The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 is India’s most prestigious fully-funded PhD scholarship abroad in agriculture — offering Indian candidates US $2,000 per month (approximately Rs.1,67,000/month) to pursue doctoral research at world-class overseas universities. Conducted under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this flagship programme targets MSc Agriculture graduates aged up to 35 years with strong academic records, sending them to identified international institutions in priority agri-science research areas. This complete guide covers the fellowship amount, eligibility, priority subject areas, application process, selection procedure, comparison with other ICAR fellowships, and 10 FAQs — everything you need to apply for the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026.
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 provides 30 fully-funded PhD fellowships — up to 15 for Indian candidates to study abroad at Rs.1,67,000/month (US $2,000) and up to 15 for overseas nationals to study in India at Rs.40,000/month. The fellowship covers 3 years for a PhD degree in agriculture and allied sciences. Applications for 2025-26 were accepted until August 31, 2025 via email to [email protected].
- Fellowship Name: Netaji Subhas — ICAR International Fellowship (NS-ICAR IF)
- Offered by: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Total Fellowships: 30 per year (Indian + Overseas candidates combined)
- Duration: 3 years (PhD programme)
- Stipend — Indian Fellows Abroad: US $2,000 per month (~Rs.1,67,000/month)
- Stipend — Overseas Fellows in India: Rs.40,000 per month
- Preparatory & Contingency: US $1,000/year (Indian) | Rs.25,000/year (Overseas)
- Air Travel: Economy class return air ticket provided by ICAR
- Bank Guarantee: US $10,000 (Indian fellows) required
- Age Limit — Fresh Candidates: Maximum 35 years
- Age Limit — In-Service Candidates: Maximum 40 years
- Minimum Qualification: Master’s degree with OGPA 6.60/10 or 65% marks
- Last Date (2025-26): Extended to August 31, 2025
- Application Email: [email protected]
- Official Portal: icar.org.in
- What is Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026?
- Who Should Apply for NS-ICAR Fellowship 2026?
- Fellowship Stipend, Benefits & Financial Package Details
- NS-ICAR Fellowship 2026 — Full Eligibility Criteria
- Priority Areas of Study for NS-ICAR Fellowship
- How to Apply for Netaji Subhas ICAR Fellowship — Step by Step
- Selection Process — From Application to Fellowship Award
- NS-ICAR Fellowship vs Other ICAR & International Fellowships
- Key Terms Related to NS-ICAR International Fellowship
- Important Dates & Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026?
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship (NS-ICAR IF) is a fully-funded doctoral research fellowship instituted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Named after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, this fellowship carries a dual purpose: developing world-class human resources for Indian agriculture through exposure to the best global laboratories, and demonstrating India’s agricultural research strength to the international community.
The NS-ICAR IF provides 30 fellowships per year for a programme leading to a PhD degree in agriculture and allied sciences. Indian candidates are funded to pursue doctoral study at identified overseas universities having strong research and teaching capabilities, while overseas nationals are funded to study at the best Indian Agricultural Universities (AUs) within the ICAR-AU system — which includes State Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural University Imphal, ICAR Deemed Universities, and Central Universities with agricultural faculty. A total of 173 candidates benefited from the NS-ICAR International Fellowship between 2021-22 and 2024-25, with 11 candidates (4 Indian, 7 foreign) selected in 2025 alone.
Who Should Apply for NS-ICAR Fellowship 2026?
