ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship

ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) Scheme

The ICMR- Post Doctoral Fellowship (ICMR-PDF) Scheme aims to enhance research capabilities by providing exceptional opportunities for newly qualified Ph.D., MD, and MS holders across various significant health-related fields. This initiative is designed to support innovative research in basic sciences, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health, including nutrition, at various ICMR Institutes and Centers.

About the Scheme

The ICMR-PDF Scheme seeks to nurture high-quality research by offering a total of fifty (50) fellowships annually to talented individuals. These fellowships are granted to researchers working at ICMR Institutes and Centers that are equipped with advanced research and development facilities. The allocation of fellowships is managed by the Director General of ICMR, who evaluates the requirements of different institutes and centers.

Tenure

The fellowship is awarded for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension for an additional year based on exceptional performance as recommended by the Director or Officer-in-Charge of the respective ICMR Institute or Center. Should a fellow leave the program before completing one year, they are required to refund the fellowship amount received from the date of joining until their departure.

Benefits of the Fellowship

• ICMR-PDFs will receive a consolidated monthly stipend of ₹65,000, in addition to House Rent Allowance (HRA) according to Government of India regulations and Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as applicable.
• A contingency grant of ₹3,00,000 per annum is also provided, with 25% of this amount available for travel-related expenses, specifically for national travel associated with the ICMR-PDF’s proposed research work.
• Fellowship payments, including the contingency grant, will be disbursed to ICMR institutes or centers every six months.
• Accommodation may be offered at ICMR Institutes or Centers, subject to availability, but HRA will not be paid in such cases.
• ICMR-PDFs are entitled to medical benefits and leave in accordance with ICMR regulations applicable to Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates.

Eligibility Criteria

• The ICMR-PDF Scheme is exclusively available to Indian nationals.
• Eligible candidates must be fresh Ph.D., MD, or MS graduates who have completed their degree within the last three years, including those who have received provisional degrees.
• The proposed post-doctoral research must be a continuation of the applicant’s Ph.D. or MD/MS research work; unrelated proposals will not be considered.
• The maximum permissible age is 32 years, with a relaxation of up to 5 years for candidates from SC/ST/OBC/PH backgrounds and women, as of the application deadline.
• In exceptional cases, age relaxation of up to 3 years may be granted based on previous achievements, publications, awards, etc., upon the request of the sponsoring Director or Officer-in-Charge. The Director General of ICMR may approve such requests based on the screening committee’s recommendations.
• The PDF Guide must hold at least the designation of Scientist-C.
• Postgraduate medical students may also undertake the ICMR-PDF in MCI-recognized postgraduate medical colleges, provided that a minimum of three batches have graduated.

Note: The notification of results or thesis submissions will not be acknowledged. A plagiarism check report must be submitted alongside the application and proposal.

For a comprehensive list of ICMR Institutes/Centers and their specialized research areas, candidates can visit the ICMR website.

Application Process

Applications are accepted in offline mode, with two deadlines each year: June 30 and December 31.

1. Interested candidates should visit the official ICMR website to download the application form.
2. Complete the application form thoroughly, ensuring to sign where necessary.
3. Do not leave any section of the form blank; use “N/A” or “Nil” as applicable.
4. If necessary, include additional sheets with relevant details and references.
5. The finalized application must include all required documents, along with self-attested photocopies.
6. 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: [email protected], [email protected]

Important Notes:

• Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• All submissions must be received by the aforementioned deadlines.
• Candidates are encouraged to connect with the Director or Officer-in-Charge of the ICMR Institutes/Centers where they wish to pursue their fellowship.
• It is advisable to review the specific activities and mandates of the relevant ICMR Institute/Center on their website.
• Applications lacking the recommendation of the sponsoring ICMR Institutes/Centers will not be taken into account.

Mode of Selection

The selection process for the ICMR Centenary Post Doctoral Fellows involves interviews conducted by a designated Selection Committee appointed by the DG of ICMR. Candidates will be evaluated based on their publications, citations, and impact factors. Interviews will take place at the ICMR Headquarters in New Delhi. Candidates applying from abroad may be considered in absentia if they meet eligibility requirements and are deemed suitable by the committee.

For further information, you can visit the official source at myScheme.gov.in.