CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships

2026–27 Cycle

Important Dates and Links

Applications open: 07/09/2026

Last date for submission: 11/10/2026 (11:59 PM IST)

Application form link:  https://www.cognitoforms.com/RIS12/FITMFellowshipApplication

Scheme document:  https://ris.org.in/Advertisement/FITM_Research_Fellowship_Scheme_2026.pdf

Annexure I form:https://ris.org.in/Advertisement/FITM_Fellowship_Annexure1.docx

Queries:  Please address your queries at  fitm.fellowship@ris.org.in

About FITM Fellowship

The Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) at RIS invites applications for its Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships. The Scheme supports policy-relevant research on the economic, social, legal, regulatory, governance, technological and international dimensions of Indian Traditional Medicine. The aim is to build the evidence base that policy making in the Ayush sector needs.

The Scheme does not support clinical, pharmacological or pharmacognosy research.

Fellowships, Categories and Value

The amount is consolidated and is subject to deduction of tax at source. No other grant or allowance will be paid. Category 1 comprises candidates holding a qualifying medical degree in an Ayush system. Category 2 comprises candidates holding a qualifying degree in any other discipline. An applicant may apply under one category only, and the candidature shall be considered in one category only.

Tenure: a Doctoral Fellowship shall be awarded for a maximum period of three years, with no extension. A Post-Doctoral Fellowship shall be awarded for a maximum period of two years, extendable by up to one year at the discretion of FITM. Fellows are expected to complete their thesis or research work within the prescribed period.

Eligibility Criteria

1.    The applicant must be a citizen of India.

2.    For a Doctoral Fellowship: a Post-Graduate degree holder, having registered for a Doctoral programme at an institution recognised by the UGC, the NCISM or the NCH. Age not more than 40 years on the last date of the application.

3.    For a Post-Doctoral Fellowship: a Doctorate holder, where the degree was awarded not more than three years before the last date of the application, and registered for a Post-Doctoral programme at a recognised institution, such as the CSIR, the ICMR, the DBT, a National Institute, a recognised University or a National Institute of Ayush. A provisional certificate is accepted. Age not more than 45 years on the last date of the application.

4.    The proposed thesis or study must fall within the research areas of the Scheme, and the applicant must have a Supervisor or Guide at the host institution.

5.    The applicant must not draw any other fellowship, scholarship or stipend for the same research.

Applicants must read the Scheme document for the full eligibility conditions before they apply.

How to Apply

Applicants apply online through the application portal. Before you start, read the Scheme document in full. Confirm that you satisfy the eligibility criteria, and that your proposed topic falls within the research areas of the Scheme.

Prepare a research proposal of not more than 3,000 words, excluding references, in the format given at para 10 of the Scheme. Then complete the Application Cover Sheet at Annexure I. This form carries your particulars, the statement of your topic and your declaration. Your Supervisor or Guide must approve the topic and sign Part D of the form, and the Head of your Institution must endorse Part E.

Assemble the enclosures listed in the checklist at Part F of Annexure I. These include your curriculum vitae, the certificates and mark sheets of your qualifying degree, proof of your registration at the host institution, proof of Indian citizenship.

Upload the signed cover sheet, the research proposal, the curriculum vitae and every enclosure to the portal as a single set, in the file formats stated there, and submit before the last date. Keep the acknowledgement that the portal generates.

An application that is incomplete in any respect, or that is received after the last date, is rejected. Applications sent other than the online mode will not be accepted.

Selection

A Selection Committee constituted by FITM evaluates each proposal on merit, shortlists candidates and interviews the shortlisted candidates. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted for the interview. The decision of committee is final. The award letter is valid for two months from its date.

General Rules and Regulations:

• The engagement is purely contractual and does not confer any right to regular appointment to the selected candidate.
• Fulfilment of conditions of educational qualification and experience shall not necessarily entitle any applicant to be called for further process of selection.
• In case of a large number of applicants, RIS reserves the right to short-list the applications in any manner as may be considered appropriate and no reason for rejection shall be communicated.
• RIS reserves the right to fill or not to fill the fellowship positions advertised. No correspondence whatsoever will be entertained from the candidates regarding postal delays, the conduct of the result of the interview and the reason for not being called for an interview.
• The decision of the committee w.r.t. shortlisting and selection will be final and binding. No query whatsoever will be dealt w.r.t. the same.
• Interested candidates having the above qualifications and experience should only apply Online.