The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has officially released the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 Notification. DAE invites applications from Engineering postgraduates for admission to PhD under the DDFS programme commencing from July-2026 under the aegis of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI). Interested candidates can apply online from December 22, 2025, to January 21, 2026, through the official BARC website.
Applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, including an M.E./M.Tech degree in specified engineering disciplines with minimum 60% marks. Shortlisted candidates will appear for an Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) on March 14–15, 2026, followed by Selection Interviews in June 2026. Eligible candidates must complete fee payment (if applicable) by the last date of application. All updates, corrigenda, and final selection lists will be available only on the BARC online portal, and no hard copies of applications will be accepted.
DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 Notification
The official DDFS-2026 Information Brochure PDF is provided below for candidates’ reference. This PDF contains complete details about fellowship, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, and selection procedure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The brochure also includes instructions for online registration, examination pattern, and payment procedures.
Download DDFS-2026 Information Brochure PDF
DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026: Overview
The DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for engineering postgraduates to pursue PhD in premier atomic research institutions under DAE. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) / Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) |
| Advertisement Released By | Human Resource Development Division, BARC |
| Academic Session Commencing | July 2026 |
| Application Dates | 22nd December 2025 to 21st January 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Selection Process | Online CBT + Academic Record Screening + Interview |
| Fellowship Stipend | ₹80,000 per month + ₹60,000 annual contingency grant |
| Official Website | www.barcocesexam.in |
| Application Portal | www.barcocesexam.in |
| Eligibility | M.E./M.Tech in specified engineering disciplines with min. 60% marks |
| CBT Exam Date | 14th & 15th March 2026 |
| Interview Date | June 2026 |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 4 years, extendable to 5 years |
DDFS 2026 Constituent Institutes
Selected students will be admitted to one of the following five Constituent Institutions (CIs) of HBNI:
| Name of Institute | Location |
|---|---|
| Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) | Mumbai |
| Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) | Kalpakkam |
| Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) | Gandhinagar |
| Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) | Indore |
| Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) | Kolkata |
DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 Apply Online
The DDFS Apply Online 2026 process will be active from 22nd December 2025 for all eligible candidates. Aspirants can fill the application form and complete the registration through the official portal www.barcocesexam.in. Make sure to upload all necessary documents and pay the required fees (if applicable) to successfully submit your form. Candidates are advised to double-check all details before submission, as no changes will be allowed afterward. Below, we have provided the direct link to apply online for DDFS 2026.
Direct Link to Apply for DDFS 2026
How to Apply for DDFS 2026?
Candidates applying for the DDFS 2026 must complete the process online only. A valid personal email ID and mobile number are mandatory, as all communications including call letters will be sent via email and SMS. Applicants are required to register on the portal, fill the application, upload documents, and pay the fee if applicable.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official website https://www.barcocesexam.in. |
| 2 | Click on “New Registration” and provide essential details (Name, Email, Mobile, DDFS Discipline, etc.). |
| 3 | Verify your registered mobile number and email ID via OTP and verification link. |
| 4 | Log in with the provided credentials and complete the application form (Personal, Academic, Exam City Preference). |
| 5 | Upload scanned photograph (4.5×3.5 cm), signature (2×4.5 cm), Semester-1 & 2 mark sheets, and category/PwD certificates (if applicable). |
| 6 | Preview the application, make corrections if needed, and submit finally. |
| 7 | Pay the application fee online (if applicable) via net banking/debit/credit card through SBI Payment Gateway. |
| 8 | Note down the generated Registration Number for all future correspondence. |
DDFS 2026 Application Fee
Candidates applying for the DDFS 2026 are required to pay a non-refundable application fee as per the category. The fee must be paid online during the application process. Once submitted, the fee cannot be withdrawn or adjusted.
| Category of Applicant | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Male Candidates) | ₹500 + Bank Charges |
| SC / ST / Female / Transgender / PwD (≥40% disability) | Exempted |
DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The DDFS 2026 has defined clear eligibility criteria for all candidates. Applicants must meet requirements related to nationality, age, and educational qualifications. Only candidates fulfilling these conditions can successfully apply for the fellowship programme. Below are detailed criteria regarding age, educational qualification, and relaxation.
