The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is accepting applications for its 2026 Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). The application deadline is September 17, 2026 . This fellowship targets researchers with STEM degrees.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be under 32 years old as of September 17, 2026. Age relaxation is available. Specific academic and research experience requirements vary by degree.
A minimum of two years of post-degree research experience and one publication in a recognized journal are required for M.Sc., B.E., or B.Tech. holders with a minimum of 55% marks. For M.Tech., M.E., or equivalent degrees with 60% marks, no specific research experience beyond the degree is mandated.
B.E./B.Tech. degree holders with 60% marks need at least two years of research experience by the application closing date. MBBS/BDS graduates with 60% marks require a one-year internship.
For B.Pharm., B.V.Sc., B.Sc. (Ag) degrees with 55% marks, a minimum of three years of research experience plus one SCI publication is necessary. M.Pharm., M.V.Sc., M.Sc. (Ag), or M.Phil. degree holders with 55% marks need at least one year of research experience and one SCI publication.
Fellowship Details and Dates
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹42,000. An annual grant of up to ₹20,000 is also provided. The fellowship is initially for two years. It can be extended for an additional year after review.
The total funding period for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and SRF cannot exceed five years. The SRF tenure is capped at three years. The fellowship ends upon completion of tenure or the PhD viva-voce date, whichever is earlier.
| Event | Date |
| Advertisement Date | August 14, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | August 18, 2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | September 17, 2026 |
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online only through the CSIR Human Resource Development Group (HRDG) portal. There is no application fee.
Interested researchers should review the full eligibility criteria on the official CSIR HRDG website before applying. The application window opens on August 18, 2026.
