FITM Research Fellowship 2026-27: Check eligibility, stipend and application details

The Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) has invited applications for its Research Fellowship Programme 2026-27, offering opportunities for Indian citizens pursuing doctoral and post-doctoral research on policy-related aspects of Indian traditional medicine.

The fellowship scheme, hosted by FITM at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), is designed to support research that can strengthen the evidence base for policymaking in the AYUSH sector. Applications will be accepted online until Oct 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

FITM Research Fellowship 2026-27: Seats and stipend

The programme will offer 20 fellowships in total, divided equally between doctoral and post-doctoral categories.

For doctoral researchers, 10 fellowships are available. Five positions fall under Category 1 for candidates with qualifying medical degrees in an AYUSH system, while five are available under Category 2 for candidates with qualifying degrees in other disciplines.

Selected doctoral fellows will receive a consolidated fellowship of ₹70,000 per month. The doctoral fellowship will be awarded for a maximum of three years and will not be extended beyond the prescribed tenure.

The post-doctoral category also has 10 positions, with five fellowships each under the AYUSH and non-AYUSH categories. Selected post-doctoral fellows will receive ₹75,000 per month.

The post-doctoral fellowship will normally be awarded for two years and may be extended by up to one year at FITM's discretion. Fellows are expected to complete their thesis or research work within the prescribed period.

The fellowship amount is consolidated and subject to deduction of tax at source. No additional grant or allowance will be provided.

Research areas covered

The scheme supports policy-relevant research examining the economic, social, legal, regulatory, governance, technological and international dimensions of Indian traditional medicine.

Applicants must ensure that their proposed thesis or study falls within the research areas specified under the scheme. The applicant must also have a Supervisor or Guide at the host institution.

Clinical, pharmacological and pharmacognosy research is not covered under the fellowship programme.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be Indian citizens and fulfill the requirements specified for the relevant fellowship category.

For the Doctoral Fellowship, candidates must hold a postgraduate degree and be registered for a doctoral program at an institution recognized by the UGC, NCISM or NCH. Applicants must not be more than 40 years old on the last date of application.

For the Post-Doctoral Fellowship, candidates must hold a doctorate awarded no more than three years before the application deadline.

They must also be registered for a post-doctoral program at a recognized institution, which may include the CSIR, ICMR, DBT, a National Institute, a recognized university or a National Institute of Ayush. A provisional doctorate certificate will also be accepted.

Post-doctoral applicants must be no more than 45 years old on the application deadline.

Applicants can apply under only one category, and their candidature will be considered in that category alone. They must not receive another fellowship, scholarship or stipend for the same research.

Applicants have been advised to read the complete fellowship scheme before submitting their applications to confirm that they meet all eligibility requirements and that their proposed research falls within the permitted areas.

How to apply

Eligible candidates must submit their applications online through the designated application portal. Applicants should first read the scheme document in full and verify their eligibility before beginning the application process.

Candidates must prepare a research proposal of no more than 3,000 words, excluding references, using the format specified in the scheme.

They must also complete the Application Cover Sheet provided. The form requires details of the applicant, a statement of the proposed research topic and a declaration. The Supervisor or Guide must approve the topic and sign Part D, while the Head of the Institution must endorse Part E.

Applicants must then compile the documents, curriculum vitae, certificates and mark sheets for the qualifying degree, proof of registration at the host institution and proof of Indian citizenship.

The signed cover sheet, research proposal, curriculum vitae and required supporting documents must be uploaded as one complete application set in the file formats specified on the portal.

After submission, applicants should retain the acknowledgement generated by the portal.

Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will be rejected. Applications submitted through any mode other than the prescribed online process will not be accepted.

Selection process

A Selection Committee constituted by FITM will assess the research proposals on merit. Candidates shortlisted after the evaluation will be called for an interview.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the interview. The committee's decision regarding shortlisting and selection will be final and binding. The fellowship award letter will remain valid for two months from its date.

General rules

The fellowship engagement is contractual and does not provide the selected candidate with any right to regular appointment.

Meeting the prescribed educational qualifications and other eligibility requirements does not automatically entitle an applicant to be called for the next stage of selection.

If the number of applications is large, RIS may shortlist candidates using criteria it considers appropriate. No reason for rejection will be communicated to applicants.

RIS also reserves the right to fill or leave vacant any of the advertised fellowship positions. No correspondence will be entertained regarding postal delays, the interview process, results or reasons for not being shortlisted.

The selection committee's decision regarding shortlisting and selection will be final. Interested candidates who meet the prescribed requirements should apply online before the deadline.