The Central Government’s Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Physical Research Laboratory, known as PRL, is a major opportunity for young researchers. The fellowship is run by PRL under the Department of Space, and researchers get a chance to work in various areas of physics and space science. The fellowship amount ranges from ₹58,000 to ₹67,000 a month, depending on the researcher’s experience. This fellowship is different from the Vikram Sarabhai Fellowship — that is a premium fellowship of ₹1,00,000 a month in which only 3 researchers are selected, while this is PRL’s regular postdoctoral fellowship.
How much money is given
The fellowship amount is decided as per the researcher’s qualification and experience. Researchers who have submitted their thesis but have not yet received the degree get ₹58,000 a month. Researchers who have been awarded a PhD degree get ₹61,000 a month.
- Thesis submitted, degree awaited: ₹58,000 per month
- PhD degree awarded: ₹61,000 per month
- 2 years or more experience after PhD: ₹67,000 per month
- House rent allowance: as per the rules of PRL
- Application cycles: 4 rounds a year
The fellowship amount is sent directly to the researcher’s bank account. To fix the amount on the basis of experience, the researcher has to give a certificate of experience.
Who can apply
The eligibility conditions are as follows.
- PhD in science or engineering, or a submitted thesis
- First class (60 percent marks) at the bachelor’s and master’s levels
- Age not more than 35 years
- Research area linked to the science areas of PRL
- Fellowship of ₹58,000, ₹61,000 or ₹67,000 based on experience
- Indian nationals
The applicant has to state in the research proposal the area in which the research will be carried out at PRL. The science areas of PRL include astronomy, atmospheric science, geology, solar physics and planetary science.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the PRL website. The applicant has to register on the portal, fill the application and upload the required documents. The current application cycle opened on 1 September 2026 and will close on 30 November 2026, including recommendation letters. There are 4 application cycles a year at PRL, so if one cycle is missed, the next cycle can be awaited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the PRL Post-Doctoral Fellowship? A: Those who submitted their thesis get ₹58,000, PhD holders get ₹61,000 and those with 2 years or more experience get ₹67,000 a month. Q2: What is the last date to apply? A: The current application cycle will close on 30 November 2026. There are 4 application cycles a year at PRL. Q3: How is this fellowship different from the Vikram Sarabhai Fellowship? A: The Vikram Sarabhai Fellowship is a premium fellowship of ₹1,00,000 a month in which only 3 researchers are selected, while this is PRL’s regular postdoctoral fellowship. Q4: Who is eligible for this fellowship? A: Applicants with a PhD or a submitted thesis in science or engineering, with 60 percent marks at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, and age not more than 35 years.
Useful links
- Scheme details on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pdf
- PRL website: https://www.prl.res.in
- Also see — PRL Junior Research Fellowship: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-prl-junior-research-fellowship-haryana/
- Complete list of all 726 Central Government schemes: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