DDFS 2026 Age Limit
Candidates must be maximum 28 years of age as on 1st August 2026. Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms.
| Category | Maximum Age Limit (as on 01-08-2026) | Born On or After |
|---|---|---|
| General | 28 years | 1st August 1998 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 31 years | 1st August 1995 |
| SC / ST | 33 years | 1st August 1993 |
| PwD (General/OBC/SC/ST) | Additional 10 years relaxation | As per category base date |
DDFS 2026 Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:
- Postgraduate Degree: M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc. (Engg)/Integrated M.Tech in Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical/Materials, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Instrumentation, or Civil Engineering with minimum 60% aggregate marks or 6.0 CGPA (on 10-point scale).
- Undergraduate Degree: B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc. (Engg) in the relevant discipline with minimum 60% marks.
- Candidates in the final semester of M.Tech may apply but must submit final mark sheets by 31st December 2026.
- Note: Degrees in IT, MCA, Aerospace, Automobile, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, etc., are NOT eligible.
DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The DDFS Selection Process 2026 includes an online Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. The CBT will be of 120 minutes duration with 100 multiple-choice questions. The syllabus is based on B.E./B.Tech level of the chosen engineering discipline.
| Test Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 (3 marks per correct answer) |
| Negative Marking | -1 for each wrong answer |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Syllabus | B.E./B.Tech level of chosen DDFS discipline (Engineering subjects only) |
| Shortlisting | Based on 50% weightage of CBT score + 50% weightage of M.Tech academic record (Semester 1 & 2 CGPA) |
| Final Selection | Based solely on performance in Selection Interview (including a 10-minute presentation on M.Tech project) |
DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 Fellowship Benefits
The DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026 offers a comprehensive fellowship package for selected candidates:
- Monthly Fellowship: ₹80,000 per month
- Annual Contingency Grant: ₹60,000 per year
- Medical Benefits: Coverage under Contributory Health Services Scheme (CHSS)
- Hostel Accommodation: Mandatory provision during PhD programme
- Fellowship Tenure: Initially for 4 years, extendable to 5 years based on performance
- Travel Allowance: Provided for attending selection interview (shortest route AC-III tier train fare)
Also Read: NTA Introduces Four Exam City Choice System for CUET PG 2026: Greater Flexibility for Students
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | 22nd December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 22nd December 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 21st January 2026 |
| Correction Window for Online Application | 7th – 14th February 2026 |
| Download of Admit Card for CBT | 25th February 2026 onwards |
| Online CBT Examination | 14th & 15th March 2026 |
| Display of Shortlisted Candidates for Interview | 2nd week of April 2026 |
| Selection Interviews | June 2026 |
| Declaration of Final Selection List | Last week of June 2026 |
| Medical Examination for Selected Candidates | 18th July 2026 |
| Commencement of Academic Programme | 3rd week of July 2026 |
Also Read: CUET PG 2026 Registration Window Active | Check Important Dates, Eligibility & Exam Pattern
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the DDFS 2026 application form is 21st January 2026.
Q2. How can I apply for DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026?
Ans: Candidates must complete the online registration and application form on the official portal https://www.barcocesexam.in.
Q3. How many institutes are participating in DDFS 2026?
Ans: Five institutes: BARC Mumbai, IGCAR Kalpakkam, IPR Gandhinagar, RRCAT Indore, and VECC Kolkata.
Q4. What is the eligibility for DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) 2026?
Ans: Applicants must have an M.E./M.Tech degree in specified engineering disciplines with minimum 60% marks, and be Indian citizens meeting age criteria.
Q5. Is there an application fee for DDFS 2026?
Ans: Yes, ₹500 for General/OBC male candidates. SC/ST/Female/Transgender/PwD candidates are exempted.
Q6. When will the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) CBT 2026 be conducted?
Ans: The Online CBT is scheduled for 14th & 15th March 2026..
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