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
Creative & 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 The fellowship may be withdrawn if research goals are not met.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)
Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds?
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.
Is the fellowship strictly 3 years?
Yes, the designed duration is 3 years , governed by continuous reviews ; non-attainment of goals can lead to withdrawal.
Are there categories for the stipend?
Yes— ₹25k / ₹35k / ₹45k per month based on academic background and NIRF-ranked institutions, with subsidized living and institutional fees covered.

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