Named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian space research, this fellowship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for young researchers in the country. The Central Government’s Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship, called VISHWAS, is given for research in fundamental science at the Physical Research Laboratory, known as PRL. Selected researchers get a fellowship of ₹1,00,000 a month. The fellowship is run by PRL under the Department of Space, and only 3 researchers are selected every year.
How much money is given
Selected researchers get ₹1,00,000 a month under this fellowship. In addition, house rent allowance and other facilities are given as per the rules of PRL and the Department of Space. The fellowship is for 2 years, and it can be extended by 1 more year after an annual review.
- Fellowship: ₹1,00,000 per month
- House rent allowance: as per the rules of PRL and the Department of Space
- Other facilities: as per the rules of PRL
- Number of positions: 3
- Duration: 2 years, with a possible extension of 1 year after annual review
This fellowship is one of the highest-paying postdoctoral fellowships in the country. The researcher gets full benefit of PRL’s modern laboratories and research facilities.
Who can apply
The eligibility conditions are as follows.
- Indian nationals
- PhD degree awarded within the last 4 years
- Age below 35 years on the last date
- First-class academic record throughout
- Research area linked to the science areas of PRL
- Current postdoctoral fellows at PRL are not eligible
- 3 recommendation letters from referees outside PRL are mandatory
The applicant has to state in the research proposal the area in which the research will be carried out at PRL and what benefit the institute will get from the research.
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. Selection is done on the basis of quarterly evaluation. While applying, the applicant should keep ready the PhD certificate, academic mark sheets, research proposal and 3 recommendation letters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the Vikram Sarabhai Fellowship? A: ₹1,00,000 a month, along with house rent allowance and other facilities as per the rules of PRL. Q2: How many positions are there in this fellowship? A: Only 3 researchers are selected every year. Q3: What is the last date to apply? A: The current application cycle will close on 30 November 2026. Selection is done on the basis of quarterly evaluation. Q4: Who is eligible for this fellowship? A: Indian nationals who have been awarded a PhD within the last 4 years, are below 35 years of age and have a first-class record throughout. Current postdoctoral fellows at PRL are not eligible.
Useful links
- Scheme details on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/prlvishwas
- 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/
