Everything You Need to Know About the ICMR Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) Scheme

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) scheme is a prestigious program designed to provide fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders with high-quality research opportunities. By fostering advanced research in basic science, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health, this initiative supports budding scientists in shaping the future of medical science in India.

Key Features of the ICMR-PDF Scheme

Purpose: To provide research opportunities for promising researchers in cutting-edge fields such as basic science, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health (including nutrition).
Fellowships Offered: Annually, ICMR offers 50 fellowships across its institutes and centers equipped with state-of-the-art research and development facilities.
Tenure: The fellowship is awarded for a period of two years, extendable for one additional year based on exceptional performance and recommendations.
Focus Areas: Research proposals should align with the candidate’s Ph.D./MD/MS work or the priority areas identified by ICMR.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Financial Support:
- Consolidated fellowship of ₹65,000 per month.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Government of India rules.
- Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) for eligible candidates.
- Contingency grant of ₹3,00,000 annually, with 25% allowed for national travel related to research work.
Accommodation:
- Subject to availability, accommodation may be provided at ICMR Institutes/Centers. If accommodation is provided, HRA will not be paid.
Other Benefits:
- Medical benefits and leave as per ICMR rules for Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates (RA).
Career Advancement:
- The fellowship equips researchers with the necessary resources and mentorship to make impactful contributions to their field.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: Open to Indian nationals only.
Qualification: Fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders within three years of their degree award date. Provisional degree holders can also apply.
Age Limit:
- Maximum age: 32 years as of the application’s closing date.
- Relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PH and women candidates.
- Deserving candidates may receive an additional 3-year relaxation based on prior achievements, publications, and recommendations.
Research Proposal:
- The proposed research must be a continuation of the candidate’s Ph.D./MD/MS work.
- Applications without a plagiarism report will not be considered.
Mentorship:
- The PDF guide must be at least of Scientist-C grade.
- For medical students, the fellowship is allowed in MCI-recognized colleges with a minimum of three postgraduate batches.

Application Process

Mode: Offline submission.
Deadlines: Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines on 30th June and 31st December.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the ICMR website to download the application form.
- Complete the application form, ensuring all columns are filled (write “NA/Nil” where applicable).
- Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents (listed below).
- Submit the completed application 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
Important Notes:
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Applications must include a recommendation from the sponsoring ICMR Institute/Centre.

Selection Process

Evaluation Criteria:
- Applications are shortlisted based on publications, citations, and impact factors.
- The final selection involves an interview conducted by a specially constituted selection committee.
Interview Venue:
- ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi.
- Applicants from abroad may be interviewed in absentia, subject to eligibility and suitability.

Documents Required

Passport-size photograph.
Attested copy of school leaving/high school certificate (for date of birth).
Attested copies of mark sheets, grade cards, and degrees.
Caste certificate (if applicable).
Reprints of publications.
One-page summary of Ph.D. thesis.
Acceptance letters for publications (if applicable).
Detailed research proposal.
Testimonials from two referees (including the Ph.D. guide).
Plagiarism check report verified by ICMR-RIO.

Additional Information

ICMR Institutes/Centers: A complete list of institutes and their niche areas of research is available on the ICMR website.
Mandatory Requirements: Plagiarism reports and Director’s recommendations are non-negotiable.
Travel: 25% of the contingency grant can be used for national travel directly related to the proposed research.

The ICMR-PDF scheme is a gateway for young researchers to advance their careers while contributing to critical medical research in India. For further details, visit the ICMR official website and start your application today!

1. What is the “ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship” Scheme?

The ICMR-PDF scheme is a fellowship program designed to support fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders in conducting advanced research in priority areas identified by ICMR.

2. Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India.

3. Who are eligible to apply under the scheme?

Indian nationals who have completed their Ph.D./MD/MS within three years or hold a provisional degree.

4. What is the number of fellowships awarded annually?

A total of 50 fellowships are awarded every year.

5. What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the scheme?

The maximum age limit is 32 years, with age relaxation available for SC/ST/OBC/PH and women candidates.

6. What is the criterion of selection?

Selection is based on publications, citations, impact factors, and an interview conducted by a selection committee.

7. How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible fellow?

₹65,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as per rules.

8. How can an applicant apply for the scheme?

Applicants must apply offline by submitting the completed application form along with required documents to the ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi before the deadline.