The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) 2025 is given for research studies. It is first given for two years under the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme. After two years, experts check the work. If it is good, the fellowship is extended for three more years under the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). If the work is not good, one extra year is given for improvement, but the student remains a JRF. After three years, if the work improves, two more years are given under SRF. The total duration is five years with no further extension. The fellowship amount is Rs. 37,000 per month for JRF and Rs. 42,000 per month for SRF.
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About AICTE Doctoral Fellowship ADF
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) is a special program for students who want to do advanced studies and research. It is given by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to help young researchers in technical education. This fellowship allows students to study in AICTE-approved colleges in many subjects like Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, Planning, and Applied Arts. Other fields include Crafts and Design, Hotel Management, Catering Technology, Computer Application, and Applied Sciences. Students can also work in interdisciplinary areas. This program is a great chance for those who love learning and discovering new things in different subjects.
Also Read:- AICTE Post Doctoral Fellowship 2025
What is AICTE?
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is an important organization that looks after technical education in India. It was started in November 1945 as an advisory body and later became a statutory body in 1987 through an Act of Parliament. AICTE makes rules and plans for the growth of technical education in the country. It approves colleges, checks if they follow proper standards, and ensures good quality education. AICTE also helps in developing new ideas and research by offering different programs and fellowships. Over the years, it has played a big role in improving education in fields like engineering, management, and technology.
Objective of AICTE Doctoral Fellowship ADF
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) Scheme has important goals to improve research:
- It aims to support and expand research in AICTE-approved colleges and universities.
- The primary objective is to build a strong research culture for better education and progress.
- The target is to fund and encourage teamwork between colleges and industries, leading to new start-ups.
- It focuses on boosting high-quality research to create a better research environment in AICTE-approved institutions.
Short Summary of AICTE Doctoral Fellowship ADF 2025
| Name of the Scholarship | AICTE Doctoral Fellowship ADF 2025 |
| Launched By | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Objective | To support research in technical education |
| Duration | Maximum 5 years (60 months) |
| Fields of Study | Engineering, Management, Design, etc. |
| Fellowship Amount | Rs. 37,000 (JRF), Rs. 42,000 (SRF) |
| Contingency Grant | Rs. 15,000 per year |
| HRA | As per Central Government rules |
| Eligibility | Ph.D. students in AICTE-approved colleges |
| Required Exam | GATE, NET, CAT, CEED, etc. |
| Evaluation | Research progress is reviewed periodically |
| Age Limit | Below 30 years (relaxation for some) |
| Selection Process | Based on exams and research proposal |
| Application Mode | Online through AICTE website |
| Official Website | https://aicte-india.org/ |
Eligibility Criteria
These are the rules for ADF fellowship eligibility:
- You must be admitted to a Ph.D. program in subjects like Engineering and Technology, Management, Design, Planning, Applied Arts, Crafts and Design, or Computer Application.
- For Hotel Management or Catering Technology, you need to finish an approved UG program and a related Master’s degree.
- You should have completed your UG or PG degree (or a five-year integrated/dual degree) in one of these subjects as per your college rules.
- Applied Science PG students can also apply if they join a Ph.D. in an AICTE-approved institution.
- You must have passed a test in the last five years: for Engineering – GATE or SRF; for Management – GMAT, CAT, or CMAT; for Design – CEED or NET; for Planning – NET or GATE; for Applied Arts – Crafts and Design, NET or CEED; for Applied Science – GATE, JRF, or SRF; and for Hotel Management and Catering Technology – there is no national exam. Your research proposal will be checked by the AICTE Evaluation Committee.
- You must be under 30 years old when applying (direct registration or at admission), with extra age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/Women/Physically challenged and 3 years for OBC (only a maximum of 5 years if you fall in more than one category).
- You should not have taken the AICTE Doctoral Fellowship or NET JRF before, and you must sign a promise note verified by your institution head.
Financial Assistance under the Fellowship
Here is the financial help given under the ADF fellowship:
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Rs. 37,000 per month
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): Rs. 42,000 per month
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 15,000 per year
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Given as per Central Government rules
Focus Areas for Research and Relevant Qualification Exams
Here are the research areas and required exams for ADF fellowship:
- Engineering and Technology – GATE or SRF
- Management – GMAT, CAT, or CMAT
- Design – CEED or NET
- Planning – NET or GATE
- Applied Arts, Crafts, and Design – NET or CEED
- Applied Science – GATE, JRF, or SRF
- Hotel Management and Catering Technology – No national exam; AICTE’s Evaluation Committee will check the research proposal.
Duration of the Fellowship
- The fellowship lasts for a maximum of 5 years (60 months) with periodic reviews for continuation or upgradation.
Salient Features
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) Scheme has important features for research students:
- Support for Research – It helps students do advanced studies in AICTE-approved colleges.
- Wide Range of Subjects – Students can research in fields like Engineering, Management, Design, Planning, and more.
- Financial Assistance – Fellows get a monthly stipend, contingency grant, and house rent allowance.
- Performance Reviews – The fellowship continues only if research progress is good.
- Fixed Duration – The fellowship is for a maximum of 5 years with no extra extension.
Required Documents
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) Scheme needs some important documents for application:
- Educational Certificates
- Qualifying Exam Scorecard (GATE, NET, CAT, etc.)
- Research Proposal
- Age Proof Document
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Institution (if required)
- Undertaking for Not Availing Previous ADF/NET JRF Benefits
- The university admission form, where the applicant is currently admitted
- Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
Application Process for AICTE Doctoral Fellowship ADF 2025
The AICTE Doctoral Fellowship (ADF) 2025 application process is simple and can be done online:
Step 1: Visit Website – Visit the official website of All India Council for Technical Education.
Step 2: Open Schemes – Scroll down and click on Student Development Schemes under the “SCHEMES” section.
Step 3: Register – Click on “Link for registration for Students” under the “AICTE DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP (ADF)” section.
Step 4: Create Account – If you are new, sign up on the portal.
Step 5: Login – Use your details to log in and open the application form.
Step 6: Fill Form – Enter your details and upload the needed documents.
Step 7: Submit – Click the “Submit” button to complete your application.
Helpline Number
Telephone:
(011)29581333, 29581338, 29581342
Email ID:
yashasvi[at]aicte-india[dot]org
FAQs
Who can apply for the ADF fellowship?
Ph.D. students in AICTE-approved colleges in fields like Engineering, Management, Design, and more.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts for a maximum of 5 years.
How much financial support is given?
JRF gets Rs. 37,000 per month, and SRF gets Rs. 42,000 per month, along with a Rs. 15,000 yearly contingency grant.
Is there any age limit to apply?
Yes, the candidate must be below 30 years, with relaxations for some categories.
What exams are required for eligibility?
Exams like GATE, NET, CAT, CEED, and others, depending on the field.
How can I apply for the fellowship?
Apply online through the AICTE website by filling out the application form and uploading required documents.