Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship applications open for Indian citizens; selected candidates get Rs 1 lakh monthly

The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (JNMF) has opened applications for the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship, which provides selected candidates with a monthly stipend of Rs 1 lakh for two years to pursue research and creative projects. The fellowship is open to Indian citizens from various fields, including science, humanities, journalism, arts and public service.

According to the official website, the Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship scheme is ongoing and has no last date for receiving applications. Candidates can submit their applications to the Secretary, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi – 110001.

The fellowship aims to support individuals with a proven record of excellence who want to pursue innovative projects, explore new ideas and study issues relevant to India. Applicants can choose their place of work within the country.

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Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship 2026: Eligibility criteria

The fellowship is open to Indian citizens across academic and professional disciplines. Eligible applicants may include scholars in science and humanities, writers, journalists, artists and civil servants.

According to the JNMF, candidates should demonstrate a proven capacity for outstanding work and a genuine interest in pursuing a creative project in their chosen field.

The fund has not prescribed an age limit for applicants. Its fellowship programme seeks to support talented individuals who need dedicated time to advance their research, creative work or intellectual pursuits.

Fellows are selected by a committee comprising distinguished individuals from different fields. The committee evaluates candidates with the aim of maintaining high standards of excellence and encouraging a broad range of creative work.

Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship: Stipend and benefits

Selected fellows receive financial support for two years. The benefits include:

• Monthly stipend: Rs 1 lakh
• Additional expenses: Actual expenses for secretarial assistance, travel and other contingencies, subject to a maximum of Rs 75,000 per year
• Duration: Two years
• Work location: Any location within India

The fellowship is intended to give selected candidates the time and financial support to concentrate on their proposed projects.

How to apply for Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship

Candidates can apply by submitting their particulars on plain paper. The fund does not prescribe a printed application form.

Applicants must include the following documents and information:

• Bio-data, including details of their original work.
• Experience in their field of specialisation.
• A synopsis of the proposed project, typed with double spacing and limited to 1,000 words.
• A recent passport-size photograph.

Candidates working in state or central government service must submit their applications through the proper channel.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Secretary, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi – 110001

The fellowship scheme has no fixed closing date. Candidates should check the official JNMF website for the application guidelines before submitting their documents.

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About Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship

The Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship was established to encourage higher learning, research and independent intellectual work. The first fellowship was awarded in 1968.

The programme supports projects across science, humanities and other fields, including work on contemporary issues relevant to India. Unlike schemes limited to conventional academic research, it also considers creative projects proposed by professionals such as writers, journalists, artists and civil servants.

The fellowship is administered by the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, which undertakes activities to promote education, research and the legacy of India's first prime minister.