Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship

Kumaraguru College of Technology · Coimbatore, India

Kumaraguru Doctoral Fellowship (KDF)

Build impactful research. Grow as a scholar. Shape industry and society.

KDF is a full-time, residential/non-residential doctoral fellowship for aspirational researchers who want to advance engineering, technology, and management through high-quality, interdisciplinary work. Fellows deepen research capability while contributing solutions to real scientific and technological challenges that matter to industry and society.

RESEARCH PRIORITY AREAS:

• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
• Engineering for Health & Wellness
• Climate & Energy
• Environment & Biodiversity
• Defense Technology & Systems
• Innovative & Sustainable Textiles
• Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
• Business Innovation & Growth
• Cybersecurity, FinTech, XR & Blockchain

Why KDF?

• Interdisciplinary, impact-first research across departments/Industry and KI institutions, with a focus on sustainable development outcomes.
• Structured 3-year journey with milestones, continuous reviews, and strong faculty mentorship.
• Residential ecosystem designed for research focus, collaboration, and professional growth.

Who can apply?

Mandatory eligibility:

Freshers or candidates with up to 3 years’ experience who hold:

• Master’s degree in engineering/technology / management , or
• M.Sc. in Mathematics / Statistics / Physics / Chemistry , or a master’s in management domains .
• Applicants working in Government/industry research labs are also eligible.

Desirable :

Preference for GATE-qualified candidates.

Fellowship duration :

The fellowship is awarded for 3 years , with progress determined through continuous reviews and assessments . The fellowship may be withdrawn if research goals are not met.

Stipend & categories :

Category A | Monthly Fellowship ₹25,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG with min CGPA 6.5

Category B | Monthly Fellowship ₹35,000 | Eligibility Guide : UG & PG from NIRF Top 100

Category C | Monthly Fellowship ₹50,000 | Eligibility Guide: UG or PG from NIRF Top 25 institutions/ Industry R&D

Compensation includes subsidized living expenses and institutional fees.

Your 3-year research journey :

Year 1 — Foundation & proposal

• Complete 4 coursework subjects aligned to your research area
• Publish 2 Scopus-indexed papers
• Prepare extramural funding proposal / pitch to industry for financial assistance
• Support laboratory operations during evenings

Year 2 — Depth & delivery

• Clear Oral Comprehensive assessment
• Co-guide UG/PG capstone projects
• Publish 2 SCI-indexed papers
• Build & facilitate one software tool or experimental setup for the institution

Year 3 — Translation & thesis

• File 1 patent (published & license granted)
• Co-guide UG/PG capstones
• Publish 1 SCI + 1 Scopus paper
• Submit synopsis & thesis to the University

Research ethos & objectives

• Promote a sustainable research environment in thrust areas
• Inculcate interdisciplinarity across KI institutions
• Deliver solutions to scientific and technological issues for societal development

FAQs (quick answers)

1. Is KDF only for engineering backgrounds?
2. No. Eligible candidates include Engineering/Technology/Management postgraduates and M.Sc. in Math/Stats/Physics/Chemistry ; candidates from government/industry research labs may also apply.
3. Is the fellowship strictly 3 years?
4. Yes, the designed duration is 3 years , governed by continuous reviews ; non-attainment of goals can lead to withdrawal.
5. Are there categories for the stipend?
6. Yes—₹25k / ₹35k / ₹45k per month based on academic background and NIRF-ranked institutions, with subsidized living and institutional fees covered.