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 is tailored for a specific profile of agri-science graduate. Here are 8 candidate profiles who stand to benefit most from this opportunity:
- 🌾 Indian MSc Agriculture graduates with OGPA 6.60/10 or 65%+ marks who want fully-funded PhD abroad at world-class agri universities — receiving US $2,000/month for 3 years with no tuition burden
- 🔬 Fresh MSc holders up to 35 years old who completed their qualifying degree within the past 2 years from the application date and want international PhD exposure in priority research areas
- 🏛️ In-service scientists employed in the ICAR-AU system aged up to 40 years who wish to pursue a PhD abroad without resigning — and can continue their salary from the parent organisation during the fellowship tenure
- 📊 Crop Science, Horticulture, Biotechnology, or Animal Science researchers targeting advanced genomics, nanotechnology, or precision agriculture studies at top overseas universities
- 🌍 Overseas nationals (from countries including Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand) who want a fully-funded PhD at India’s premier agricultural universities like IARI, NDRI, IVRI, or CIFE
- 🌻 Agricultural Engineering and Natural Resource Management graduates interested in international frontier research including robotics, drip irrigation, climate change adaptation, or water footprint science
- 🐟 Fisheries Science and Dairy Science specialists who want to pursue high-value PhD research at best-in-class overseas labs in aquaculture, fish breeding, or dairy fermentation technology
- 💻 Digital and precision agriculture innovators interested in bioinformatics, drone technology, sensor-based agriculture, or controlled environment farming programmes at leading international research institutions
Fellowship Stipend, Benefits & Financial Package Details
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 provides one of the most comprehensive financial packages available to Indian agriculture PhD candidates going abroad. The fellowship covers monthly stipend, contingency expenses, and international air travel — making it a near-zero-cost doctoral opportunity at world-class overseas universities.
| Benefit Component | Indian Fellows Going Abroad | Overseas Fellows in India |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | US $2,000 per month (~Rs.1,67,000/month) | Rs.40,000 per month |
| Annual Contingency & Preparatory | US $1,000 per year (lump sum) | Rs.25,000 per year (lump sum) |
| Air Travel | Economy class return ticket (ICAR-arranged) | Economy class travel within India reimbursed |
| Fellowship Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Total Stipend Over 3 Years | ~US $72,000 (~Rs.60,24,000) | Rs.14,40,000 |
| Total Contingency Over 3 Years | US $3,000 (~Rs.2,51,000) | Rs.75,000 |
| Bank Guarantee Required | US $10,000 in favour of Secretary, ICAR | Rs.2,00,000 (deducted from fellowship installments) |
| Institutional Bench Fee | 25% reimbursed by ICAR; 75% by candidate | Not applicable |
| Service Bond | 3-year service at parent ICAR-AU institute (in-service) | Not applicable |
| First Installment Mode | Paid in Indian Rupees only | Paid in Indian Rupees |
An important financial detail for Indian candidates: while studying abroad, if your research experiment requires data collection at Indian SAUs or ICAR institutes for up to 18 months, ICAR permits a temporary return to India during that period. During the India stay, the fellow is paid at the overseas rate of Rs.40,000/month plus Rs.25,000 annual contingency — the same rate offered to foreign fellows in India. The first installment of the fellowship is released after the ICAR receives both the acceptance letter from the fellow and the admission letter from the host overseas university.
NS-ICAR Fellowship 2026 — Full Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026, candidates must carefully verify all eligibility conditions. The fellowship is available to both fresh and in-service candidates, with specific requirements for each category. A clean conduct record throughout is mandatory, certified by the competent authority of the last-attended university or current employer.
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Master’s degree in Agriculture and Allied Sciences from a recognised institution |
| Minimum Academic Score | OGPA 6.60 out of 10.0 OR 65% marks or equivalent |
| Degree Recency — Fresh Candidates | Qualifying degree completed not more than 2 years before the specified admission date |
| Employment — In-Service Candidates | Must be employed in the ICAR-AU system (ICAR institutes, State/Central Agricultural Universities) |
| Age Limit — Fresh Candidates | Maximum 35 years on last date for receipt of applications |
| Age Limit — In-Service Candidates | Maximum 40 years on last date for receipt of applications |
| Admission Requirement | Candidate must secure admission at identified host university independently; acceptance letter to be enclosed with application |
| Nationality (Indian Track) | Indian nationals applying for overseas study |
| Nationality (Overseas Track) | Foreign nationals applying for study at ICAR-AU system institutions in India |
| Conduct Requirement | Clear record of good conduct certified by university or employer |
| Registration Deadline Post-Award | Must register at host institution within 1 year from award letter date; else offer terminates automatically |
The fellowship notification each year specifies the detailed eligibility requirements in full. Candidates are advised to always read the current year’s official notification PDF available at icar.org.in — NS-ICAR Fellowship Notification before applying, as ICAR identifies and announces priority research areas and the list of approved institutions one year in advance.
