The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced the National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) for 2025, aimed at identifying motivated young researchers. This ANRF N-PDF fellowship provides support for cutting-edge research in science and engineering under the guidance of a mentor. Indian citizens below 35 years (with age relaxation for reserved categories) who hold or have submitted their Ph.D./M.D./M.S. thesis are eligible.

ANRF N-PDF Fellowship Overview
The fellowship offers a generous stipend of ₹80,000 per month plus HRA and a research grant. Applications must be submitted online through the ANRF portal within the specified application window. The selection will be based on expert committee recommendations.
| Organization | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) |
| Objective | To train young researchers in frontier areas of science and engineering |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Expert Committee Review and Interview (if required) |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹80,000/- p.m. + HRA (₹50,000/- p.m. + HRA for thesis submitted) |
| Official Website | www.anrfonline.in |
| Eligibility | Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree or thesis submitted |
| Age Limit | 35 Years (40 for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD & Women) |
ANRF N-PDF Fellowship Details
The ANRF-NPDF is a prestigious fellowship that offers comprehensive financial support to post-doctoral researchers for a period of 2 years.
| Budget Head | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | ₹80,000/- per month + HRA (₹50,000/- for thesis submitted) |
| Research Grant | ₹2,00,000/- per annum |
| Overheads | ₹1,00,000/- per annum |
ANRF N-PDF Eligibility 2025
Applicants must carefully review the following eligibility criteria before applying:
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Qualification: Must have obtained a Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree from a recognized university. Those who have submitted their thesis are also eligible.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit is 35 years at the time of application submission. A relaxation of 5 years is given to SC/ST/OBC/PwBD and Women candidates.
- Mentor: The proposed mentor must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized Indian institution and a Ph.D. in Science or Engineering. A mentor cannot have more than two ANRF-NPDF fellows at a time.
ANRF N-PDF Apply Online 2025
The application process for the ANRF N-PDF is entirely online. Candidates and their proposed mentors must register on the ANRF portal to submit the application.
Direct Link to Apply for ANRF N-PDF 2025
How to Apply for ANRF N-PDF 2025?
- Register: Candidates and their proposed mentors must first register on the ANRF online portal (www.anrfonline.in).
- Fill Profile: After logging in, complete all mandatory fields in the ‘Profile Detail’ section (Bio-data, Photo, Institute Address, etc.).
- Submit Proposal: Provide project details like Title, Summary, Keywords, Objectives, and Expected Outcomes online.
- Upload Documents: Upload the required documents in PDF format, including:
- Bio-data (using template)
- Age Proof Certificate
- Qualification Certificate/Thesis Submission Proof
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Undertaking by Applicant
- Endorsement from Mentor & Host Institute
- Mentor’s CV (using template)
- Plagiarism Undertaking
- Work Methodology (max 3 pages)
Also Read: BRIC-ILS PhD Program 2025: Check Details and Apply Online for Dec Session by Nov 17
ANRF N-PDF Selection Process 2025
The selection of fellows is a rigorous multi-stage process:
- Expert Review: Applications are reviewed by an expert committee constituted by the ANRF Board.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview.
- Final Selection: The final selection is based on the candidate’s track record, research proposal quality, and expert committee recommendations.
FAQs
Q1. Who can apply for the ANRF N-PDF?
Ans: Indian citizens with a Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree or those who have submitted their thesis, and are below 35 years of age (40 for reserved categories), can apply.
Q2. What is the fellowship amount for N-PDF?
Ans: Selected fellows receive ₹80,000 per month plus HRA. Those who have submitted their thesis but not yet received the degree get ₹50,000 per month plus HRA until the degree is awarded.
Q3. Can I work with my Ph.D. guide for the post-doctoral fellowship?
Ans: No. Fellows are not allowed to work with their Ph.D. guide or co-guide.
Q4. What is the duration of the N-PDF?
Ans: The fellowship is tenable for a period of 2 years and is purely temporary.
Q5. Is the fellowship tenable abroad?
Ans: No, the ANRF N-PDF is tenable only in recognized institutions within India.
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