Expertie

Scholarship

KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme(KSCSTEP-DFP)

Cash
Eligibility
Applicant should be a Permanent Resident of Kerala.
Region
Kerala
Award
Cash
By Expertie Editorial Team · Expertie editorial desk

Overview

About KSCSTEP-DFP

The KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme is run by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), an autonomous body constituted in November 2002 under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Kerala. It offers post-doctoral fellowships to researchers who hold a Ph.D. in science or engineering and have a record of published work.

The purpose is to keep early-career doctorate holders in active research and help them build a career as a scientist. Support is given as cash: a consolidated monthly fellowship paid to the fellow, together with an annual contingency grant toward research costs such as consumables, minor equipment and travel. The award is taken up at a recognised research institution in India other than the one where the fellow completed the Ph.D., for a fixed term.

It is aimed at researchers in Kerala who have completed a doctorate in science or engineering and have at least one paper in an SCI-indexed journal, or a patent to their name. Applications are made online through the KSCSTE portal, and fellows are chosen on merit by a selection committee that weighs the research proposal, academic record, publications and an interview. Precise eligibility conditions, stipend figures and cycle dates are published on the KSCSTE site.

Sources: KSCSTE - Research Fellowships (official) · KSCSTE - Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (official) · myScheme - KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme

Who runs it

Provider

Kerala State Council For Science, Technology And Environment

State / UT Government

Science and Technology Department · Kerala State Council For Science, Technology And Environment

At a glance

Key details

LevelState
Scheme type
CategoryEducation & Learning
BeneficiariesIndividual
Benefit typeCash
Application modeOnline

Calendar

Important dates

Across all open application cycles.

Important dates by cycle
CycleStageDate

Who can apply

Eligibility criteria

Applicant should be a Permanent Resident of Kerala.
Applicant should have scored a minimum of 60% marks for post-graduation.
Applicant should have qualified Ph.D. in Science/Engineering subjects.
Applicant should not be a permanent employee at the time of application for the scheme.
Age limit: 40 years - (relaxed for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidate).
Those who have availed Post-Doctoral Fellowship earlier from KSCSTE or elsewhere are not eligible to apply for KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
Applicant should have published at least one research paper in a SCI Journal/secured patent.
Those who have already availed of one Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or elsewhere are not eligible to apply.
Applicant should have chosen an institution as a research Centre subject to the followingThe Research Centre should not be the same as Ph.D Research Centre.
Applicant should have chosen an institution as a research Centre subject to the followingResearch Centre should preferably be in Kerala, [however, premier National Institutions viz., IISER, IIT, IISc etc. outside the State shall also be considered].
Applicant should have chosen an institution as a research Centre subject to the followingTenable in Government Institutions only.
Applicant should have chosen an institution as a research Centre subject to the followingTenable only in R&D institutions (National/State level) or University Departments.

What you get

Award & benefits

  • The scheme offers a Post-Doctoral Fellowship of ₹45,000/- + 10 % HRA per month along with an annual contingency grant of ₹75,000/-.
  • The duration of the Fellowship is limited to a maximum of 2 years.

What to prepare

Documents required

1. Identity proof of applicant
2. Photo of applicant
3. Proof of Date of Birth (Those who claim age relaxation should submit proof on reservation category)
4. Proof of Permanent Residency in Kerala
5. Marks Sheet and Certificate of PG
6. Certificate of Ph.D
7. Work & Research Experience certificate
8. Reprints of latest Research Publications (Full-length paper)
9. Biodata of Scientist Mentor - (Not to exceed 2 pages)
10. Research Proposal- Technical Information
11. List of Publications
12. Declaration by the Applicant
13. Consent from Scientist Mentor
14. Endorsement from the Head of Host Institution

Step by step

How to apply

  1. 1
    Apply online

    See the official links below for the application portal.

Questions

KSCSTEP-DFP – FAQ

Disclaimer

Scheme details are compiled from myScheme, the Government of India’s official scheme-discovery platform, and are reproduced without alteration. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility change between cycles — always confirm on the official links above before applying. Expertie does not process applications or charge fees.

Written by

Expertie Editorial Team

Expertie editorial desk

Published 8 Jul 2026 Last updated 8 Jul 2026verified data

Sources & References

  1. 1.myScheme (MeitY, Government of India) official-site· accessed 2026-07-08