Research Fellowship: Karnataka DST PhD Fellowship Applications Open | Apply Now
Searching for research fellowship opportunities to enhance your life science career in research and development? The Karnataka DST‑ PhD Fellowship for Science and Engineering offers full-time Ph.D. scholars in Karnataka a monthly fellowship of ₹20,000 for up to three years. This initiative from the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka supports registered Ph.D. students in science and engineering to pursue research and innovation.
About KSTePS (Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society):
Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS) is an autonomous organization under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka. It works to promote, coordinate, and implement science and technology programs that drive innovation, research, and sustainable development across the state.
KSTePS acts as a bridge between the government, academic institutions, industries, and research organizations to strengthen Karnataka’s position as a leading hub for scientific advancement. Through initiatives like the Karnataka DST PhD Fellowship, the organization empowers researchers and innovators to contribute to knowledge creation, technological progress, and societal growth. This fellowship stands as a strong foundation for the young researchers seeking growth in technology and life science career.
Eligibility:
- The candidates must have confirmed Ph.D. registration for Full Time under Ph.D. programme of any UGC/AICTE recognized University/Institution/College in Karnataka on or after December 05, 2023. The date of Ph.D. registration of the applicant shall not be more than 24 months before the last date of submission of the application. Students from Colleges/Institutions which are affiliated to such recognized Universities in the Karnataka State are also eligible to apply. Students who have registered for Part Time Ph.D. are not eligible.
- The candidates must have successfully completed the Ph.D. course work. Candidates who have not yet completed the coursework need not apply for the Fellowship. Candidates who have written coursework examination and awaiting results are eligible to apply, however they will be considered for selection only if they have successfully cleared the coursework before the initiation of selection process and intimated the same to KSTePS (through email or post).
- The applicant should possess a Master degree in Science, Engineering or Technology with at least 60% marks.
- Preference will be given to the candidates who have successfully completed at least one of the competitive exams such as NET/SLET/GATE/GPAT.
- Only Indian citizens are eligible. They shall be domicile of Karnataka or should have studied at least for 6 years in Karnataka.
- Minimum 30% of the Fellowships shall be provided to women candidates, as the current scheme is identified under Gender Budget.
- The candidates who are currently availing Fellowship under any schemes of the State or Central Government or other agencies/institutions, shall opt for only one of the Fellowships
Age Limit:
The upper age limit for applying for the Fellowship is 35 years, relaxable up to 5 years in case of women, specially abled candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Fellowship Amount and Duration:
The amount of the Fellowship shall be Rs. 20,000/- per month. The research Fellowship will be initially for one year and extended every year (maximum up to 3 years) after progress evaluation. The maximum duration of the Fellowship will not be more than 3 years.
How to Apply?
Eligible full-time Ph.D. students in Science or Engineering can apply online for the Karnataka DST PhD Fellowship 2025 through the official KSTePS website ksteps.karnataka.gov.in or directly via the Google Form link. Applicants must submit all required documents before 5th December 2025 (5:00 PM), as no offline applications will be accepted.
