Date: October 21, 2026
Place: New Delhi
Education News: AI Research, Fellowships and Student Funding
New Delhi, Education news: Undergraduate, postgraduate and eligible PhD students interested in artificial intelligence (AI) research can explore the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27, a government-backed initiative designed to support emerging researchers and technology innovators. The programme offers financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for eligible undergraduate students and up to ₹2 lakh for eligible postgraduate students. A separate research fellowship supports qualifying full-time PhD scholars.
Applications for the current fellowship cycle have been announced through the official IndiaAI portal, with November 30, 2026, reported as the application deadline. Students should review the live portal carefully because the eligibility criteria and application process differ by academic level, and the PhD fellowship follows a separate process.
The initiative is part of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to strengthen India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem by developing research capabilities and skilled talent.
IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27: Key Details at a Glance
| Fellowship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27 |
| Implementing initiative | IndiaAI Mission |
| Eligible study levels | Undergraduate, Integrated Dual Degree, postgraduate and eligible PhD |
| Undergraduate funding | Up to ₹1 lakh |
| Postgraduate funding | Up to ₹2 lakh, depending on academic stage |
| PhD fellowship | Monthly support of ₹70,000–₹80,000, subject to the applicable rules |
| Additional conference support | Up to ₹1 lakh for eligible international AI research presentations |
| Reported application deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Application portal | fellowship.indiaai.gov.in |
What Is the IndiaAI Fellowship and Why Is It Important for Students?
The IndiaAI Fellowship aims to help eligible students undertake AI-related projects and research while developing practical research skills.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly relevant to fields such as healthcare, agriculture, education, engineering, law, business and scientific research. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach means that AI research is not limited to computer science students alone. Students from other disciplines may also qualify if they meet the programme requirements and their projects focus on AI or related areas.
Financial support can help selected students concentrate on research activities, develop projects and, where eligible, present their findings at international academic conferences.
However, the fellowship is competitive and subject to eligibility, institutional participation and the programme’s selection rules. Funding is not automatic simply because a student studies AI.
How Much Funding Can Students Receive?
The financial assistance depends on the applicant’s academic level and the applicable fellowship rules.
1. Undergraduate students: Up to ₹1 lakh
Eligible undergraduate students in the required stage of their degree can receive financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for the programme.
The published eligibility framework includes students in three-year and four-year undergraduate courses who have reached the prescribed stage of study. Applicants must demonstrate relevant AI coursework and meet the academic and documentation requirements.
2. Integrated Dual Degree students: Up to ₹1 lakh
Eligible students enrolled in five-year Integrated Dual Degree programmes can also apply under the relevant category. The programme’s published framework identifies the ninth-semester stage for eligible five-year students.
Applicants should check the latest guidelines to confirm the academic requirements applicable to their degree structure.
3. Postgraduate students: Up to ₹2 lakh
Eligible postgraduate students may receive up to ₹2 lakh, with the amount and instalments depending on their semester at the time of application and continued compliance with the fellowship requirements.
Students should confirm the required undergraduate and postgraduate marks, AI coursework and other conditions before submitting their applications.
4. PhD scholars: Monthly research fellowship
The separate IndiaAI Research Fellowship for PhD scholars provides monthly support according to the following published structure:
| PhD year | Monthly fellowship amount |
|---|---|
| Years 1–2 | ₹70,000 |
| Year 3 | ₹75,000 |
| Years 4–5 | ₹80,000 |
Eligible PhD scholars may also receive research grants of up to ₹2 lakh per year under the applicable rules. Additional research and conference support is subject to the scheme’s conditions.
This PhD fellowship has separate eligibility and institutional requirements. Applicants should verify whether the relevant PhD application window is currently open before proceeding.
Who Can Apply for the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026?
Eligibility depends on the category in which a student applies. The programme is intended for eligible Indian nationals pursuing full-time study and working on AI-related projects or research.
Undergraduate applicants
The published framework includes requirements such as:
- Studying at the prescribed stage of an undergraduate programme.
- Working on an AI-related project.
- Completing the required number of full-time AI courses.
- Meeting the applicable academic performance threshold.
- Providing the required institutional endorsement and academic documents.
For three-year courses, the relevant stage is around the fifth semester; for four-year courses, it is around the seventh semester. The exact conditions should be checked against the latest official guidelines.
Postgraduate applicants
Applicants generally need confirmed admission to a postgraduate programme and must be within the eligible first three semesters. They must also satisfy the prescribed academic and AI-course requirements.
The required marks may depend on the semester in which the student applies. Candidates should check the current guidelines rather than relying on an older eligibility summary.
