Deadline: 30 November 2026. The IndiaAI Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and IT and implemented by the Digital India Corporation, has opened applications for the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026 — financial support of up to ₹2 lakh for students pursuing AI research.
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to UG, integrated dual-degree, PG and PhD students engaged in AI research. UG and integrated dual-degree students can receive up to ₹1 lakh; PG students up to ₹2 lakh. PhD scholars get a monthly stipend of ₹70,000 (years 1–2), ₹75,000 (year 3) and ₹80,000 (years 4–5), plus research grants — and an additional ₹1 lakh in conference support for presenting at international venues.
How to apply
Applications opened on 21 October 2026 and close on 30 November 2026. Apply through the official portal at fellowship.indiaai.gov.in. Keep your research proposal, academic records and a recommendation from your faculty adviser ready.
Why it matters for founders
AI talent is the scarcest input in the ecosystem. If you are building in AI, point your interns and junior hires at this fellowship — funded researchers who later join your startup carry their grant experience with them.