Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research (PMFDR) 2025: Empowering Innovation through Industry Collaboration
The Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research (PMFDR) is a flagship Public–Private Partnership (PPP) between the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)—under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India—and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The ANRF, formed under the ANRF Act, 2023, subsumes the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to provide strategic guidance for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across scientific disciplines.
🎯 About the Scheme
The PMFDR encourages young, dynamic, and innovative PhD scholars to pursue industry-relevant research in India. It offers financial support twice the normal PhD fellowship, amounting to approximately ₹1,00,000 per month, jointly funded by ANRF (Government) and an industry partner.
This collaboration bridges the gap between academic research and industrial application, driving innovation-led growth.
Quick Highlights:
- Launched: 2013
- Type: Public–Private Partnership
- Duration: 4 years
- Current Status: Open-ended (apply within 14 months of PhD admission)
- Beneficiaries: 350+ Fellows, 130+ Institutes, 300+ Companies
The scheme aims to attract top research talent and encourage industries to invest in R&D and recruit more PhDs.
🏛️ Apex Council
The Apex Council, comprising experts from academia, industry, and government, evaluates proposals and recommends scholars based on their research excellence, innovation potential, and industrial relevance.
💡 Fellowship Framework
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowships per Year | Up to 100 |
| Funding Split | 50% ANRF + 50% Partner Company |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Annual Amount | Up to ₹12.48 lakh (subject to revision as per JRF/SRF norms) |
| Condition | Scholars must not receive any other fellowship concurrently |
This lucrative structure supports scholars in pursuing high-impact, industrially relevant research leading to a PhD degree.
🚀 PMRF vs PMFDR: Complementary Research Fellowships
While PMFDR promotes industry-collaborative doctoral research, the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) focuses on academic excellence in top Indian institutions such as IITs, IISERs, IISc, and select central universities.
PMRF Fellowship Structure:
| Year | Fellowship Amount (₹/month) | Annual Research Grant |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70,000 | ₹2 lakh |
| 2 | 70,000 | ₹2 lakh |
| 3 | 75,000 | ₹2 lakh |
| 4 | 80,000 | ₹2 lakh |
| 5 | 80,000 | ₹2 lakh |
Each PMRF scholar may receive up to ₹10 lakh in research grants over five years.
Both schemes aim to nurture India’s best minds and drive the nation’s research and innovation ecosystem forward.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria (PMFDR)
- Must be enrolled in a full-time PhD program within the last 14 months.
- The PhD scholar and industry partner must apply jointly.
- Industry partner must be registered under the Indian Companies Act.
- Research areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, or Medicine.
- Must provide a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the host institution.
- Project must demonstrate industrial relevance and scientific merit.
- Fellowship covers a maximum of four years.
🏢 Industry Partner Eligibility
Eligible Partners:
✅ Indian companies under the Companies Act
✅ Multinational corporations (MNCs) registered in India
✅ In-house or research arms of companies
✅ Consortia of companies
Not Eligible:
❌ NGOs, Societies, and Government agencies (e.g., ISRO, DRDO)
⚙️ Application Process
- Apply online at 👉 www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in
- Ensure PhD admission within 14 months before applying.
- Confirm an industry partner and prepare a joint research proposal.
- Submit the application jointly online.
⏰ Important Dates
- Application Window: Open-ended (within 14 months of PhD admission)
- Result Declaration: Published on the official portal
- Fellowship Release: Begins in April or the month mentioned in the selection letter
📞 Contact Information
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
📧 ravi.hira@cii.in | akashdeep.singh@cii.in | pm.scheme@cii.in
📞 +91 11 4577 1000 (Ext. 240)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main objective of PMFDR?
To promote industry-linked doctoral research by offering joint funding support from ANRF and partner industries.
2. Who can apply for PMFDR?
Any full-time PhD scholar (enrolled within 14 months) who has an industry partner ready to co-fund and collaborate on the research.
3. How much financial support is provided?
Up to ₹12.48 lakh per annum, shared equally between ANRF and the partner company.
4. Can I continue another fellowship along with PMFDR?
No, recipients of PMFDR cannot receive any other salary or fellowship simultaneously.
5. How many fellowships are awarded annually?
A maximum of 100 new fellowships are offered each year.
6. Are multinational companies eligible as partners?
Yes, provided they are registered under the Indian Companies Act.
7. What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship supports research for up to four years leading to a PhD degree.
8. Where can I apply?
Applications are accepted online through the official portal: www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in
🌐 Apply Now
👉 Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research – Official Portal
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