Govt. Schemes

ICMR - Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) Scheme

Objective of the Scheme

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched the ICMR-Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) Scheme to promote high-quality research opportunities for fresh Ph.D./MD/MS degree holders. This scheme focuses on cutting-edge areas of basic science, communicable and non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, and nutrition.

Each year, 50 fellowships are awarded to scholars to conduct research in ICMR Institutes/Centers equipped with advanced R&D facilities. The Director General, ICMR, allocates the fellowships based on the needs of the Institutes/Centers.

Special focus is given to fundamental research in priority areas identified by ICMR.

Benefits of the Scheme

  1. Fellowship Amount: ₹65,000/- per month (consolidated) plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Government of India rules.
  2. Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA): Admissible.
  3. Contingency Grant: ₹3,00,000/- per annum.
    • - 25% of the contingency grant may be used for national travel expenses related to research work.
  4. Accommodation & Medical Benefits:
    • Accommodation may be provided by the ICMR Institutes/Centers, subject to availability (HRA not admissible if accommodation is provided).
    • Medical benefits and leave as per ICMR rules for JRF/Research Associates.

Tenure:

  1. 2 years (extendable by 1 year based on outstanding performance and recommendation from the Director/Officer-in-Charge).
  2. If the fellow leaves before completing one year, the entire fellowship amount received must be refunded.

Eligibility

    Steps for Registration and Notification:
  1. Nationality: Indian citizens only.
  2. Qualification: Fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders within 3 years of degree award (as on the last date of application). Provisional degree holders may also apply.
  3. The proposed research work must be a continuation of the candidate’s Ph.D. or MD/MS research work.
  4. Age Limit: 32 years (as on the last date of application).
    • Relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PH and women candidates.
    • Exceptional Cases: Age relaxation of up to 3 years may be granted based on achievements, publications, or awards.
  5. Guide Eligibility: The proposed guide must be of minimum Scientist-C grade in ICMR institutes.
  6. Postgraduate medical students can also apply if their medical colleges are MCI-recognized and at least 3 batches have graduated.
    Note:
  1. Thesis submission or viva-voce notification is not valid proof of degree completion.
  2. Plagiarism check report is mandatory along with the proposal.
  3. A list of ICMR Institutes/Centers and niche areas is available on the ICMR website.

Application Process

Mode: Offline
Deadline: 30th June and 31st December every year.
  1. Visit https://main.icmr.nic.in/ to download the application form.
  2. Complete the form carefully. No column should be left blank; use NA/Nil if applicable.
  3. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
  4. Applications must be routed through the sponsoring ICMR Institute/Center.
  5. Submit the completed application along with all attachments to:

Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research
Attention: Sh. Kishor Toppo, Technical Officer-C
Division of Human Resource Development
ICMR Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029
Email: toppok.hq@icmr.gov.in, mpdicmr@gmail.com

Important Notes:

  1. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
  2. Applications without recommendations from the sponsoring ICMR Institute/Center will not be considered.
  3. Candidates must contact the Director/Officer-in-Charge of the desired ICMR Institute/Center for approval and support.

Mode of Selection

  1. Shortlisting Criteria: Based on research publications, citation scores, and impact factors.
  2. Interview: Conducted at ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi by a Selection Committee formed by DG, ICMR.
  3. Overseas applicants may be considered in absentia if eligible and recommended.

Documents Requirements:

  1. Passport-size Photograph
  2. Attested copy of High School Certificate (for date of birth proof)
  3. Attested copies of Mark Sheets, Grade Cards, Degrees
  4. Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  5. Reprints of published papers
  6. One-page summary of Ph.D. thesis
  7. Acceptance letters or preprints of papers accepted for publication
  8. Detailed research proposal
  9. Two testimonials, including one from the Ph.D. Guide
  10. Plagiarism Check Report verified by ICMR-RIO

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is this scheme?
    Answer:     It is a Post Doctoral Fellowship offered by ICMR to promote research in biomedical fields.
  2. Who is the implementing agency?
    Answer:     Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
  3. Who is eligible?
    Answer:     Fresh Ph.D./MD/MS holders (within 3 years); Indian nationals only.
  4. How many fellowships are awarded annually?
    Answer:     50 fellowships per year.
  5. What is the maximum age limit?
    Answer:     32 years (Relaxation up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PH/Women candidates).
  6. What is the selection criterion?
    Answer:     Based on publications, citations, and impact factors, followed by an interview.
  7. Is there relaxation for deserving candidates?
    Answer:     Yes, up to 3 additional years based on merit and recommendation.
  8. What is the minimum guide requirement?
    Answer:     Scientist-C designation or above.
  9. What is the monthly fellowship amount?
    Answer:     ₹65,000/- per month plus HRA and NPA as applicable.
  10. What is the contingency grant?
    Answer:     ₹3,00,000/- per annum (up to 25% for national travel).
  11. What is the duration of the fellowship?
    Answer:     2 years, extendable by 1 year based on performance.
  12. How to apply?
    Answer:     Offline by sending the application through the sponsoring ICMR Institute/Center.

Sources & References

  • - Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Official Website: main.icmr.nic.in
  • - Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
  • - Guidelines from National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP)