FITM Research Fellowship 2026-27 Offers ₹75,000 Monthly Stipend

FITM invites applications for its 2026-27 doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships in Indian traditional medicine policy research, offering monthly fellowships of ₹70,000 and ₹75,000, respectively.

The Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM), set up at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), has invited applications for the Research Fellowship Programme 2026-27. The fellowship provides opportunities to pursue doctoral and postdoctoral research on the policy dimensions of Indian traditional medicine. The deadline for applying is October 11, 2026, by 11:59 PM IST.

The fellowship scheme provides 10 doctoral scholarships, evenly split between AYUSH and non-AYUSH disciplines. The selected doctoral fellows are awarded a monthly fellowship allowance of ₹70,000. There are a further 10 post-doctoral fellowships, with five posts each in the AYUSH and non-AYUSH disciplines. The selected post-doctoral fellows are awarded a monthly stipend of ₹75,000.

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This scheme facilitates policy-oriented research related to various aspects of Indian traditional medicine, including economic, social, legal, regulatory, governance, technology, and international aspects. The research proposed under this scheme must make a contribution to the evidence base needed for policy formulation in the field of AYUSH. Research related to clinical, pharmacological, and pharmacognosy fields is not eligible for the fellowship.

In respect to the doctoral fellowship, candidates need to be Indian nationals, have a post-graduate qualification, and be enrolled in a recognised doctoral program by UGC, NCISM, or NCH. Candidates must not be more than 40 years old at the time of applying. In the case of the post-doctoral fellowship, candidates should have their Ph.D. degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application date and should be enrolled in a recognised post-doctoral program. The maximum age requirement is 45 years in this case.

Both types of applicants require a guide/supervisor at the host institution, and the candidate should not be a recipient of any other fellowship or scholarship for the research being pursued. An applicant can apply under only one of the categories mentioned above. The doctoral fellowship is awarded for a period of a maximum of three years, whereas the postdoctoral fellowship is available for two years with an extension for one year.

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The application process requires applicants to submit their application forms online after going through the fellowship criteria. The application includes a research proposal of not more than 3,000 words, curriculum vitae, and qualifying degree certificates, among others. The necessary endorsements will be from the guide and head of the institution.

The proposals are evaluated by the selection panel, and only those candidates who are selected get to appear in the interview process. The deadline for filing an application to be considered for the fellowship is October 11, 2026, and all candidates applying must ensure that their area of research fits the fellowship criteria.