- Gives financial support to students working on Artificial Intelligence projects and research, from undergraduate through PhD level.
- Covers students from any academic discipline, not just engineering and technology backgrounds.
- Offers monthly stipends and annual research grants to doctoral scholars pursuing AI-focused research.
- Supports fellows presenting their AI research at recognised international conferences.
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Summary of the Scheme
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| Name of Scheme | IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme |
| Benefits |
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| Beneficiary |
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| Nodal Agency | IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Online through the official IndiaAI Fellowship Portal. |
IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme 2026–27: Apply Online, Eligibility, Fellowship Amount and Last Date
The Government of India has introduced the IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme 2026–27 to support students pursuing Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects, research and innovation. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible Undergraduate (UG), Integrated Dual Degree (IDD), Postgraduate (PG) students and PhD scholars working on AI-related projects.
Under the programme, eligible UG and IDD students can receive financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh, while PG students can receive up to ₹2 lakh. PhD scholars selected under the IndiaAI Research Fellowship can receive a monthly fellowship of up to ₹80,000, along with an annual research grant of ₹2 lakh, subject to the scheme guidelines.
The programme is implemented by IndiaAI under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as part of the IndiaAI Mission’s FutureSkills pillar. Students from different academic disciplines, including engineering, computer science, medicine, law, commerce, business, liberal arts and other fields, can apply if their proposed project or research meets the AI-related requirements.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the online application process opened on 16 October 2026. The last date to submit an application is 30 November 2026.
IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme 2026–27: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme |
| Research Programme | IndiaAI Research Fellowship |
| Academic Year | 2026–27 |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Nodal Agency | IndiaAI |
| Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
| Main Objective | Promote AI education, research and innovation |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible UG, IDD, PG students and PhD scholars |
| UG Fellowship | Up to ₹1 lakh |
| IDD Fellowship | Up to ₹1 lakh |
| PG Fellowship | Up to ₹2 lakh |
| PhD Fellowship | ₹70,000–₹80,000 per month |
| PhD Research Grant | ₹2 lakh per year |
| International Conference Assistance | Up to ₹1 lakh |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/ |
What Is the IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme?
The IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme is a Government of India initiative designed to develop skilled AI professionals and encourage research and innovation in Artificial Intelligence.
The programme operates under the IndiaAI FutureSkills pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. IndiaAI, an independent business division of Digital India Corporation, implements the programme under the oversight of MeitY.
The scheme has two major components:
- IndiaAI Fellowship: Provides financial assistance to eligible Undergraduate, Integrated Dual Degree and Postgraduate students undertaking AI-related projects.
- IndiaAI Research Fellowship: Supports eligible full-time PhD scholars conducting research focused on Artificial Intelligence and related fields.
The programme aims to make AI research accessible to students from different academic backgrounds. Applicants do not necessarily need to belong to an engineering or computer science discipline. However, their proposed project or doctoral research must satisfy the prescribed AI-related requirements.
In addition to financial support, eligible fellows can receive one-time assistance of up to ₹1 lakh to present their research at qualifying international conferences.
Objectives of the IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme
The major objectives of the scheme are:
- To encourage students to pursue Artificial Intelligence projects and research.
- To develop skilled AI professionals and researchers in India.
- To promote AI education across different academic disciplines.
- To support practical projects and research-based learning.
- To encourage innovation in healthcare, agriculture, education, governance and other sectors.
- To strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and industry.
- To support eligible researchers presenting their work at recognised international conferences.
Benefits of the IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme
The scheme provides different financial benefits depending on the applicant’s academic programme.
- UG Students: Financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh.
- Integrated Dual Degree Students: Financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh.
- PG Students: Financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh, depending on the semester of application.
- PhD Scholars: Monthly fellowship ranging from ₹70,000 to ₹80,000.
- Annual Research Grant: Up to ₹2 lakh per eligible year for PhD scholars.
- International Conference Support: One-time assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for eligible fellows.
- Cross-disciplinary Research: Students from different academic disciplines can apply if their projects meet the AI requirements.
IndiaAI Fellowship Amount 2026–27
The fellowship amount varies according to the applicant’s academic level and the semester in which the application is submitted.
