Manav Rachna University has opened its Post-Doctoral Fellowship for 2026 with a monthly stipend of ₹70,000, two annual contingency grants of ₹50,000 each, and applications accepted throughout the year. The program is aimed at young researchers from India and abroad who already hold a PhD and have a recent record of Q1/Q2 journal publications. It matters because the fellowship combines regular funding with research-use support and a publication-focused selection process.
Key facts
- The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
- Applicants must be under 35 and hold a PhD from a recognized institution.
- Selected fellows receive a ₹70,000 monthly stipend plus two ₹50,000 contingency grants each year.
- Applications are invited throughout the year, with monthly interviews for shortlisted candidates.
- Fellows are expected to publish or have accepted at least two Q1/Q2 papers by the end of the fellowship.
What does this mean for postdoctoral researchers?
The fellowship is most relevant for early-career postdoctoral researchers who already have a strong publication record. To be considered, applicants must be under 35 at the time of application, hold a PhD, and have published at least four papers in Q1/Q2 journals in the previous two years.
It also sets clear practical conditions. Selected fellows cannot take other external financial support or any part-time or full-time employment during the fellowship, and they must submit two recommendation letters, a statement of purpose of at least 500 words, and their academic and research credentials. Fellows are assigned a supervisor and must file quarterly progress reports.
- Funding: ₹70,000 monthly stipend, plus ₹1,00,000 total annual contingency support.
- Duration: One year initially, with a possible one-year extension based on satisfactory progress.
- Application window: Year-round.
- Selection: Review by MUJ’s PDF Selection Committee, followed by monthly interviews for shortlisted candidates.
Who can apply for the MUJ Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities who meet MUJ’s academic and research requirements. Along with the PhD and age threshold, candidates who earned their doctorate at MUJ must also have at least one year of post-PhD experience in a relevant field outside MUJ.
MUJ also requires applicants to show recent publication strength. The stated minimum is four papers in Q1/Q2 journals in the last two years, and fellows are expected to maintain that standard through the fellowship by producing or securing acceptance for at least two more papers in Q1/Q2 journals.
How are fellows selected and supported?
Applications are reviewed by a designated selection committee that assesses academic credentials, research credentials, publication record and proposed research area. Shortlisted candidates are then called for interviews, which are conducted once a month during the first week, subject to expert panel availability.
Once selected, fellows receive dedicated supervision and progress monitoring. MUJ says each fellow will have a supervisor who reviews quarterly progress reports before they are passed through departmental and research office review. The program also allows academic responsibilities related to teaching and learning, depending on departmental requirements.
Why is the fellowship attractive to researchers?
The appeal is mostly in the combination of recurring funding and structured research support. The stipend is designed to cover living costs, while the contingency grants can be used for conferences, presentations, publication charges, consumables and equipment. MUJ also says the fellowship can support technology-transfer opportunities where relevant.
There is another important issue for applicants to weigh: research outputs created during the fellowship, including findings, publications, monographs and patents, must remain affiliated with and are stated to be the intellectual property of MUJ. That condition may matter for scholars whose work could generate commercial or patentable results.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed deadline for the MUJ Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
No. MUJ says applications are invited throughout the year, with calls and instructions announced on the university’s official website.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship is awarded for one year at first, and it may be extended for a second year if the fellow’s performance and research progress are judged satisfactory.
