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, Fin Tech, 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 The fellowship may be  withdrawn  if research goals are not met.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.