IGSTCIF-PDIF

IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship

5.9/10

This programme is aimed at encouraging Postdoctoral researchers/fresh PhDs in S&T with appreciable track record and having aptitude for applied research and technology development.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology

Nodal department: Department Of Science & Technology

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Education & Learning, Science, IT & Communications

Sub-categories: Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend, International education

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: IGSTC, Fellowship, Post Doctoral, Germany, Indo-German, Research

Details

The "Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) Industrial Fellowship Programme" aims to support young Indian researchers by providing industrial exposure in German industries and industrial R&D institutions. The programme is jointly implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany. It encourages postdoctoral researchers and fresh PhD holders in Science & Technology towards applied research, innovation, and technology development. The fellowship also promotes Indo-German industry-academia and industry-industry collaboration through research networking and advanced industrial exposure.

Benefits

  • The financial support will be limited to:
  • The fellowship amount is €2500 per month
  • Single round trip economy class airfare including visa fees and travel insurance: up to €1000
  • Health Insurance: As per actuals with a maximum limit of €100/month

The financial support will be limited to:

  • The fellowship amount is €2500 per month.
  • Single round trip economy class airfare including visa fees and travel insurance: up to €1000.
  • Health Insurance: As per actuals with a maximum limit of €100/month.

Eligibility

  1. The applicant should be an Indian citizen.
  2. The maximum age limit of the applicant should be 35 years.
  3. Postdoctoral researchers/fresh PhDs who have been awarded their PhD degree in science/engineering within 3 years of the application deadline by any Indian institution/university are eligible to apply.
  4. Outstanding researchers not holding a permanent position or having a career break are eligible to apply.
  5. Those who have submitted their PhD thesis are also eligible to apply.
  6. The Fellowship is granted to work in any industrial research set up in Germany.

Note 01: The applicant must define a detailed activity plan containing the objective, execution strategy, and expected outcome for the fellowship duration.
Note 02: The Awardee will be hosted by the industry/industrial research organization for the duration of the Fellowship. Choice and acceptance from the industry/industrial research organization is the sole responsibility of the applicant. The applicant should ensure an endorsement/consent letter from the host industry/organization at the time of the application.
Note 03: The applicant having institutional affiliation shall submit NOC from the Head of the institution at the time of application.
Note 04: Applicants shall submit a recommendation letter from the mentor at the parent organization.
Note 05: The applicant not having affiliation with an institution may submit 2 letters of reference.
Note 06: The awardee will abide by the conduct, rules & regulations of the German host organization and the country. IGSTC will not be responsible for the violation of any Rules and regulations by the awardee.
Note 07: IGSTC will disburse the grant to the Indian bank account of the awardee/parent institution in INR.
Note 08: The awardee shall commence his/her visit within 3 months from the date of the result.
Note 09: The awardee/host mentor must inform IGSTC through email/letter if the awardee discontinues the Fellowship before the completion of the tenure.
Note 10: Within 4 weeks of completion of the Fellowship, the awardee must submit a detailed Fellowship completion report endorsed by the host mentor in the prescribed format along with representative photos to IGSTC.
Note 11: The awardee must recognize and acknowledge IGSTC Industrial Fellowship in all online/print documents, communication, reports, publications, PhD thesis, etc. on work resulting from the Fellowship.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

5.9
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 7.0/10 Challenging
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility5.0
  • Financial impact5.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides valuable opportunities for young researchers to gain international industrial experience, enhancing their career prospects.

Key challenges addressed

  • Lack of industrial exposure for postdoctoral researchers
  • Limited opportunities for applied research in India

Most beneficial for

  • Postdoctoral researchers
  • Fresh PhD holders in Science and Technology

Likely challenges

  • Finding a suitable host industry in Germany
  • Navigating application requirements

Practical insights for citizens

The requirement for a host organization in Germany may deter applicants.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to information and resources
  • Difficulty in finding suitable host organizations

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency may exclude non-digital users
  • Limited internet access in rural areas

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complexity of application process
  • Need for endorsements from institutions

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among potential beneficiaries
  • Limited outreach in rural areas

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Moderate, requires multiple endorsements and letters
Verification complexity
High, involves multiple stakeholders
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
None
CSC support
Limited, primarily online application
Estimated citizen effort
High, due to documentation and planning

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Urban-only
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Target income group Middle to upper income
  • Occupation reach Academics and researchers

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
Monthly during fellowship
Benefit practicality
High, but dependent on securing a host
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, as it supports living and travel costs
Long-term impact
Positive for career development and research collaboration

Plain-language guidance

The IGSTC Industrial Fellowship helps young researchers gain experience in Germany. Applicants must be recent PhD holders and find a host organization in Germany.

