Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (KDF)Build impactful research. Grow as a scholar. Shape industry and society.KDFis afull-time, residential/non-residentialdoctoral 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 & RoboticsEngineering for Health & WellnessClimate & EnergyEnvironment & BiodiversityDefense Technology & SystemsInnovative & Sustainable TextilesAdvanced Materials & ManufacturingBusiness Innovation & GrowthCybersecurity, FinTech, XR & BlockchainWhy KDF?Interdisciplinary, impact-first researchacross departments/Industry and KI institutions, with a focus on sustainable development outcomes.Structured 3-year journeywith milestones, continuous reviews, and solid faculty mentorship.Residential ecosystemdesigned for research focus, collaboration, and professional growth.Who can apply?Mandatory eligibility:Freshers or candidates with up to3 years’ experiencewho hold:Master’s degreeinengineering/technology / management ,orM.Sc.inMathematics / Statistics / Physics / Chemistry ,oramaster’s in management domains .Applicants working inGovernment/industry research labsare also eligible.Desirable :Preference forGATE-qualifiedcandidates.Fellowship duration :The fellowship is awarded for3 years, with progress determined throughcontinuous reviews and assessments.



The fellowship may bewithdrawnif research goals are not met.Stipend & categories :Category A | Monthly Fellowship ₹25,000 | Eligibility Guide :UG & PG withmin CGPA 6.5Category B | Monthly Fellowship ₹35,000 | Eligibility Guide :UG & PG fromNIRF Top 100Category C | Monthly Fellowship ₹50,000 | Eligibility Guide:UGorPG fromNIRF Top 25institutions/ Industry R&DCompensation; includes subsidized living expenses and institutional fees.Your 3-year research journey :Year 1 — Foundation & proposalComplete4 coursework subjectsaligned to your research areaPublish2 Scopus-indexedpapersPrepareextramural fundingproposal / pitch to industry forfinancial assistanceSupport laboratory operations during eveningsYear 2 — Depth & deliveryClearOral ComprehensiveassessmentCo-guideUG/PG capstoneprojectsPublish2 SCI-indexedpapersBuild & facilitateone software tool or experimental setupfor the institutionYear 3 — Translation & thesisFile1 patent(published & license granted)Co-guideUG/PG capstonesPublish1 SCI+1 ScopuspaperSubmitsynopsis & thesisto the UniversityResearch ethos & objectivesPromote asustainable research environmentin thrust areasInculcate interdisciplinarityacross KI institutionsDeliversolutionsto scientific and technological issues forsocietal developmentFAQs (quick answers)Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds?No. Eligible candidates includeEngineering/Technology/Managementpostgraduates andM.Sc.inMath/Stats/Physics/Chemistry ; candidates fromgovernment/industry research labsmay also apply.Is the fellowship strictly 3 years?Yes, the designed duration is3 years, governed bycontinuous reviews ; non-attainment of goalscan lead to withdrawal.Are there categories for the stipend?Yes— ₹25k / ₹35k / ₹45kper month based on academic background and NIRF-ranked institutions, withsubsidized livingandinstitutional feescovered.

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