Priority Areas of Study for NS-ICAR Fellowship
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 is available exclusively in frontier areas of agriculture and allied sciences. Candidates must propose doctoral research aligned with ICAR’s officially identified priority areas — research outside these areas will not be considered. ICAR announces the priority area list one year in advance to allow candidates to secure host university admission in time.
| Broad Subject Area | Key Priority Topics |
|---|---|
| Crop Sciences | Marker-assisted selection (MAS), biotic stress resilience, molecular basis of pathogenicity, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), high-throughput phenomics, plant single-cell genomics, nitrogen use efficiency, genome editing (CRISPR), double haploids, integrated pest management |
| Horticulture | Gene silencing and RNAi technology, date palm improvement, doubled haploidy, fruit tree breeding, landscape horticulture, ultra-high density orcharding, post-harvest quality, nutrient bioavailability, GIS and remote sensing |
| Biotechnology & Nanotechnology | Marker-assisted selection, transgenic technology, molecular breeding, biofortification, bioremediation, nanotechnology applications in plant/animal/fisheries, nano-biosensors, epigenetics, metagenomics, genomic selection |
| Animal Sciences | Allele mining for disease resistance, molecular diagnostics, recombinant vaccines, nutraceuticals and functional foods, animal biotechnology, next-generation gene sequencing, immuno-physiology, dairy technology |
| Natural Resource Management | Climate change impact and adaptation, soil carbon sequestration, methane mitigation in livestock, water footprint, phyto-bioremediation, agroforestry, computer-aided design of agricultural implements |
| Agricultural Engineering | Bioinformatics, bio-environmental engineering, precision agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, robotics, drone use in agriculture, post-harvest management, food engineering, biofuels, drip irrigation, smart packaging |
| Fisheries | Marine fisheries resources, aquaculture (cage culture, intensive systems), organic aquaculture, fish disease diagnosis, fish food formulation, HACCP in fish processing, freshwater/marine breeding, shrimp culture |
Candidates are strongly advised to choose a research topic within these identified priority areas and confirm with the host overseas university that their proposed PhD research aligns with the area. The current Priority Areas of Study PDF is available for download at icar.org.in alongside the fellowship notification. ICAR may also consider other frontier areas in agriculture and allied sciences that align with national research priorities — the notification confirms this flexibility in its final clause.
How to Apply for Netaji Subhas ICAR Fellowship — Step by Step
The application process for the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship requires both an online submission and a physical copy by post, along with advance securing of a host university admission letter. Here is the complete 8-step application process:
- Download Official Notification & Guidelines: Visit icar.org.in — NS-ICAR Fellowship Notification page and download the current year’s notification PDF, guidelines document, priority areas list, application form (.docx), and list of approved overseas universities. Read all documents carefully before proceeding.
- Identify Your Host University: From the ICAR-published List of Universities PDF, identify an overseas institution where your priority research area is actively studied. Contact the relevant department or potential supervisor to discuss your proposed research and seek an informal acceptance. Admission acceptance from the host university is a mandatory enclosure with your application.
- Prepare Your Research Proposal: Draft a focused 1,500–2,500-word research proposal aligning your proposed PhD topic to ICAR’s identified priority areas. The proposal should include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to Indian agriculture. Get it reviewed by your MSc supervisor or current employer before submission.
- Obtain an Acceptance Letter from Host University: Applicants must obtain and enclose an admission acceptance letter from their chosen overseas university at the time of fellowship application. Candidates selected without a prior admission letter will also be required to furnish it before their interview.
