ScholarshipsX.com

The Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is one of the most prestigious research fellowships offered by the Government of India to attract outstanding Indian scientists and engineers working abroad. The fellowship is designed to encourage world-class researchers to return to India and continue their research in leading Indian institutions. Administered by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this fellowship provides excellent financial support, research grants, and long-term stability. If you are a researcher looking to build a high-impact career in India, the Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 can be a golden opportunity.

In this detailed guide, you will learn about eligibility criteria, benefits, salary structure, selection process, application procedure, important dates, and FAQs.

What is the Ramanujan Fellowship 2026?

The Ramanujan Fellowship was launched to reverse brain drain and bring back top Indian scientific talent working in foreign countries. The fellowship allows selected researchers to work in any recognized Indian university, national laboratory, or R&D institution.

The scheme is open to scientists and engineers from all disciplines of science, engineering, medicine, and related fields. The main objective is to provide a stable and attractive platform so that globally trained researchers can establish their independent research groups in India.

This fellowship is highly competitive and is awarded only to researchers with an outstanding academic and research track record.

Objectives of Ramanujan Fellowship

The main goals of the Ramanujan Fellowship scheme are

1. To attract highly skilled Indian researchers working abroad to return to India
2. To strengthen India’s research ecosystem and innovation capacity
3. To support independent, high-quality research in frontier areas of science and technology
4. To build globally competitive research groups in Indian institutions
5. To promote long-term scientific leadership in the country

By offering financial stability and research freedom, the fellowship helps India retain and nurture top scientific talent.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Ramanujan Fellowship, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:

• The applicant should be an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
• The candidate must possess a PhD / MD / MS degree or equivalent in science, engineering, medicine, or related areas
• The applicant should have a proven track record of high-quality research publications
• The age limit is generally below 40 years at the time of nomination (relaxation possible in exceptional cases)
• The applicant should currently be working abroad or must have significant international research experience
• The candidate must have an offer or consent from a recognized Indian host institution

Selection is purely based on merit, research excellence, and potential impact.

Benefits & Salary Structure

The Ramanujan Fellowship offers one of the most attractive financial packages for researchers in India.

Financial Benefits:

Fellowship Amount: Rs. 1,35,000 per month (including HRA)
Annual Research Grant: Rs. 7,00,000 per year
Overhead Charges: Rs. 60,000 per year to the host institution
Duration: 5 years (no extension normally)

This generous funding allows fellows to:

• Build their own research team
• Purchase equipment and software
• Attend international conferences
• Conduct high-quality experimental or theoretical research

The fellowship is taxable as per government rules.

Duration and Nature of the Fellowship

• The fellowship is awarded for a fixed period of 5 years
• It is a research-oriented, non-permanent position
• The fellow works independently at the host institute
• The host institute may offer regular faculty positions separately as per their rules
• The fellowship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment

However, many Ramanujan Fellows are absorbed into faculty or senior research positions due to their performance.

How to Apply

The application process is online and works through a nomination system.

Step-by-Step Application Process: Website Link

• Identify a suitable Indian host institution (IIT, IISc, Central University, National Lab, etc.)
• Get consent and support from the host institution
• Prepare the following documents:

Detailed CV
List of publications
Research proposal
Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation

• The host institution will submit the nomination on your behalf on the official portal
• The application is reviewed by expert committees
• Final selection is based on academic excellence and research impact

Direct applications by candidates are not accepted. Only nominations through institutions are allowed.

Selection Process of Ramanujan Fellowship

The selection process is highly competitive and involves

1. Initial screening of applications
2. Peer review by domain experts
3. Evaluation
4. Research quality
5. International experience
6. Publication impact
7. Proposed research plan
8. Final approval by the Apex Committee

Only top-tier researchers with exceptional profiles are selected.

Important Dates

Application Portal Opens: January–February 2026
Last Date to Apply: March–April 2026
Result Announcement: Mid/Late 2026
Fellowship Start Within: 6–12 months after selection

Dates vary every year, so always check the official ANRF/DST website.

Why Is the Ramanujan Fellowship Highly Prestigious?

1. Extremely selective
2. National-level recognition
3. Excellent funding support
4. Full research independence
5. Strong career boost
6. High chances of permanent academic positions later

This fellowship is considered equivalent in prestige to the Ramalingaswami Fellowship, INSPIRE Faculty, and international early-career awards.

Who Should Apply for the Ramanujan Fellowship?

This fellowship is ideal for:

1. Indian scientists working in the USA, Europe, Japan, etc.
2. Researchers who want to return to India
3. Postdocs with strong publication records
4. Scientists aiming to build independent research labs
5. Scholars seeking long-term academic leadership roles

FAQs

Q1. Is the Ramanujan Fellowship a permanent job?  No, it is a 5-year research fellowship, not a permanent position.
Q2. Can I apply directly?  No. You must be nominated by an Indian host institution.
Q3. Is there any application fee?  No, there is no application fee.
Q4. Is the fellowship taxable?  Yes, the fellowship amount is taxable as per government rules.
Q5. Can I shift my host institute later?  In rare and exceptional cases, with proper approval, it may be allowed.

Conclusion

The Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is a golden opportunity for top Indian researchers working abroad to return and build a world-class research career in India. With an excellent salary, generous research funding, and full academic freedom, it stands among the most prestigious fellowships in the country. If you have a strong research profile and international experience, this fellowship can transform your academic journey and position you as a future scientific leader of India.

Read More: Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme 2026