Fulbright Nehru Post Doctoral Research Fellowships 2025-26

Fulbright Nehru Post Doctoral Fellowships 2025-26 is an opportunity offered by the United States-India Education Foundation (USIEF) to Indian faculty and researchers who are in the early stages of their research careers in India. Applications are invited for the following fields only:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Anthropology
• Bioengineering
• Chemistry
• Computer Science (including, but not limited to, cyber security, digital economy, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analytics)
• Earth Sciences
• Economics
• Education Policy and Planning
• Energy Studies
• History
• Language/Literature/Linguistics
• Materials Science (with emphasis on environmental applications)
• Mathematical Sciences
• Neurosciences
• Performing Arts
• Physics
• Political Science (including, but not limited to, International Security and Strategic Studies); Psychology
• Public Health (including, but not limited to, pandemic preparedness and comprehensive surveillance (genomic surveillance, sewage surveillance, sero-surveillance))
• Public Policy
• Sociology
• Urban and Regional Planning (with emphasis on smart cities and waste management)
• Visual Arts
• Women’s and Gender Studies

The selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend and other benefits.

The United States-India Education Foundation (USIEF) is offering this opportunity.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be an Indian citizen 
• hold a Ph.D. degree or a D.M. degree within the past four years (15th July 2020 - 14th July 2024)
• have a publication in a reputed journal
• demonstrate evidence of superior academic and professional achievement
• demonstrate proficiency in the English language 

Note:-

• In the application, the applicants are required to indicate the period in which they can complete the proposed project in the United States.
• The applicants must determine grant duration carefully and should be selected for a grant. It will be for the period specified in their application.
• The duration cannot be changed.

The following benefits will be received by the selected fellows:-

• J1 Visa support
• A monthly stipend
• Accident and sickness program for exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines
• Round-trip economy class air travel
• A modest settling-in allowance
• A professional allowance

Note:- Subject to availability of funds, a dependent allowance and international travel may be provided for one accompanying eligible dependent provided the dependent is with the grantee in the U.S. for at least 80 per cent of the grant period.

Eligible candidates can apply for the fellowship by following the steps mentioned below:-

Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button on the right-hand side of the dashboard and fill in the required details to 'Register'. (Note - If already registered, log in using the registered email Id.) 
Step 3: Navigate to the 'How to Apply' section and click on the first link.
Step 4: For first-time users, click on the 'Create an Account' link, whereas registered users click on Login.
Step 5: To register for an account, enter an email address, first and last name, and date of birth and click on 'Continue'.
Step 6: Enter the pin received through email to activate the account and create a password to complete the process.
Step 7: After successfully creating the account, fill in the required information step-by-step and upload the necessary documents s in PDF format as required. (Note- Applicants who already have an account can log in using a valid credentials)
Step 9: Fill in the grant and additional information and submit the form.

Note:-

• The name must be entered exactly the way it appears (or will appear) on the applicant's passport.
• For detailed information, kindly go through the 'Application Detailed Instructions'.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Detailed Project statement
• Three reference letters
• Letter of invitation
• FNPostDoc Letter of support from home institution (if employed)
• Additional documentation
• A recent significant publication (copy of paper/article) on the online application (not exceeding 30 pages)
• Ph.D. or D.M. degree certificate/provisional Ph.D. certificate on the online application

The selection process involves initial screening of the applications received followed by national interviews conducted in Delhi. After the interview, the final selection is made by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF).

•  In the application, the applicant is required to indicate the precise period in which they can complete the proposed project in the United States. This duration cannot be changed.
• The applicants are required to upload their Ph.D. or master's degree certificate/provisional Ph.D. certificate on the online application.
• Applicants must upload a recent significant publication (copy of paper/article) on the online application (not exceeding 30 pages).
• If candidates are employed, they need to obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the Letter of Support from the Home institution. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period.
• Candidates working under government-funded projects are also required to get an endorsement from their affiliating institutions in India.
• Candidates must be aware that their ability to visit the United States and take part in academic programmes may be impacted by public health conditions, the availability of consular services and travel, as well as institutional operational status and rules in the country.
• Plagiarism in the application will lead to disqualifying the applicant's application.
• Extensions and transfer of visa sponsorship are not permitted.
• Applicants must secure a letter of invitation from a U.S. host institution to be considered for the fellowship. This letter should specify the duration of the visit and will be included as part of the online application.