- Fill the Application Form: Download the prescribed application form (.docx) from the ICAR notification page. Fill in all personal, academic, and research details accurately. Mention two referees (with email IDs) who can be directly contacted by ICAR — one should preferably be your current supervisor or employer, and one should be an expert in your chosen research area.
- Arrange Two Recommendation References: ICAR directly contacts your 2 named referees for confidential comments on your candidature. Inform your referees in advance and ensure they have your research proposal and CV to provide informed feedback. One referee must be from your current occupation (if employed).
- Submit Application — Online & By Post: Submit one soft copy electronically via email to [email protected] with the subject line: “Application for NSIF: [Your Name] and [Contact Number]”. Send two hard copies by post to: ADG (HRD), Education Division, ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan II, Pusa, New Delhi – 110012. Both submission modes are mandatory.
- Appear for Selection Interview: Shortlisted candidates are evaluated by an ICAR Selection Committee based on their academic record, research plan relevance, and area of study importance. The committee may conduct in-person, telephonic, or video-conferencing interviews. Overseas candidates may be interviewed by ICAR-identified experts in their home country. At the interview, you must furnish the host university admission acceptance letter.
Selection Process — From Application to Fellowship Award
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship selection is rigorous, multi-stage, and merit-based. Here is the complete process from application to fellowship activation:
- Application Scrutiny: ICAR’s Education Division screens all received applications for eligibility compliance — qualification, marks threshold, age limit, and completeness of enclosures. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline are summarily rejected.
- Merit Evaluation: Shortlisted candidates are evaluated on a weighted scoring scale considering: relevance of proposed research area to ICAR priorities, quality and feasibility of the research plan, academic track record (OGPA/marks), past research achievements, and prior work experience.
- Selection Committee Interview: A ICAR-constituted Selection Committee conducts interviews — in person, by phone, or by videoconferencing. The committee assesses the candidate’s research aptitude, awareness of the host institution’s work, clarity of research objectives, and future plans to contribute to Indian agriculture post-degree.
- Merit List & Award Letter: Final selections are made category-wise. Selected candidates receive a formal Award Letter from ICAR. The total allocation between Indian and overseas candidates is flexible — it depends on the quality of candidates received in each category that year.
- Pre-Departure Compliance: Selected Indian fellows must: (a) execute a bank guarantee of US $10,000 in favour of Secretary ICAR, (b) obtain a medical fitness certificate and health insurance at their own cost, (c) register at the host overseas university within 1 year of the award letter date, and (d) in-service candidates must furnish deputation approval from their Director/Vice-Chancellor.
- Fellowship Disbursement: The first 6-month installment is released after ICAR receives the fellow’s acceptance and host university admission letter. Subsequent releases are made every 6 months on receipt of satisfactory academic progress reports certified by the thesis supervisor and head of institution.
NS-ICAR Fellowship vs Other ICAR & International Fellowships
How does the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship compare to other major agri-science fellowship options for Indian candidates? The comparison table below covers 8 key parameters across 4 fellowship types:
| Parameter | NS-ICAR International Fellowship | ICAR JRF/SRF (PhD) Domestic | DAAD Scholarship (Germany) | Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend (Indian) | US $2,000 (~Rs.1,67,000) | Rs.31,000 (JRF) / Rs.35,000 (SRF) | EUR 992 (~Rs.90,000) Master’s | USD 2,000–2,500 (~Rs.1,67,000–2,08,000) |
| Study Destination | Overseas (identified international universities) | India (ICAR-AU system only) | Germany only | USA only |
| Duration | 3 years (PhD) | 3 years (2 JRF + 1 SRF) | 12–24 months (Master’s); 36–48 months (PhD) | 6–9 months (research) or 1–2 years (degree) |
| Minimum Qualification | MSc with OGPA 6.60/10 or 65% | MSc with 60% (General) or 55% (SC/ST) | BSc/MSc with 75%+ CGPA + 2 yrs work exp | Master’s degree + research experience |
| Age Limit | 35 years (fresh); 40 years (in-service) | No upper age limit | No upper age limit (program-specific) | No strict age limit (senior researchers preferred) |
| Selection Method | Application + merit evaluation + interview | NTA competitive exam (120 MCQs) | Application + motivation letter + references | Application + references + interview |
| Agriculture Specificity | Exclusively agriculture & allied sciences | 72 agriculture & allied subjects | Some programs — EPOS covers agri/food systems | Broad STEM — few agri-specific seats |
| Best For | MSc holders targeting global PhD in frontier agri-research with maximum financial support | MSc holders targeting PhD at IARI, NDRI, IVRI in India | Agri graduates wanting Germany-specific PhD or research experience | Senior researchers targeting USA collaborations |
Key Terms Related to NS-ICAR International Fellowship
Understanding these high-value terms will help you navigate the NS-ICAR fellowship application, research proposal, and selection process with confidence in 2026:
- 📜 ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): India’s apex autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, coordinating, guiding, and managing research, education, and extension in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences. ICAR manages 102 institutes, 71 All India Coordinated Research Projects, and the Netaji Subhas International Fellowship programme.
