The Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) has opened applications for its 2026 Fellowship Programme. The online submission deadline is January 15 . Hard copy applications must be submitted by January 21 at 11:59 pm. Interested scholars can apply online through the official portal, icpr.rdisl.com.
The ICPR Fellowship Programme supports full-time research projects. It offers opportunities for scholars, particularly young researchers, to conduct focused study. This initiative aims to advance philosophical inquiry in India.
Research Focus Areas
These fellowships support research across a wide range of philosophical domains. Key areas include:
- Truth and knowledge
- Ethics and aesthetics
- Culture and national reconstruction
- Science and technology
- Social and political philosophy
- Law and environment
- Logic and language
- Metaphysics
- Education and the philosophy of social sciences
The program encourages broad exploration within these fields of philosophical inquiry.
Fellowship Categories and Benefits
ICPR offers four distinct fellowship categories. These support scholars at various academic and career stages. Each fellowship provides a monthly stipend and an annual contingency grant to aid research activities.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
The Junior Research Fellowship is for full-time registered PhD scholars. Fellows receive Rs 17,600 per month . An additional Rs 16,500 per annum is provided as a contingency grant. The maximum age for JRF applicants is 40 years. A five-year age relaxation applies to candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
General / Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF)
The Post-Doctoral Fellowship targets researchers who have completed their PhD. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record in philosophy. Fellows receive Rs 30,800 per month . A contingency grant of Rs 22,000 per annum is also provided. Pay-protection benefits are applicable where specified. The maximum age for PDF applicants is 50 years. Age relaxation rules apply for reserved categories.
Senior Fellowship (SF)
The Senior Fellowship is for established scholars. Applicants must possess significant publications and contributions to the field of philosophy. Fellows receive Rs 44,000 per month . An annual contingency grant of Rs 44,000 is also awarded. This fellowship normally has a tenure of two years, allowing for in-depth research projects.
National Fellowship (NF)
The National Fellowship is a prestigious award. It is typically granted through nomination to eminent scholars in philosophy. Recipients receive a monthly stipend of Rs 60,500 . An annual contingency grant of Rs 66,000 supports their research. The National Fellowship also typically lasts for a two-year period.
Application Process and Fees
All applications must be submitted online via icpr.rdisl.com. Following online submission, hard copies must be sent by the specified deadline. The application fee varies by category. General and Other Backward Class (OBC) candidates must pay Rs 500 . Candidates from SC, ST, and PwD categories pay a reduced fee of Rs 200 .
Prospective applicants should review the detailed guidelines on the ICPR portal. Ensure all required documents are prepared for both online and hard copy submissions. Meeting both deadlines is crucial for consideration.