Job Description

Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (KDF)

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

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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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RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS:

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

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

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Mandatory eligibility:

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

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

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Preference for GATE-qualified candidates.

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Fellowship duration :

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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.

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Stipend & categories :

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





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

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

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Compensation includes subsidized living expenses and institutional fees.

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Your 3-year research journey :

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Year 1 — Foundation & proposal

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

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- Clear Oral Comprehensive assessment
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- Co-guide UG/PG capstone projects
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- Publish 2 SCI-indexed papers
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- Build & facilitate one software tool or experimental setup for the institution
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Year 3 — Translation & thesis

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

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

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1. Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds?
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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.
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3. Is the fellowship strictly 3 years?
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4. Yes, the designed duration is 3 years , governed by continuous reviews ; non-attainment of goals can lead to withdrawal.
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5. Are there categories for the stipend?
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6. 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