Key Points
- IndiaAI Fellowship 2026 offers up to Rs 2 lakh for postgraduate AI research
- PhD scholars eligible for monthly stipends ranging from Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000
- Application deadline is 30 November 2026 via the official portal
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has opened applications for the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026, offering financial grants of up to Rs 2 lakh for postgraduate students and up to Rs 1 lakh for undergraduate students pursuing artificial intelligence research and projects.
Students can apply through the official portal at fellowship.indiaai.gov.in until 30 November 2026, according to MeitY. The programme, run under the IndiaAI Mission, provides financial support based on academic level and eligibility criteria.
Undergraduate students and those enrolled in integrated dual degree programmes are eligible for grants of up to Rs 1 lakh. Postgraduate students can receive up to Rs 2 lakh for AI-related research work.
PhD support
The fellowship extends support to doctoral scholars with monthly stipends that increase with seniority. PhD scholars in their first two years are eligible for Rs 70,000 per month, rising to Rs 75,000 in the third year and Rs 80,000 in the fourth and fifth years of their programme.
Research scholars who meet eligibility requirements can also receive Rs 2 lakh per year as a research grant, the ministry said.
Applicants must prepare academic records, bank details and endorsement letters before submitting their applications through the official portal. The ministry has asked candidates to review the eligibility criteria and application instructions for their respective academic categories before applying.
By the numbers
Key figures from this story
- Rs 2 lakh
- Maximum grant for postgraduate students
- Rs 80,000/month
- PhD stipend in fourth and fifth years
- 30 November 2026
- Application deadline
The IndiaAI Mission is the union government‘s flagship programme to develop domestic capabilities in artificial intelligence through initiatives spanning compute infrastructure, datasets, application development and talent cultivation.
The fellowship programme sits within the mission’s focus on building a pipeline of trained AI researchers and practitioners across Indian academic institutions.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the application deadline for IndiaAI Fellowship 2026?
Students can apply through the official portal at fellowship.indiaai.gov.in until 30 November 2026.
How much funding do postgraduate students receive under IndiaAI Fellowship?
Postgraduate students pursuing AI-related research are eligible for financial support of up to Rs 2 lakh under the programme.
What stipend do PhD scholars get under IndiaAI Fellowship?
PhD scholars receive Rs 70,000 per month in their first two years, Rs 75,000 in the third year and Rs 80,000 in the fourth and fifth years.
What documents are required for IndiaAI Fellowship application?
Applicants must prepare academic records, bank details and endorsement letters before submitting their applications through the official portal.
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