IndiaAI opens applications for 2026 fellowship for AI students, last date November 30

There is news for students studying artificial intelligence (AI) or doing research projects in the field. IndiaAI, which functions under the Union government's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has begun accepting applications for the IndiaAI Fellowship 2026. The last date to apply has been given as November 30, 2026.

The fellowship has been started under the Centre's IndiaAI Mission and is run by IndiaAI under the ministry. The programme aims to provide financial support to students doing AI-related projects and research. Students can incur various expenses during study and research, which is why different amounts have been provided for eligible candidates at different levels: undergraduate (UG), integrated dual degree (IDD), postgraduate (PG) and PhD.

According to available information, UG students can receive support of up to Rs 1 lakh, while PG students can be given up to Rs 2 lakh. This is the maximum amount. Not everyone who applies will automatically get the full sum. Approval and the actual amount will depend on eligibility and the programme's rules. Candidates should therefore check which category they fall in and which conditions apply before applying.

Eligible students in integrated dual degree programmes can also apply if they are doing AI-related projects or research. However, how much IDD students will receive at which stage will have to be confirmed from the detailed rules on the official portal.

A monthly fellowship has been fixed for PhD research scholars. They will get Rs 70,000 a month in the first two years. At this rate, the total comes to Rs 8.40 lakh in the first year and Rs 8.40 lakh in the second year as well. In the third year they will get Rs 75,000 a month, making the total for that year Rs 9 lakh. In the fourth and fifth years the fellowship will be Rs 80,000 a month, which means the annual amount for both years will be Rs 9.60 lakh. Actual payment, however, will be according to acceptance of the fellowship, eligibility and the applicable rules.

In addition, those doing AI research can receive a research grant of up to Rs 2 lakh a year. Subject to certain conditions, financial support may also be available for attending international conferences.