AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme)
₹37,000 to ₹42,000 monthly fellowship plus contingency for full-time Ph.D. scholars in thrust technical domains available across districts in All India.
Quick Eligibility Snapshot
₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown
📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach
600 doctoral fellowships active across 45 premier universities
As of: 2026-01-20PIB / Official Citation ↗Verified Eligibility Criteria
Must have secured minimum 70% marks in both Bachelors and Masters in engineering/technology with valid GATE/NET.
Required Documents Checklist
Verify readiness before applying for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme). Check off your papers or print this list before visiting your local CSC / Cyber Cafe.
Mandatory Documents(3)
Check off as readyKeep self-attested photocopies and clear digital scans (100 KB – 200 KB, PDF/JPG format) ready to avoid portal upload timeouts.
Worried About Application Rejection for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme)?
Over 30% of applications on official portals get delayed or rejected due to minor certificate authority mismatches or unseeded bank accounts. Our civic research desk compiles a verified 1-page Scheme Blueprint tailored to your state and profile.
- ✓Valid issuing authority rules (Tehsildar/SDM)
- ✓Aadhaar-DBT bank seeding verification
- ✓Direct official portal guide (no middlemen)
- ✓Email delivery in 1–2 hrs during desk hours
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Application Effort & Process Friction
Readiness assessment derived from official prerequisites, mandatory documentation, and submission channels.
Effort scores reflect portal accessibility, mandatory document burden, and physical verification requirements.
How to Apply
- 1
Apply for doctoral admission at designated AICTE ADF Research Centres.
- 2
Selection conducted through university research entrance test and interview.
- 3
University submits recommended list to AICTE for fellowship award letters.
✅Before You Begin — Pre-Application Checklist
⚠️Common Rejection Reasons — Avoid These
Undergraduate aggregate marks below 70% (65% for SC/ST/PwD) or undertaking part-time research.
Official Government Application Portal
You will be redirected to the secure official portal: www.aicte-india.org
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Get Scheme Blueprint (₹49)→Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)
Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.
What research areas are prioritized under ADF?
Prioritizes AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum Technologies, and Energy Storage.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Who is eligible to apply for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme)?
Eligible applicants must satisfy official government criteria for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme). Age: min 22 max 30 years. Conditions: Must have secured minimum 70% marks in both Bachelors and Masters in engineering/technology with valid GATE/NET..
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗What are the key benefits provided under AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme)?
Under official guidelines for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme), beneficiaries are entitled to: Grants ₹37,000 per month for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month for the third year, with an annual contingency grant of ₹15,000 and HRA for full-time doctoral researchers in cutting-edge engineering fields (AI, IoT, robotics, quantum computing).
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗How do I apply for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme)? What is the official process?
To apply for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme), applicants should follow the official procedure: 1. Apply for doctoral admission at designated AICTE ADF Research Centres. 2. Selection conducted through university research entrance test and interview. 3. University submits recommended list to AICTE for fellowship award letters.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Can I track my AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme) application status?
Application status for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme) can typically be tracked through the official portal at www.aicte-india.org using your Aadhaar number, application reference number, or registered mobile number. Alternatively, contact the scheme helpline or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
What should I do if my AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme) payment is delayed or rejected?
First, verify your Aadhaar-bank account seeding status on the NPCI mapper (npci.org.in). If seeding is confirmed and payment is still pending, register a complaint on the Central Public Grievance Redressal System at pgportal.gov.in. You may also file an RTI application at rtionline.gov.in to obtain official rejection reasons within 30 days.
Is there an income tax implication for receiving AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme) benefits?
Agricultural income and certain welfare subsidies may be exempt from income tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax treatment varies by scheme type and beneficiary income level. Consult a certified tax practitioner or visit incometax.gov.in for scheme-specific tax guidance.
Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings
Undergraduate aggregate marks below 70% (65% for SC/ST/PwD) or undertaking part-time research.
Editorial Verification & Change Log
| Date | Field | Description / Update | Source Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-18 | scheme_type | cs | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-10-06 | short_description | ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 monthly fellowship plus contingency for full-time Ph.D. scholars in thrust technical domains available across districts in All India. | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-09-26 | initial_verification | Baseline verification of AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme) guidelines, benefits, and portal integration. | Official Source ↗ |
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Application Window & Deadlines
Annual intake cycle June to September
🛟Grievance & RTI Channels
Scheme Intelligence
How is this calculated? ↗Verified 23d ago from .gov.in source
Requires documentation or office visit
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📅Scheme Milestone Timeline
₹37,000 to ₹42,000 monthly fellowship plus contingency for full-time Ph.D. schol...
Official Source ↗Baseline verification of AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF Scheme) guidelines, bene...
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Official Helpline & Nodal Offices
AICTE Research and Institutional Development Bureau
Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070
Helpline: 011-29581000
Jurisdiction: Central (All India)Notice a Discrepancy?
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Verification Metadata
Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-09-26 against official government documentation.
Eligo is an independent information platform unaffiliated with any government body. Always confirm latest terms directly on the official portal.