The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund has released the notification for the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship 2026. Instituted in 1968, the Fellowship is dedicated to the encouragement, support, and patronage of higher learning and free intellectual inquiry. It seeks to provide an opportunity to exceptionally talented persons to devote themselves with freedom to their creative work for a period of two years.
This is a unique, rolling fellowship opportunity for scholars, writers, journalists, artists, and civil servants who possess a proven capacity for outstanding work. Candidates interested in applying should check the eligibility criteria, stipend, and application process below.
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Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship 2026
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund offers one Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship every year. The key details are provided below.
Overview
| Organisation | Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship |
| Number of Fellowships | One per year |
| Tenure | Two Years |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 1,00,000/- (Exempt from Income Tax u/s 10(17A)) |
| Additional Contingency Allowance | Up to Rs. 75,000/- per annum |
| Location | Anywhere in India |
| Mode of Application | Offline (by post) |
| Last Date to Apply | No last date (Continuing Scheme) |
| Official Website | jnmf.in |
Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship Benefits 2026
The fellowship is tenable for two years and offers significant financial support to allow fellows to focus entirely on their intellectual and creative pursuits.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 1,00,000/- per month (Tax-exempt) |
| Secretarial Assistance, Travel, and Contingencies | Actual expenses met by the Fund up to a ceiling of Rs. 75,000/- per annum |
Note: The stipend is exempt from Income Tax under Section 10(17A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship 2026 Notification Out
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund has announced the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship for the upcoming academic year. The fellowship is open to scholars in every discipline, from the sciences to the humanities, and also to categories of people not normally covered by existing schemes. The only criterion is a proven capacity for outstanding work and a real desire to pursue a creative project.
Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Nationality: The fellowship is open to Indian citizens only.
- Discipline: Open to scholars in every discipline (Sciences and Humanities).
- Categories: Also open to writers, journalists, artists, and civil servants.
- Criteria: The only criterion is that the applicant must possess a proven capacity for outstanding work and a real desire to pursue a creative project, exploring new possibilities in their chosen field.
- Work Location: Fellows have complete freedom to work at places of their choice within India.
- Government Employees: Those in Government service (State or Centre) should send their applications through the proper channel.
Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship Selection Process 2026
The Jawaharlal Nehru Fellows are chosen by a Selection Committee consisting of distinguished persons in different fields of human endeavour. The Selection Committee strives to maintain the highest standards of excellence and the widest possible spectrum of creative talent while making its final selection.
How to Apply for Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship 2026?
There is no prescribed printed form for application. Candidates must send their application on plain paper with the following details to the Secretary, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund.
Address to Send Application:
To,
The Secretary,
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund,
Teen Murti House,
New Delhi – 110 001.
Details Required in the Application
- Bio-data: Along with details of original work.
- Experience: In the field of specialization.
- Project Proposal: A synopsis typed in double space, not more than a thousand words.
- Photograph: A copy of a recent passport-size photograph.
- Undertaking: To be submitted only after the fellowship is awarded (format provided in the notification).
Note: There is no last date for receipt of applications as the Fellowship Scheme is a continuing one.
Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship FAQs
Q1. What is the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship?
It is a prestigious fellowship instituted in 1968 by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund to support higher learning and free intellectual inquiry.
Q2. How many fellowships are awarded each year?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund offers one Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship every year.
Q3. What is the duration and stipend of the fellowship?
The fellowship is tenable for two years and carries a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,00,000/-.
Q4. Is the stipend taxable?
No, the stipend is exempt from Income Tax under Section 10(17A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Q5. Are there any additional allowances?
Yes, actual expenses on secretarial assistance, traveling, and other contingencies are met by the Fund subject to a ceiling of Rs. 75,000/- per annum.