Who should apply
Postdoctoral researchers and fresh PhD graduates in Science and Technology.
Who may struggle
Applicants from rural areas with limited digital access and those unfamiliar with the application process.
Best application route
Apply online through the IGSTC website.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Application Process:

Step 1: IGSTC will advertise the Fellowship call once in a year through the IGSTC website (www.igstc.org) and other means.
Step 2: The prospective candidates need to apply online in the application portal along with the required attachments within the deadline as mentioned in the Advertisement/Call text.
Note: The application that should be submitted by other mechanisms will not be accepted.

Evaluation:

Applications will be evaluated by a Scientific Committee based on merit and compliance with the eligibility conditions. The decision of the Committee will be considered as final and binding.

Contact:

For queries:
Phone: +91-011-26543500
E-mail: industrial.fellowship@igstc.org
Mailing Address:
Indo-German Science & Technology Centre
Ground Floor, Block – II, Technology Bhavan,
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016, India

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is IGSTC Industrial Fellowship?

IGSTC Industrial Fellowship is for young researchers at the Post-Doc level to gain industrial experience in Germany.

What is the nature of support under this scheme?

Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship: EUR 2500 per month Single round trip economy class airfare including visa fees and travel insurance: up to EUR 1000. Health Insurance: As per actuals with a maximum limit of EUR 100/month

Who are eligible?

Postdoctoral researchers/fresh PhDs who have been awarded their PhD degree in Science/Engineering by any Indian research institutions/universities in India within 3 years on the application deadline.

Is a PhD student who submitted thesis eligible to apply for PDIF?

Yes, subject to completion of the degree formalities in case he/she is selected for Fellowship.

What are the topics/research areas eligible for these Fellowships?

Any fields/areas under STEM with industrial relevance are eligible.

What is the age limit for applying?

The upper age limit is 35 years.

Can applicant with regular position apply for PDIF?

Yes.

Is an applicant pursuing/holding a PhD degree from a foreign university/institute eligible for applying under PDIF?

No.

How to find out host industry / industrial research organization in Germany?

Applicants need to find out the German host industry / industrial research organization by their own. Selection and receiving endorsement from the industry/industrial research organization is the responsibility of the applicant. Although the applicant can also visit ongoing and completed 2+2 project pages to get an idea about the industries associated with IGSTC on similar research interest.

What do you mean by parent organisation and mentor at parent organisation?

The parent organisation is the one where the applicant is currently working. Mentor is the person with whom the applicant is currently working.

Can the Fellowship be extended?

No, the tenure of the individual Fellowship cannot be extended beyond its awarded duration.

How to apply?

Applicants need to submit the application online through the designated portal on IGSTC website www.igstc.org

How many times one can apply for the Fellowship?

An applicant can apply as many times as he/she wants. However, one applicant can avail the Fellowship only once.

What is the eligibility date?

Eligibility criteria will be considered as on the deadline of the Fellowship call.

Can anyone apply for this Fellowship while holding another?

Applicants receiving any national/international level recognized doctoral or post-doctoral Fellowships are eligible to apply provided the other Fellowship doesn't have any restrictions.

Can an applicant apply without an endorsement letter from host or permission letter from parent organization?

No, the eligible application must contain the endorsement letter from the host organisation in Germany and the permission/NOC from the parent organisation in India as attachments.

What is the selection procedure?

Applications will be evaluated by a Scientific Committee.

How much time does the evaluation take?

IGSTC will complete the evaluation process within 8-12 weeks tentatively after the submission deadline.

When can awardee start the Fellowship?

The fellow should initiate his/her visit normally within 3 months of the result intimation.

What if the fellow leaves the position before completing the tenure?

IGSTC will terminate the fellowship upon intimation and the fellow must submit a completion report to close the Fellowship.

What is the follow-up activity of the fellowship?

On completion of the tenure, the fellow should submit a report to IGSTC in the specific format. The fellow must acknowledge IGSTC for any future online/print documents, communication, reports, publication, or anywhere while using the results/outcomes obtained during the fellowship tenure.

References

Guidelines
https://www.igstc.org/home/industrial_fellowships_guidelines/
Application Portal
https://indo-germansciencetechnologycentre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ApplicantDashboard?campaign=Landing_Page_Industrial_Fellowship

Apply

Apply now

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Eligibility for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Benefits under IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship is managed by Department Of Science & Technology and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Applications for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship.
Is IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship a central government scheme?
Yes, IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Can CSC centres help users apply for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with IGSTC Industrial Fellowship- Post Doctoral Industrial Fellowship applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.