Job Description Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (KDF)
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n Build impactful research. Grow as a scholar. Shape industry and society.
n 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.
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n RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS:
n n Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
n Engineering for Health & Wellness
n Climate & Energy
n Environment & Biodiversity
n Defense Technology & Systems
n Innovative & Sustainable Textiles
n Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
n Business Innovation & Growth
n Cybersecurity, FinTech, XR & Blockchain
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n Why KDF?
n n Interdisciplinary, impact-first research across departments/Industry and KI institutions, with a focus on sustainable development outcomes.
n Structured 3-year journey with milestones, continuous reviews, and strong faculty mentorship.
n Residential ecosystem designed for research focus, collaboration, and professional growth.
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n Who can apply?
n Mandatory eligibility:
n Freshers or candidates with up to 3 years’ experience who hold:
n n Master’s degree in engineering/technology / management , or
n M.Sc. in Mathematics / Statistics / Physics / Chemistry , or a master’s in management domains .
n Applicants working in Government/industry research labs are also eligible.
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n Desirable :
n Preference for GATE-qualified candidates.
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n Fellowship duration :
n 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 The fellowship may be withdrawn if research goals are not met.
n Stipend & categories :
n Category A | Monthly Fellowship ₹25,000 | Eligibility Guide :



UG & PG with min CGPA 6.5
n Category B | Monthly Fellowship ₹35,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG from NIRF Top 100
n Category C | Monthly Fellowship ₹50,000 | Eligibility Guide: UG or PG from NIRF Top 25 institutions/ Industry R&D;
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n Compensation includes subsidized living expenses and institutional fees.
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n Your 3-year research journey :
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n Year 1 — Foundation & proposal
n n Complete 4 coursework subjects aligned to your research area
n Publish 2 Scopus-indexed papers
n Prepare extramural funding proposal / pitch to industry for financial assistance
n Support laboratory operations during evenings
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n Year 2 — Depth & delivery
n n Clear Oral Comprehensive assessment
n Co-guide UG/PG capstone projects
n Publish 2 SCI-indexed papers
n Build & facilitate one software tool or experimental setup for the institution
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n Year 3 — Translation & thesis
n n File 1 patent (published & license granted)
n Co-guide UG/PG capstones
n Publish 1 SCI + 1 Scopus paper
n Submit synopsis & thesis to the University
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n Research ethos & objectives
n n Promote a sustainable research setting in thrust areas
n Inculcate interdisciplinarity across KI institutions
n Deliver solutions to scientific and technological issues for societal development
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n FAQs (quick answers)
n n Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds?
n 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.
n Is the fellowship strictly 3 years?
n Yes, the designed duration is 3 years , governed by continuous reviews ; non-attainment of goals can lead to withdrawal.
n Are there categories for the stipend?
n Yes— ₹25k / ₹35k / ₹45k per month based on academic background and NIRF-ranked institutions, with subsidized living and institutional fees covered.
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📌 Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (Coimbatore)
🏢 KUMARAGURU COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
📍 Coimbatore