- 🎓 NS-ICAR IF (Netaji Subhas — ICAR International Fellowship): The formal name of this fellowship. Awardees are officially titled “NS-ICAR International Fellows.” 30 fellowships are offered annually for PhD degrees in identified priority areas of agriculture and allied sciences at approved overseas and Indian institutions.
- 🏛️ ICAR-AU System: The collective network of ICAR institutions and affiliated Agricultural Universities — comprising State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Central Agricultural University Imphal, ICAR Deemed Universities (IARI, NDRI, IVRI, CIFE), and Central Universities with agricultural faculty. Overseas candidates under NS-ICAR IF study within this system.
- 💰 Institutional Bench Fee: The tuition and lab usage fee charged by the host overseas university. Under NS-ICAR IF, ICAR reimburses only 25% of this fee (up to a cap) — the remaining 75% must be borne by the candidate from their fellowship amount or own resources. This is distinct from the monthly stipend.
- 📋 DARE (Department of Agricultural Research and Education): The Government of India department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare that oversees ICAR and IARI. DARE facilitates and funds all ICAR international cooperation including the NS-ICAR fellowship budget under the Plan Budget head “ICAR International/Overseas Fellowships.”
- 📊 OGPA (Overall Grade Point Average): The cumulative GPA across all semesters of the candidate’s Master’s degree programme. The minimum threshold for NS-ICAR IF is OGPA 6.60 out of 10.0. Equivalent percentage (65%) or other grading scale equivalents are also accepted with appropriate certification from the university.
- 🔒 Bank Guarantee: An irrevocable bank guarantee of US $10,000 (approximately Rs.8.3 lakh at current rates) required from all selected Indian fellows in favour of the Secretary, ICAR. This guarantee must remain valid throughout the fellowship duration and ensures the fellow returns to India and serves in the ICAR-AU system post-degree.
- 📝 Non-Return Clause: A critical obligation for Indian fellows — all selected candidates must return to India after completing their PhD. If a fresh Indian fellow fails to return, ICAR recovers the entire fellowship amount plus a 10% overhead cost from the fellow or their surety. Non-compliance is reported to the Indian Embassy in the host country.
- 📊 Priority Research Areas: ICAR announces specific frontier research topics in Crop Sciences, Horticulture, Biotechnology, Animal Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Engineering, and Fisheries that are eligible for NS-ICAR fellowship. The Priority Areas PDF is updated annually and published on icar.org.in one year in advance.
- ✈️ Contingency & Preparatory Amount: An annual lump-sum payment in addition to the monthly stipend — US $1,000 per year for Indian fellows abroad, Rs.25,000 per year for overseas fellows in India. This amount covers books, research materials, conference participation, and preparatory expenses before departure.
