Applications are open for the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026–27, a government-backed programme offering financial support to eligible students working on artificial intelligence projects and research. The latest published announcement lists 30 November 2026 as the application deadline. Students should confirm the deadline and their category-specific requirements on the official portal before submitting.
The fellowship is part of the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is intended to help students build AI research experience and develop projects across disciplines, not only computer science.
How much funding can students receive?
- Undergraduate students: up to ₹1 lakh, subject to eligibility and programme conditions.
- Integrated Dual Degree students: up to ₹1 lakh for eligible applicants.
- Postgraduate students: up to ₹2 lakh, with the amount depending on the stage of the programme.
- Eligible PhD scholars: monthly support reported at ₹70,000 for the first two years, ₹75,000 in the third year and ₹80,000 in the fourth and fifth years, plus a research grant of up to ₹2 lakh a year under the published rules.
Students whose AI research papers are accepted at qualifying international conferences may also be eligible for one-time travel and accommodation support of up to ₹1 lakh. All benefits remain subject to the official fellowship rules and selection requirements.
Who can apply for the IndiaAI Fellowship?
The official portal lists eligibility routes for final-year undergraduate and Integrated Dual Degree students, postgraduate students in the first three semesters, and newly enrolled full-time PhD scholars working in AI or related areas. Applicants must be Indian nationals and meet the academic, enrolment and research conditions for their category.
For undergraduate applicants, the published criteria include completing at least three full-time AI courses and achieving at least 80% or an equivalent CGPA in the last completed semester. Postgraduate applicants generally need at least 80% or an equivalent grade in their undergraduate degree; applicants applying in later postgraduate semesters must also meet the prescribed postgraduate performance requirement. PhD eligibility has separate admission and academic criteria.
Because eligibility differs by course and stage, applicants should not rely on a short summary alone. Read the current rules carefully before preparing documents.
What documents should applicants prepare?
The official portal lists academic marksheets, endorsement letters from the project guide and the institution head or authorised office, a passport-size photograph, and bank-account proof in the student’s name. PhD applicants may need consolidated undergraduate and postgraduate marksheets. Requirements vary by applicant category, so use the official checklist rather than assuming every document applies to every student.
How to apply
- Open the official IndiaAI Fellowship portal.
- Select the appropriate applicant category and review its eligibility criteria, funding rules and document checklist.
- Prepare the required academic records and signed institutional endorsements.
- Submit the application through the portal and retain a copy of the submission details.
Deadline: 30 November 2026, according to the latest published announcement. Verify the date on the official portal before applying in case the programme issues an update.
Where can applicants verify the details?
The IndiaAI Fellowship website is the primary source for eligibility, application instructions and programme conditions.
GAWAH News Desk
