TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026: Applications Open, Eligibility and How to Apply
Applications are now open for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026. This program gives researchers from developing countries a chance to pursue PhD research in India. It partners the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India with UNESCO-TWAS to support foreign scholars in emerging areas of science and technology at CSIR labs.
This article covers the program overview, eligibility criteria, types of fellowships, how to apply, key dates, and extra tips to help you succeed.
What is the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026?
The TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026 supports foreign scholars from developing countries, excluding India. It funds PhD research in new fields of science and technology. These fellowships take place at CSIR laboratories and institutes where the right facilities exist. Scholars can choose sandwich fellowships, which let them split time between home and India, or full-time options.
Here are the key features:
- Targets emerging science and technology areas.
- Open to nationals of developing countries other than India.
- Hosted at CSIR labs and institutes.
- Offers sandwich or full-time PhD research support.
- Starts no earlier than 2027 for selected candidates.
Eligibility Criteria for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026
To qualify for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026, applicants must meet these rules:
- Be 35 years old or younger on 31 December of the application year.
- Hold citizenship from a developing country, but not India.
- Hold no visa for temporary or permanent stay in India or any developed country.
- Have a Master’s degree in science or technology.
- Work regularly in the home country with a research role there.
- For sandwich fellowships: Be enrolled in a PhD program at a home university and submit a Registration and No Objection Certificate.
- For full-time fellowships: Agree to enroll at an Indian university in the first year if CSIR approves.
- Gain acceptance from a CSIR lab or institute, with an official letter.
- Show English skills if the home education was not in English.
- Prove plans to return home after the fellowship ends.
- Avoid other work during the fellowship.
- Pay for any family members who come along.
Types of Fellowships: Sandwich vs Full-Time
The TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026 offers two paths. Sandwich fellowships suit those already in a PhD program at home. Full-time fellowships fit those ready to move fully to India.
| Aspect | Sandwich | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
| PhD Registration | Already registered at home university | Register at Indian university in first year if CSIR agrees |
| Required Documents | Registration and No Objection Certificate from home university | Willingness to register in India |
| Best For | Students splitting time between home and India | Those dedicating full time to research in India |
How to Submit Your Application
Follow these steps to apply for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026:
- Contact a CSIR lab or institute directly for acceptance. Get an official letter from them. Submit it with your application or by the deadline.
- If applying for sandwich, have your home university’s Vice-Chancellor or Registrar sign the Registration and No Objection Certificate. Send copies to both CSIR and TWAS.
- Use the TWAS online portal only to submit. A tutorial helps with the form.
- Agree not to take other assignments during the fellowship.
The deadline is 06 May 2026. You can apply for only one TWAS or OWSD program per year.
Key Dates and Timeline
Stay on track with these dates for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 06 May 2026 |
| Results Announced | End of 2026 or early 2027 |
| Fellowship Start | No earlier than 2027 |
Additional Requirements and Tips
Meet these extra needs for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026. Show proof of English if your education was not in that language. Handle costs for any family members. Focus only on the fellowship work.
Here are tips to strengthen your application:
- Reach out to CSIR hosts early for that key acceptance letter.
- Prepare all documents like certificates ahead of time.
- Check the TWAS-CSIR program webpage for forms and samples.
- Double-check you meet the one-program-per-year rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship 2026?
Nationals from developing countries under 35 years old with a Master’s degree in science or technology, who hold a research position at home and get acceptance from a CSIR lab.
What is the difference between sandwich and full-time fellowships?
Sandwich fellowships are for those already registered in a PhD at home and splitting time; full-time ones require registering at an Indian university while staying fully in India.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 6, 2026, and fellowships start no earlier than 2027.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Contact a CSIR lab for an acceptance letter, prepare required documents like No Objection Certificates for sandwich options, and submit everything via the TWAS online portal.