The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has extended the application deadline for the Netaji Subhas – ICAR International Fellowship (NSICARIF) scheme for the academic year 2025-26. Aspiring candidates can now submit their applications until 31 August 2025. The fellowship aims to develop competent human resource in cutting-edge agricultural technologies, providing opportunities for Indian students to pursue a Ph.D. in top global laboratories, and overseas candidates to study in India’s best agricultural universities.

🎯 Objective & Purpose

The fellowship has a dual purpose: (i) human resource development in advanced agricultural technologies for Indian candidates, and (ii) showcasing the strength of Indian agricultural education to overseas candidates. The goal is to create a pool of scientist‑envoys for enhanced international cooperation.

📌 Key Features at a Glance

• Fellowship Name: Netaji Subhas – ICAR International Fellowship (NSICARIF)
• Duration: 3 years (non‑extendable)
• Number of Fellowships: 30 per year (split between Indian & overseas candidates)
• Degree: Ph.D. in agriculture and allied sciences
• For Indian candidates: Study abroad in identified overseas universities/institutions
• For overseas candidates: Study in Indian Agricultural Universities (ICAR-AU system)
• Application Deadline: 31 August 2025 (extended)

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

• Qualification: Master’s degree in agriculture/allied sciences with OGPA of 6.60/10.0 or 65% marks or equivalent.
• Age: Fresh candidates – max 35 years; In-service candidates – max 40 years (as on last date of application).
• For fresh candidates: Qualifying degree should have been completed not more than two years before the specified date in the year of admission.
• In-service Indian candidates: Must be employed in the ICAR‑AU system and obtain deputation approval.
• Priority areas & institutions: Identified and announced by ICAR one year in advance.

📝 How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted online via email to adg.hrd.applications@gmail.com.
• The subject line of the email should mention: “Application for NSIF: [Your Name] and contact number”.
• Candidates must also obtain acceptance for Ph.D. admission from the host university at their own level.
• Two references (including current supervisor/employer) to be provided.
• In-service candidates must furnish deputation approval from their Director/Vice‑Chancellor.
• Selected candidates must register within one year of award letter; otherwise offer lapses automatically.

📝 Terms & Conditions

• Bank Guarantee (Indian fellows): Irrevocable bank guarantee of US$ 10,000 (or equivalent INR) in favour of Secretary, ICAR, valid for entire duration.
• Foreign fellows: ₹2,00,000 recovered from fellowship grant as alternate guarantee, paid back on successful completion.
• Service Bond (In-service Indian candidates): Must execute a bond to serve the deputing institution for at least three years after degree completion.
• Continuance: Six‑monthly progress reports required. Unsatisfactory performance leads to termination.
• No change in place of work or broad research area without prior approval.
• Fellowship not for short‑term training or research of brief duration.
• IPR: Council will have appropriate share on patents/knowledge generated. Acknowledge ICAR support in publications.
• After completion, submit dissertation/thesis and a brief report to ICAR within 15 days.
• Non‑return of Indian fellows: If offered a suitable position in ICAR‑AU system, fellow must serve. Non‑compliance leads to recovery of entire amount + 10% overhead, and Indian Embassy may be informed.

🌏 Special Provisions for Research in India

Indian fellows who need to conduct experiments and collect data at Indian SAUs/Institutes may be allowed a maximum stay of one‑and‑a‑half years in India as per research plan. During such stay, they will receive ₹40,000/month plus ₹25,000 annual contingency (same as overseas fellows). However, interim visits to India on their own resources are not financially supported by ICAR.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Official Resources & Links