1. Undergraduate (UG) Students
Eligible undergraduate students can receive total financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh.
| Instalment | Amount |
|---|---|
| First Instalment | ₹50,000 |
| Second Instalment | ₹50,000 |
| Total Assistance | Up to ₹1,00,000 |
2. Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) Students
Eligible students pursuing a five-year Integrated or Dual Degree programme can receive financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh.
| Instalment | Amount |
|---|---|
| First Instalment | ₹50,000 |
| Second Instalment | ₹50,000 |
| Total Assistance | Up to ₹1,00,000 |
3. Postgraduate (PG) Students
The financial assistance for PG students depends on the semester in which they apply.
| Application Semester | Total Fellowship Amount | Instalments |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Up to ₹2,00,000 | 4 × ₹50,000 |
| Second Semester | Up to ₹1,50,000 | 3 × ₹50,000 |
| Third Semester | Up to ₹1,00,000 | 2 × ₹50,000 |
For subsequent instalments, students must submit their latest semester marksheet and an endorsed project progress report. They must also satisfy the prescribed academic and project-progress requirements.
4. IndiaAI Research Fellowship Amount for PhD Scholars
Eligible full-time PhD scholars can receive monthly financial assistance under the IndiaAI Research Fellowship.
| PhD Duration | Monthly Fellowship |
|---|---|
| First Year | ₹70,000 |
| Second Year | ₹70,000 |
| Third Year | ₹75,000 |
| Fourth Year | ₹80,000 |
| Fifth Year | ₹80,000 |
Annual Research Grant: Eligible PhD fellows may also receive a research contingency grant of ₹2 lakh for each eligible completed 12-month period, subject to the scheme guidelines.
5. International Conference Assistance
Eligible fellows can receive one-time financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh to present their AI research at qualifying international conferences.
The research paper or project must be accepted at an eligible international conference organised by a publisher with an H5-index above 100.
The assistance may cover eligible expenses such as:
- Conference registration fees.
- International travel expenses.
- Accommodation expenses.
The support is subject to the applicable scheme conditions and approval requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme 2026–27
Applicants must fulfil the academic, enrolment and project requirements for their respective fellowship categories.
1. Eligibility for Undergraduate (UG) Students
- Applicants must be Indian nationals.
- Must be enrolled in the final year of a full-time undergraduate programme.
- Eligible programmes include B.Tech, BCA, BA Honours, B.Com Honours, B.Sc. Honours and other qualifying UG programmes.
- Students from any academic discipline can apply.
- Must have a minimum CGPA of 7.0 or 70% marks, or an equivalent grade, in the last completed semester.
- Must have completed at least three full-time AI-related courses before the final year.
- AI-related courses may be completed through the regular curriculum or external platforms such as NPTEL, with certificates uploaded.
- The proposed project must be related to Artificial Intelligence.
When Can UG Students Apply?
- Three-year UG programmes: After the fourth semester, once the second-year results are available.
- Four-year UG programmes: After the sixth semester, once the third-year results are available.
2. Eligibility for Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) Students
- Applicants must be Indian nationals.
- Must be enrolled in the final undergraduate year of a five-year Integrated or Dual Degree programme.
- Can apply after the eighth semester, once fourth-year results are available.
- Must have a minimum CGPA of 7.0 or 70% marks, or an equivalent grade.
- Must have completed at least three full-time AI-related courses.
- The proposed project must be focused on Artificial Intelligence.
3. Eligibility for Postgraduate (PG) Students
- Applicants must be Indian nationals.
- Must have confirmed admission to a full-time postgraduate programme.
- Eligible programmes include M.Tech, MCA, MA Honours, M.Com Honours, M.Sc. Honours and other qualifying PG programmes.
- Applicants can apply during the first, second or third semester.
- Students applying in the first semester must have at least 7.0 CGPA or 70% marks in their undergraduate degree.
- Students applying in the second or third semester must have at least 7.0 CGPA or 70% marks in both their undergraduate degree and the PG programme completed so far.
- Must have completed at least three full-time AI-related courses.
- The proposed project must satisfy the AI-related requirements.
4. Eligibility for PhD Students – IndiaAI Research Fellowship
- Applicants must be Indian nationals.
- Must have confirmed admission to a full-time PhD programme.
- Must be freshly admitted or in the first year of their doctoral programme.
- Scholars who have already progressed beyond the first year are not eligible to apply.
- The doctoral research must be substantially focused on Artificial Intelligence or related areas.
- Eligible research areas include Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, Generative AI, Reinforcement Learning and Robotics.
- Applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 8.0 or 80% after a Bachelor’s degree, or 7.5 CGPA or 75% after a Master’s degree.
- Applicants must not be receiving another scholarship, fellowship, stipend or salary for the same PhD programme when the IndiaAI Fellowship begins.
Relaxed Eligibility Track: A relaxed eligibility track is available for PhD scholars in Medical Sciences, Life Sciences and Social/Behavioural Sciences. Applicants under this track require a minimum of 55% aggregate marks along with additional supporting documents, as prescribed by the guidelines.
Documents Required for IndiaAI Fellowship
Applicants must upload the required documents through the official IndiaAI Fellowship Portal. The exact document requirements depend on the applicant’s academic category.
Common Documents
- Valid APAAR ID.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Bank passbook front page or cancelled cheque.
- Academic marksheets and certificates.
- Project details, including title, objectives, methodology and expected impact.
- Project guide or institutional endorsement, wherever applicable.
Documents for Undergraduate (UG) Students
- Latest undergraduate marksheet up to the most recently completed semester.
- Project guide endorsement letter in the prescribed format.
- Head of Institution endorsement, wherever required.
- Bank passbook front page or cancelled cheque.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
Documents for Integrated Dual Degree Students
- Latest semester marksheets.
- Project guide endorsement letter.
- Head of Institution endorsement, wherever required.
- Bank account proof.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
Documents for Postgraduate (PG) Students
- Undergraduate marksheet or certificate showing final CGPA or percentage.
- Latest postgraduate marksheets, if applicable.
- Project guide or institutional endorsement.
- Bank passbook front page or cancelled cheque.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- GATE scorecard, if available and applicable.
Documents for PhD Scholars
- Consolidated undergraduate marksheets.
- Consolidated postgraduate marksheets.
- Institutional endorsement from the Head of Institution, Head of Department or Registrar, as applicable.
- Bank passbook front page or cancelled cheque.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
Document Upload Guidelines
| Document | Format | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Latest UG Marksheet | 20 KB–2 MB | |
| Project Guide Endorsement | 20 KB–2 MB | |
| Institution Head Endorsement | 20 KB–2 MB | |
| Passport-size Photograph | JPG/JPEG/PNG | 20 KB–500 KB |
| Additional Supporting Document | Up to 2 MB |
Applicants should follow the latest category-specific instructions and prescribed document formats displayed on the official portal.
How to Apply Online for IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme 2026–27?
Eligible students can apply through the official IndiaAI Fellowship Portal. The application process includes DigiLocker-based authentication, academic details, AI project information and document uploads.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official IndiaAI Fellowship Portal: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/
Step 2: Click on the Student Login or Apply Here option.
Step 3: Log in through DigiLocker/Meri Pehchaan using the available OTP or PIN-based authentication method.
Step 4: Provide the required consent to share your DigiLocker documents and APAAR ID.
Step 5: Select the appropriate fellowship category: Undergraduate, Integrated Dual Degree, Postgraduate or PhD.
Step 6: Enter your personal details, including your programme, branch, institution name, email address and category.
Step 7: Fill in your academic details, enrolment number, CGPA or percentage and information about the required AI-related courses.
Step 8: Enter your bank account details and upload the bank proof document.
Step 9: Provide your AI project details, including the project title, brief description, research domain and project guide information.
Step 10: Upload the required marksheets, endorsement letters, photograph and other supporting documents.
Step 11: Review all the information carefully before submitting the application.
Step 12: Accept the mandatory declarations and submit the application.
Step 13: Note down your Application ID and track your application status through the portal.
Important: According to the supplied application instructions, changes may not be possible after final submission. Therefore, carefully check every detail before submitting the form.
Important Instructions for PhD Applicants
PhD applicants must ensure that their institution completes the required onboarding process before submitting an application.
The institution must nominate a Nodal Officer, who needs to register on the portal and obtain approval. Once the institution is onboarded, eligible PhD scholars can proceed with their applications.
The institution will scrutinise the applications and may shortlist up to five eligible candidates per fellowship cycle for forwarding to IndiaAI. Institutional shortlisting does not guarantee final selection for the fellowship.
IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme 2026–27: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 16 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026 |
Applicants should complete their online applications before the deadline and check the official portal for any updates or changes.
Selection and Continuation of Fellowship
Applicants must meet the academic, enrolment and project requirements of their respective fellowship categories.
