Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (KDF)
Build impactful research. Grow as a scholar. Shape industry and society.
KDF is a full-time, residential / non-residential doctoral fellowship for aspirational researchers who want to advance engineering, technology, and management through high-quality, interdisciplinary work. Fellows deepen research capability while contributing solutions to real scientific and technological challenges that matter to industry and society.
RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS :
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
- Engineering for Health & Wellness
- Climate & Energy
- Environment & Biodiversity
- Defense Technology & Systems
- Innovative & Sustainable Textiles
- Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
- Business Innovation & Growth
- Cybersecurity, FinTech, XR & Blockchain
Why KDF?
Interdisciplinary, impact-first research across departments / Industry and KI institutions, with a focus on sustainable development outcomes.Structured 3-year journey with milestones, continuous reviews, and strong faculty mentorship.Residential ecosystem designed for research focus, collaboration, and professional growth.Who can apply?
Mandatory eligibility :
Freshers or candidates with up to 3 years’ experience who hold :
Master’s degree in engineering / technology / management , orM.Sc. in Mathematics / Statistics / Physics / Chemistry , or a master’s in management domains .Applicants working in Government / industry research labs are also eligible.Desirable :
Preference for GATE-qualified candidates.
Fellowship duration :
The fellowship is awarded for 3 years , with progress determined through continuous reviews and assessments . The fellowship may be withdrawn if research goals are not met.
Stipend & categories :
Category A | Monthly Fellowship ₹25,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG with min CGPA 6.5
Category B | Monthly Fellowship ₹35,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG from NIRF Top 100
Category C | Monthly Fellowship ₹50,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG or PG from NIRF Top 25 institutions / Industry R&D
Compensation includes subsidized living expenses and institutional fees.
Your 3-year research journey :
Year 1 — Foundation & proposal
Complete 4 coursework subjects aligned to your research areaPublish 2 Scopus-indexed papersPrepare extramural funding proposal / pitch to industry for financial assistanceSupport laboratory operations during eveningsYear 2 — Depth & delivery
Clear Oral Comprehensive assessmentCo-guide UG / PG capstone projectsPublish 2 SCI-indexed papersBuild & facilitate one software tool or experimental setup for the institutionYear 3 — Translation & thesis
File 1 patent (published & license granted)Co-guide UG / PG capstonesPublish 1 SCI + 1 Scopus paperSubmit synopsis & thesis to the UniversityResearch ethos & objectives
Promote a sustainable research environment in thrust areasInculcate interdisciplinarity across KI institutionsDeliver solutions to scientific and technological issues for societal developmentFAQs (quick answers)
Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds?No. Eligible candidates include Engineering / Technology / Management postgraduates and M.Sc. in Math / Stats / Physics / Chemistry ; candidates from government / industry research labs may also apply.Is the fellowship strictly 3 years?Yes, the designed duration is 3 years , governed by continuous reviews ; non-attainment of goals can lead to withdrawal.Are there categories for the stipend?Yes— ₹25k / ₹35k / ₹45k per month based on academic background and NIRF-ranked institutions, with subsidized living and institutional fees covered.