About
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is offering the Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IPDF) for PhD graduates interested in pursuing advanced research and developing careers in teaching and research.
The fellowship provides postdoctoral opportunities across almost all academic departments of IIT Madras. Candidates work with a faculty mentor and are expected to undertake high-quality research, develop research proposals and contribute to the institute’s academic research environment.
According to the current application form, candidates must have a nominating IIT Madras faculty member/mentor, and the proposed research should not simply be an extension of the applicant’s PhD work.
Eligibility
- Candidates with a Ph.D. are eligible to apply within five years of completing the Ph.D.
- Maximum age: 35 years.
- Age relaxation of 5 years is applicable for women and reserved-category candidates, as specified in the IPDF guidelines.
- PhD scholars who have submitted their thesis may also apply, subject to the requirement to submit the provisional/degree certificate within the prescribed period after appointment.
- The current application form specifies a minimum of two Q1 (top-quartile) journal publications as primary contributor for eligibility.
- A suitable IIT Madras faculty mentor/nominating faculty member is mandatory.
- IIT Madras PhD graduates are generally not encouraged to apply, with exceptions considered on merit and subject to the stated mentor requirements.
Fellowship Benefits
- Fellowship: Rs. 58,000–67,000 per month consolidated, depending on experience, qualification and area.
- HRA: As per Central Government norms when campus accommodation is not provided.
- Accommodation: Suitable hostel/campus accommodation may be provided, subject to availability and IIT Madras norms.
- Contingency grant: Rs. 1,00,000 per year for research purposes.
- Medical benefits/insurance are available as applicable to PhD scholars.
- Permission may be granted to attend national or international conferences, subject to availability of funds.
- Eligible candidates called for interview can claim applicable II AC train fare under the stated conditions.
Duration
The fellowship is initially for 1 year and may be extended for a further maximum period of 2 years, based on performance and the recommendation of the department’s Performance Assessment Committee.
How to apply
- Identify a suitable IIT Madras faculty member whose research area matches your proposed work.
- Contact the faculty member and obtain their willingness to mentor/nominate you.
- Complete the Institute Post-Doctoral Fellowship application form.
- Prepare the required documents, including:
- Two-page proposed research write-up.
- At least two recommendation letters.
- UG, PG and PhD/thesis-related certificates.
- Experience certificate, if applicable.
- Two best Q1 journal papers where the applicant is the primary contributor.
- Complete publication list.
- Category/EWS/disability documents, where applicable.
- NOC from the current employer, if employed.
- Submit the completed application and enclosures to the nominating faculty mentor. The mentor initiates the departmental evaluation process if the application is considered suitable.
- Shortlisted candidates undergo departmental evaluation and an Institute Selection Committee interview.
Official application form: https://www.iitm.ac.in/sites/default/files/Others/IPDF_Application_Form_Revised.pdf
Official postdoctoral opportunities page: https://www.iitm.ac.in/careers/post-doctoral-opportunities
Deadline
No single fixed deadline is specified. The current IPDF guidelines state that selection is conducted throughout the year.