Important Dates & Links — NS-ICAR Fellowship 2026
| Event / Link | Details / URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Page (ICAR) | icar.org.in — NS-ICAR Fellowship Notification |
| Fellowship Guidelines PDF | Guidelines for NS-ICAR International Fellowship |
| Priority Areas of Study PDF | Priority Areas of Study PDF — ICAR |
| Application Form (.docx) | Download Application Form — NS-ICAR IF |
| Application Email | [email protected] (subject: “Application for NSIF: [Name] and [Contact No.]”) |
| Last Date (2025-26 Cycle) | Extended to August 31, 2025 (check icar.org.in for 2026-27 cycle dates) |
| Beneficiaries (2021-25) | 173 candidates total | 11 selected in 2025 (4 Indian, 7 Foreign) |
| ICAR Research Collaboration Guide | ICAR Research Collaboration 2026 — Agrijob.in |
| ICAR JRF Scholarship Guide | ICAR JRF Scholarship 2026 — Agrijob.in |
| DAAD Scholarship for Agriculture Guide | DAAD Scholarship Germany 2026 — Agrijob.in |
Conclusion — Is the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 Right for You?
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 remains the single most prestigious and financially rewarding fully-funded PhD abroad scholarship for Indian agriculture graduates — with US $2,000/month stipend, economy-class return air travel, and annual contingency support over 3 years. With only 30 fellowships available annually (Indian and overseas combined) and a rigorous merit-plus-interview selection, the competition is real — but so is the reward. If your MSc Agriculture OGPA is 6.60+ or your marks are 65%+, you fall within a priority research area in Crop Sciences, Biotechnology, Horticulture, Animal Sciences, or Agricultural Engineering, and you can secure an acceptance letter from a world-class overseas university, apply without delay. Bookmark the official ICAR notification page at icar.org.in and watch for the 2026-27 cycle notification.
- 30 fully-funded PhD fellowships available per year — open to Indian and overseas candidates in agriculture and allied sciences
- Indian fellows going abroad earn US $2,000/month (~Rs.1,67,000) for 3 years plus US $1,000/year contingency and return air travel
- Minimum eligibility: MSc with OGPA 6.60/10 or 65% marks; age up to 35 years (fresh) or 40 years (in-service from ICAR-AU)
- 173 candidates benefited between 2021-22 and 2024-25; 11 selected in 2025 alone (4 Indian, 7 overseas)
- Research must align with ICAR priority areas: Crop Sciences, Horticulture, Biotechnology, Animal Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Engineering, or Fisheries
- Secure your host overseas university admission letter first — it is mandatory at both application and interview stages
Frequently Asked Questions About Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026
What is Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026?
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026 (NS-ICAR IF) is a fully-funded PhD scholarship offered annually by ICAR under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It provides 30 fellowships per year — for Indian candidates to study at identified overseas universities and for overseas candidates to study at Indian Agricultural Universities. Indian fellows going abroad receive US $2,000/month (~Rs.1,67,000), annual contingency of US $1,000, and return economy-class air travel for 3 years of doctoral research in agriculture and allied sciences priority areas.
What is the monthly stipend for Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship?
The monthly stipend for the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship is US $2,000 per month (approximately Rs.1,67,000/month at 2026 exchange rates) for Indian fellows going abroad. Overseas fellows coming to study in India receive Rs.40,000 per month. Additionally, ICAR provides an annual lump-sum of US $1,000 (Indian fellows) or Rs.25,000 (overseas fellows) for contingency and preparatory expenses. Return economy-class air travel is also arranged by ICAR for both categories of fellows.
Who is eligible for Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026?
To be eligible for the NS-ICAR International Fellowship 2026, candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Agriculture or Allied Sciences with OGPA 6.60 out of 10.0 or 65% marks. Fresh candidates must be aged up to 35 years and must have completed their qualifying degree not more than 2 years before the specified admission date. In-service candidates must be employed in the ICAR-AU system and aged up to 40 years. All candidates must independently secure an acceptance of admission at the identified host overseas university before applying, as this letter is a mandatory enclosure.
How many fellowships are available under NS-ICAR IF every year?
