TWAS and CSIR India have announced the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme for foreign scholars from developing countries wishing to pursue research toward a PhD in emerging areas of science and technology at CSIR laboratories and institutes in India. Check complete details from the article below.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India and UNESCO-TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) have established a number of fellowships for foreign scholars from developing countries who wish to pursue research toward a PhD in emerging areas of science and technology, for which facilities are available in CSIR laboratories and institutes across India. Candidates who are interested and fulfil the required eligibility criteria can now submit their applications through the online portal from 6th March 2026 onwards.
| Organisation | UNESCO-TWAS & Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme |
| Level | PhD |
| Duration | Up to 4 years (Full-time) |
| Mode of Application | Online (via TWAS portal) |
| Application Opening Date | 6th March 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 6th May 2026 |
| Host Country | India |
| Eligible Nationalities | Developing countries in the South (other than India) |
| Minimum Degree Required | MSc in Science & Technology |
| Maximum Age Limit | 35 years (as on 31 December of application year) |
TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship 2026 Important Dates
TWAS and CSIR have released the schedule for the postgraduate fellowship programme. The online application portal is now open.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Call Opening Date | 6th March 2026 |
| Closing Date for Applications | 6th May 2026 |
| Deadline for Preliminary Acceptance Letter | 6th May 2026 (must be dated same year) |
Also Read: BARC Mumbai Research Associate Fellowship Notification 2026 OUT, Apply for 56 Vacancies
Fellowship Fields of Study
Fellowships are available in the following emerging areas of science and technology:
| Code | Field of Study |
|---|---|
| 01 | Agricultural Sciences |
| 02 | Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology |
| 03 | Biological Systems and Organisms |
| 04 | Medical and Health Sciences (including Neurosciences) |
| 05 | Chemical Sciences |
| 06 | Engineering Sciences |
| 07 | Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences |
| 08 | Mathematical Sciences |
| 09 | Physics |
TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship 2026 Notification PDF Out
The complete details for the fellowship programme, including eligibility, application process, and participating CSIR institutions, have been released. Candidates who are willing to apply for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship 2026 must go through the detailed information on the official website.
Click to Download TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship 2026 Details
TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship 2026 must ensure they fulfil the required eligibility criteria before submitting their application.
Nationality
- Be a national of a developing country (other than India)
- Must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in India or any developed country
Age Limit
- Maximum 35 years of age on 31st December of the application year
Educational Qualification
- Hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in Science and Technology from a recognized university
Employment Status
- Be regularly employed in their home country and hold a research assignment there
English Proficiency
- Provide evidence of proficiency in English if the medium of education was not English
Additional Requirements for Sandwich Fellowships
- Be registered as a PhD student in their home country
- Provide the “Registration and No Objection Certificate” from the HOME university
Additional Requirements for Full-Time Fellowships
- Be willing to register at a university in India within the first year, if agreed to by CSIR
Host Institution Acceptance (MANDATORY)
- Be accepted at a CSIR laboratory/institution and provide an official acceptance letter from the host institution
- Without preliminary acceptance, the application will not be considered for selection
TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Duration & Type
| Fellowship Type | Eligibility | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Fellowship | For those registered for a PhD in their home country | Minimum 6 months, maximum up to 3 years (as decided by host institute) |
| Full-Time Fellowship | For those not registered for a PhD | Up to a maximum of 4 years |
TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Benefits 2026
Selected fellows will receive the following benefits:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Provided by CSIR to cover living costs, food, and health insurance (not convertible into foreign currency) |
| Accommodation | Subsidized accommodation provided |
| Language of Instruction | English |
Also Read: VRDE Junior Research Fellow Notification 2026 Out, Walk-in-Interview on 4th & 6th May
How to Apply for TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship 2026
Candidates who strictly satisfy the eligibility norms may apply by following the steps below. Applications can only be submitted via the online portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Identify a CSIR Host Institution: Review the list of CSIR laboratories and institutes available at https://www.csir.res.in/about-us/csir-network-map or download the list of eligible institutes from the TWAS website.
- Contact the Chosen Host Institution: Reach out to the selected CSIR laboratory/institution and request a preliminary acceptance letter. NB: Requests for acceptance must be directed to the chosen CSIR host institution(s).
- Obtain Acceptance Letter: Secure an official acceptance letter from the host institution. Only acceptance letters dated the same year as the year of application are eligible.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Acceptance letter from CSIR institution
- Master’s degree certificate and mark sheets
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- For Sandwich applicants: “Registration and No Objection Certificate” from HOME university (signed by Vice-Chancellor or Registrar)
- Evidence that you will return to your home country on completion of the fellowship
- Research proposal
- Complete Online Application: Submit your application through the TWAS online portal once the call is open (from 6th March 2026). A tutorial on how to use the online application form is available for download on the TWAS website.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure all documents are uploaded and the application is submitted by 6th May 2026.
Important: Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio.
Selection Process
The selection process for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship includes the following stages:
- Preliminary Acceptance – Candidate must secure an acceptance letter from a CSIR host institution
- Online Application Submission – Complete application submitted via TWAS portal
- Eligibility Screening – TWAS and CSIR verify eligibility criteria
- Academic Review – Applications are reviewed based on academic merit and research proposal
- Final Selection – Selected candidates are notified by TWAS/CSIR
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship?
Candidates must be nationals of a developing country (other than India), hold an MSc degree in Science & Technology, be under 35 years of age, and have secured an acceptance letter from a CSIR host institution.
Q2. What is the duration of the TWAS-CSIR Fellowship?
For Full-Time Fellowships: up to 4 years. For Sandwich Fellowships: minimum 6 months, maximum up to 3 years.
Q3. Is an acceptance letter required before applying?
Yes, applicants must obtain an official acceptance letter from a CSIR laboratory/institution. Without preliminary acceptance, the application will not be considered for selection.
Q4. What is the application deadline for TWAS-CSIR Fellowship 2026?
The closing date for applications is 6th May 2026.
Q5. Can I apply for more than one TWAS programme in a year?
No, applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio.
Q6. What expenses does the fellowship cover?
CSIR provides a monthly stipend to cover living costs, food, and health insurance. Subsidized accommodation is also provided. The stipend is not convertible into foreign currency.
Q7. Where can I find a list of eligible CSIR institutions?
The list is available at https://www.csir.res.in/about-us/csir-network-map or as a Word document on the TWAS fellowship page.
