One should be Ph.D. Guide)
    10. Plagiarism Check Report verified by ICMR-RIO

Selection Process

  • Screening Committee: Applications are initially screened based on eligibility and relevance.

  • Expert Review: Shortlisted proposals are sent for peer review by domain experts.

  • Interview: Final shortlisted candidates are called for an interview before a Selection Committee.

  • Final Selection: Based on academic record, research proposal, mentor profile, and performance in the interview.

Tips for a Successful Application

  1. Choose a Strong Mentor: A reputed scientist from a well-recognized institute with a good publication record strengthens your application.

  2. Submit a Novel Proposal: Your research topic should address a critical issue and offer innovative solutions.

  3. Align with National Priorities: Align your proposal with national health challenges and ICMR’s research priorities.

  4. Demonstrate Feasibility: Clearly outline the methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes.

  5. Highlight Your Experience: Include research publications, previous projects, and relevant skills.

Important Guidelines

  • The research should be carried out in India only.

  • The fellowship is non-transferable and cannot be converted into a regular job.

  • Fellows must submit annual progress reports and utilization certificates.

Recent Updates (as of 2025)

  • The latest notification for ICMR PDF 2025–26 is expected to be released by June 2025.

  • The application deadline is tentatively around July–August 2025.

  • Interested candidates should regularly check the official ICMR portal or subscribe to updates for notifications.

Details

Tenure:
  1. Two years only and extendable for a maximum of one more year based on outstanding performance and recommendations by the Director/Officer-in-Charge of the concerned ICMR Institutes/Centers.
  2. In the event of the PDF leaving before completing one year, he/she will have to refund the fellowship drawn by him/her from the date of joining to the date of leaving the fellowship.

Benefits

  1. ICMR-PDFs will be paid a consolidated fellowship of ₹65,000/- per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Govt. of India rule and Non-Practicing allowance (NPA) as admissible.
  2. There is a contingency grant of ₹3,00,000/- per annum.
  3. 25% of the contingency grant can be used for travel including per diem expenses (only for National travel, related to ICMR-PDF proposed research work only).
Note: Fellowship amount will be paid to ICMR institutes/centres every six months including contingency grant.
Accommodation and other benefits:
  1. Accommodation may be provided by ICMR Institutes/Centers, if available. However, in such cases, HRA will not be paid.
  2. ICMR-PDFs will be entitled to medical benefits and leave as per the ICMR rules for JRF/Research Associates.

Eligibility

  1. ICMR-PDF is open to Indian nationals only.
  2. Fresh PhDs/MD/MS within three years of completing their Ph.D./MD/MS degree (awarded) as on the last date of the application and also those who have received their provisional Ph.D./MD/MS degree can apply.
  3. The Post-Doctoral proposed research work should be the continuation of the Ph.D. or MD/MS research work. If not, then the application will not be considered.
  4. The maximum age limit is 32 years, relaxable up to 5 years in case of SC/ST/OBC/PH and women candidates, as on the last date of application.
  5. For deserving candidates age can be relaxed maximum up to a maximum of 3 years based on earlier work done, publications, awards, etc. along with the request by the sponsoring Director/Director-in-Charge. Director General, ICMR may consider and relax on the recommendation of the screening committee.
  6. The PDF Guide should have the minimum designation of Scientist-C grade.
  7. Postgraduate medical students are also permitted to carry out ICMR’s PDF in MCI-recognized postgraduate medical colleges wherein a minimum of three batches have obtained their postgraduate degrees.
Note 01: Result notification/certificate or Viva-voce/Thesis submitted notification will not be considered.
Note 02: It is mandatory to submit the Plagiarism check report along with the declaration to be submitted to ICMR along with the PDF proposal and application.
Note 03: A list of ICMR Institutes/Centers and their niche Areas/R&D activities are available on the ICMR website.

Application Process

Offline
Last Date of Application (30th June and 31st December Every Year)
Step 01: Eligible candidates can visit the official website of ICMR and download the application form.
Step 02: Fill out the application form completely and sign as required.
Step 03: No column of the application form should be left blank. Kindly write NA/Nil as applicable.
Step 04: Use additional sheets where necessary, with relevant columns drawn thereon, inserting proper references.
Step 05: The completed application should be accompanied by all the requisite documents and attach self-attested photocopies of all documents as required.
Step 06: Applications duly filled in the prescribed format and complete in all respects should be sent to:
Director General
Attention:
Sh. Kishor Toppo, Technical Officer-C, Division of Human Resource Development,
Indian Council of Medical Research Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029
Email : toppok.hq@icmr.gov.in, mpdicmr@gmail.com
Note 01: Incomplete applications are liable to be rejected.
Note 02: Applications complete in all respects must reach on or before the closing date (as mentioned above).
Note 03: Candidates are advised to contact the Director/Officer-in-Charge of ICMR Institutes/Centers where they are interested in pursuing their PDF.
Note 04: Applicants can visit the website of the particular ICMR Institute/Center to know the activities of the Institutes/Centers and their mandates.
Note 05: Applications received without the recommendation of the Director /Officer-in-charge of the sponsoring ICMR institutes/centers will not be considered.
Mode of Selection:
  • The selection of the “ICMR Centenary Post Doctoral Fellows” will be made through the interview of short-listed candidates by a specially constituted Selection Committee by DG, ICMR based on their publications, citations, and impact factors.
  • The place of the interview will be ICMR Hqrs. New Delhi.
  • Eligible candidates must route their applications through the sponsoring ICMR Institutes/ Centers. Applicants coming from abroad may also be considered in absentia, if eligible and found suitable by the Committee.


Conclusion

The ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for young researchers to contribute meaningfully to India’s public health and medical research ecosystem. It not only provides financial support but also opens the door to professional mentorship, institutional backing, and national-level recognition.

If you’re a passionate researcher looking to make a mark in biomedical sciences, the ICMR PDF could be your gateway to a fulfilling academic career.

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