30 fellowships are available every year under the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship for a PhD degree in agriculture and allied sciences. The allocation between Indian candidates (going abroad) and overseas candidates (coming to India) varies each year based on the availability of suitable candidates in the identified priority research areas. In 2025, a total of 11 candidates were selected — 4 Indian and 7 overseas (from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand).
What is the duration of Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship?
The Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship is available for a period of 3 years — the standard duration of a PhD degree programme at identified universities. ICAR does not extend the tenure under any circumstances on its part; if a fellow cannot complete the degree within 3 years, they must fund the remaining period from their own resources. Fellows who fail to complete even 2 years beyond the programme’s prescribed duration may be required to refund the fellowship amount received.
What subjects and research areas are covered under NS-ICAR Fellowship?
The NS-ICAR International Fellowship covers frontier research areas across Crop Sciences (genomics, MAS, stress tolerance), Horticulture (gene silencing, doubled haploidy, post-harvest), Biotechnology and Nanotechnology (transgenic, molecular breeding, nano-biosensors), Animal Sciences (veterinary health, molecular diagnostics, dairy technology), Natural Resource Management (climate change, agroforestry, water management), Agricultural Engineering (precision agriculture, robotics, drones, biofuels), and Fisheries (aquaculture, fish disease, marine resources). ICAR publishes a detailed Priority Areas of Study PDF on icar.org.in annually.
How to apply for Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026?
To apply for the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship 2026, candidates must: (1) download the application form, guidelines, priority areas list, and approved university list from icar.org.in; (2) secure an admission acceptance letter from an identified overseas university; (3) fill the prescribed application form with all details including 2 referee contacts; (4) submit one soft copy by email to [email protected] with the subject “Application for NSIF: [Name] and [Contact Number]”; and (5) send two hard copies by post to ADG (HRD), Education Division, ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan II, Pusa, New Delhi – 110012. Both submission modes are mandatory.
What happens if an Indian NS-ICAR fellow does not return to India after PhD?
Indian fellows are required to return to India after completing their PhD abroad under the NS-ICAR International Fellowship. If a fresh Indian fellow fails to return, or is offered a position in the ICAR-AU system but does not join, the entire fellowship amount received plus a 10% overhead cost is recovered from the fellow or their surety. If recovery fails, the Indian Embassy in the host country is informed to take appropriate action. To ensure compliance, all Indian fellows must submit an irrevocable Bank Guarantee of US $10,000 in favour of the Secretary, ICAR before departing.
Can in-service ICAR or agricultural university employees apply for NS-ICAR Fellowship?
Yes, in-service candidates employed in the ICAR-AU system — including scientists at ICAR institutes and faculty at State Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural University Imphal, ICAR Deemed Universities, and Central Universities with agricultural faculty — can apply for the NS-ICAR International Fellowship. The age limit for in-service candidates is 40 years (versus 35 years for fresh candidates). In-service fellows must furnish deputation approval from their institute’s Director or the University’s Vice-Chancellor. They may also continue receiving their salary and benefits from the parent organisation during the fellowship, as per applicable rules.
Where can I find the official notification and application form for NS-ICAR Fellowship?
The official notification, guidelines PDF, priority areas of study PDF, application form (.docx), and approved list of universities for the Netaji Subhas ICAR International Fellowship are all available at the official ICAR notification page: icar.org.in — NS-ICAR Fellowship Notification. Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] with two hard copies sent by post to ADG (HRD), Education Division, ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan II, Pusa, New Delhi – 110012. The ICAR website is also updated when new notifications are released for each annual cycle.
⏱️ Last Updated: September 2026. This guide is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Always verify the latest notification, last date, and application details on the official ICAR website at icar.org.in before applying. Bookmark this page for the latest NS-ICAR International Fellowship 2026 updates.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. All fellowship amounts, dates, and eligibility criteria are sourced from official ICAR notifications and guidelines. Always refer to the official ICAR notification for the most current and binding information before applying.