For UG, IDD and PG students, the project guide and relevant institutional authorities are involved in verifying and forwarding applications. Applicants should track their application status through the portal.
For PhD applicants, institutional onboarding and scrutiny are required before applications are forwarded to IndiaAI. Institutions may shortlist up to five eligible candidates per fellowship cycle.
Continuation of financial assistance and release of subsequent instalments depend on the applicable academic performance, project progress and other conditions specified in the scheme guidelines.
PhD fellows must maintain satisfactory research progress and comply with the fellowship conditions. They cannot simultaneously receive another scholarship, fellowship, stipend or salary for the same PhD programme.
Important Links
| Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|
| IndiaAI Fellowship Portal | https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/ |
| Student Login | https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/login |
| IndiaAI Fellowship Contact | https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/contactUs |
| IndiaAI Mission Portal | https://indiaai.gov.in/ |
| MeitY Official Website | https://www.meity.gov.in/ |
| IndiaAI Fellowship Guidelines | https://www.govtschemes.in/sites/default/files/2026-10/IndiaAI%20Research%20Fellowship%20Scheme%20Guidelines.pdf |
Contact Details
For queries regarding eligibility, application submission, fellowship categories, documents or institutional onboarding, applicants can use the official contact page:
IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme Contact:
https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/contactUs
Applicants should refer to the official IndiaAI Fellowship Portal and scheme guidelines for the latest announcements and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme 2026–27?
The IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme is a Government of India programme that provides financial assistance to eligible UG, Integrated Dual Degree and PG students working on AI-related projects. Its research fellowship component supports eligible full-time PhD scholars conducting AI-focused research.
2. What is the difference between the IndiaAI Fellowship and IndiaAI Research Fellowship?
The IndiaAI Fellowship supports eligible undergraduate, integrated dual degree and postgraduate students undertaking AI projects. The IndiaAI Research Fellowship specifically supports eligible full-time PhD scholars conducting AI-focused doctoral research.
3. How much financial assistance do UG students receive?
Eligible undergraduate students can receive up to ₹1 lakh, generally paid in two instalments of ₹50,000 each.
4. How much fellowship is available for postgraduate students?
Eligible PG students can receive up to ₹2 lakh. The total amount depends on whether they apply in the first, second or third semester.
5. How much monthly stipend do PhD scholars receive?
Eligible PhD scholars can receive ₹70,000 per month during the first and second years, ₹75,000 per month in the third year, and ₹80,000 per month in the fourth and fifth years.
6. Is there an annual research grant for PhD scholars?
Yes. Eligible PhD fellows may receive a research contingency grant of ₹2 lakh for each eligible completed 12-month period, subject to the scheme guidelines.
7. Can students from non-engineering backgrounds apply?
Yes. Students from disciplines such as medicine, law, commerce, business, liberal arts and other fields can apply if they fulfil the eligibility requirements and their proposed project is related to Artificial Intelligence.
8. What is the minimum CGPA required for UG students?
UG applicants generally need a minimum CGPA of 7.0 or 70% marks, or an equivalent grade, in their last completed semester. They must also have completed at least three AI-related courses.
9. Can MCA students apply for the IndiaAI Fellowship?
Yes. MCA students may apply under the postgraduate category if they have confirmed admission to a full-time PG programme and fulfil the academic, AI-course and project requirements.
10. Can PhD scholars who are already in their second year apply?
No. According to the supplied eligibility conditions, PhD applicants must be freshly admitted or in the first year of their full-time doctoral programme. Scholars beyond the first year cannot apply.
11. Can I apply if I already receive another scholarship?
UG, IDD and PG applicants must follow the conditions applicable to their category. For PhD applicants, receiving another scholarship, fellowship, stipend or salary for the same PhD programme is not permitted when the IndiaAI Fellowship begins.
12. What is the last date to apply for the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27?
The last date to submit an online application is 30 November 2026.
13. Is institutional onboarding compulsory for PhD applicants?
Yes. The institution must complete the required onboarding process and obtain approval for its nominated Nodal Officer before eligible PhD scholars can apply.
14. Can part-time students or foreign nationals apply?
The supplied eligibility information specifies Indian nationals enrolled in full-time academic programmes. It does not establish eligibility for foreign nationals or part-time students.
15. Where can I apply for the IndiaAI Fellowship Scheme?
Eligible students can apply online through the official IndiaAI Fellowship Portal: https://fellowship.indiaai.gov.in/.