Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (KDF)

Build impactful research. Grow as a scholar. Shape industry and society.

KDF is a full-time, residential/non-residential doctoral fellowship for aspirational researchers who want to advance engineering, technology, and management through high-quality, interdisciplinary work. Fellows deepen research capability while contributing solutions to real scientific and technological challenges that matter to industry and society.

RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS:

- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
- Engineering for Health & Wellness
- Climate & Energy
- Environment & Biodiversity
- Defense Technology & Systems
- Cutting-edge & Sustainable Textiles
- Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
- Business Innovation & Growth
- Cybersecurity, FinTech, XR & Blockchain

Why KDF?

- Interdisciplinary, impact-first research across departments/Industry and KI institutions, with a focus on sustainable development outcomes.
- Structured 3-year journey with milestones, continuous reviews, and strong faculty mentorship.
- Residential ecosystem designed for research focus, collaboration, and professional growth.

Who can apply?

Mandatory eligibility:

Freshers or candidates with up to 3 years’ experience who hold:

- Master’s degree in engineering/technology / management, or
- M.Sc. in Mathematics / Statistics / Physics / Chemistry, or a master’s in management domains.
- Applicants working in Government/industry research labs are also eligible.

Desirable :

Preference for GATE-qualified candidates.

Fellowship duration :

The fellowship is awarded for 3 years, with progress determined through continuous reviews and assessments. The fellowship may be withdrawn if research goals are not met.

Stipend & categories :

Category A | Monthly Fellowship ₹25,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG with min CGPA 6.5





Category B | Monthly Fellowship ₹35,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG from NIRF Top 100

Category C | Monthly Fellowship ₹50,000 | Eligibility Guide: UG or PG from NIRF Top 25 institutions/ Industry R&D;

Compensation includes subsidized living expenses and institutional fees.

Your 3-year research journey :

Year 1 — Foundation & proposal

- Complete 4 coursework subjects aligned to your research area
- Publish 2 Scopus-indexed papers
- Prepare extramural funding proposal / pitch to industry for financial assistance
- Support laboratory operations during evenings

Year 2 — Depth & delivery

- Clear Oral Comprehensive assessment
- Co-guide UG/PG capstone projects
- Publish 2 SCI-indexed papers
- Build & facilitate one software tool or experimental setup for the institution

Year 3 — Translation & thesis

- File 1 patent (published & license granted)
- Co-guide UG/PG capstones
- Publish 1 SCI + 1 Scopus paper
- Submit synopsis & thesis to the University

Research ethos & objectives

- Promote a sustainable research environment in thrust areas
- Inculcate interdisciplinarity across KI institutions
- Deliver solutions to scientific and technological issues for societal development

FAQs (quick answers)

1. Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds?
2. No. Eligible candidates include Engineering/Technology/Management postgraduates and M.Sc. in Math/Stats/Physics/Chemistry; candidates from government/industry research labs may also apply.
3. Is the fellowship strictly 3 years?
4. Yes, the designed duration is 3 years, governed by continuous reviews; non-attainment of goals can lead to withdrawal.
5. Are there categories for the stipend?
6. Yes—₹25k / ₹35k / ₹45k per month based on academic background and NIRF-ranked institutions, with subsidized living and institutional fees covered.

📌 Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (Coimbatore)
🏢 KUMARAGURU COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
📍 Coimbatore