PhD applicants
The separate PhD research fellowship is intended for newly enrolled or first-year, full-time doctoral researchers working in AI or related fields. Applicants must satisfy the applicable academic criteria and any institutional participation requirements.
The portal has displayed separate PhD application arrangements, so candidates should confirm the current opening status and deadline directly before preparing an application.
Important eligibility note: Public announcements and the portal’s detailed eligibility information may not present every academic threshold in the same way. Students should use the latest official application instructions as the final reference for marks, semester requirements, institutional eligibility and deadlines.
How to Apply for the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27
Eligible students should begin by reviewing the official programme guidelines and identifying the correct fellowship category.
- Visit the official IndiaAI Fellowship portal.
- Select the relevant category for undergraduate, Integrated Dual Degree, postgraduate or PhD applicants.
- Read the latest eligibility conditions, funding rules and application instructions.
- Confirm that the institution, academic stage and proposed AI project meet the requirements.
- Prepare the required academic records and institutional endorsement documents.
- Complete the online process according to the instructions for your category.
- Submit the application within the applicable deadline and retain the confirmation for future reference.
Applicants should not pay an unofficial agent or rely on third-party claims of guaranteed selection. Use the official portal for the application process and programme updates.
Which Documents May Be Required?
The published guidelines list several documents that may be required, depending on the applicant category:
- Academic marksheets and records.
- A signed and stamped endorsement letter from the project guide.
- An endorsement letter from the relevant institutional authority, such as the Head of Department or institute head.
- A recent passport-size photograph in an accepted image format.
- A cancelled bank cheque or bank passbook cover page showing an account in the student’s name.
- Additional records specified for the relevant category, which may include a GATE scorecard for postgraduate applicants.
PhD applicants may need consolidated undergraduate and postgraduate academic records. Candidates should consult the latest checklist because document requirements can vary by fellowship category.
Can Students from Non-Engineering Fields Apply?
Potentially, yes. The programme’s published framework includes applicants from disciplines such as medicine, law, commerce, business and liberal arts, as well as technical and science fields.
The important condition is that the applicant must satisfy the relevant academic requirements and pursue a project related to AI or an allied area. Studying in a non-engineering discipline does not automatically make a candidate eligible, nor does it guarantee selection.
For example, a student in medicine might investigate an AI application in healthcare, while a commerce student could explore AI-related financial analysis. The project’s relevance and the applicant’s eligibility must be assessed under the official rules.
Why the IndiaAI Fellowship Matters for India’s Future AI Talent
India’s AI development depends not only on companies building products but also on students and researchers who can investigate new applications, test ideas and develop responsible solutions.
A fellowship can help students move from classroom learning to structured research. It may also encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, especially where AI can be applied to real-world problems.
The additional conference support, where approved, can help selected researchers present their work to wider academic audiences. Such opportunities can strengthen research experience and expose students to developments beyond their own institutions.
Nevertheless, students should treat the fellowship as a research opportunity rather than a guaranteed route to a job, startup success or international admission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27?
It is a fellowship initiative under the IndiaAI Mission that provides financial support to eligible students and researchers undertaking AI-related projects and research.
2. How much funding can undergraduate students receive?
Eligible undergraduate students may receive up to ₹1 lakh, subject to the programme’s academic and other requirements.
3. How much funding can postgraduate students receive?
Eligible postgraduate students may receive up to ₹2 lakh, depending on their academic stage and the applicable funding rules.
4. What is the monthly fellowship for PhD scholars?
The published structure provides ₹70,000 per month for the first two years, ₹75,000 in the third year and ₹80,000 in the fourth and fifth years, subject to eligibility and the relevant rules.
5. What is the last date to apply?
November 30, 2026, has been reported as the deadline for the current fellowship cycle. Applicants must verify the deadline and opening status for their specific category on the official portal.
6. Can students from commerce, medicine or law apply?
Students from different disciplines may qualify if they meet the category-specific requirements and pursue an eligible AI-related project. Applicants should check the official guidelines.
7. Is the fellowship available to part-time students?
The published eligibility framework excludes part-time students. Applicants should confirm the precise requirements for their category in the current official guidelines.
8. Where can students apply?
The official application portal is fellowship.indiaai.gov.in.
Conclusion: An Opportunity for Students Interested in AI Research
The IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27 offers eligible students a chance to seek financial support for AI-related projects, research and academic development. With assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for undergraduate students and up to ₹2 lakh for postgraduate students, the initiative may help aspiring researchers develop their ideas and practical skills.
Students should check the latest eligibility criteria, prepare the required institutional documents and confirm the relevant application deadline before submitting their forms. PhD applicants should pay particular attention to the separate doctoral fellowship process.
Global Education News will continue tracking AI fellowships, research funding, scholarships and student opportunities across India.
