The National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) is a government scholarship by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for students pursuing PhD programmes in emerging technical disciplines. It aims to support bright candidates in conducting innovative research while preparing them for teaching roles in technical education. The scheme offers research support and selects 50 fellows annually through a competitive process.

Open to Indian citizens enrolled in a PhD programme in technical education or related fields. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in engineering, technology, or applied sciences with at least 60% marks (55% for reserved categories). There is no specified income limit, but priority may be given to candidates from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories.

Apply online through the official AICTE portal when the application window is open. Submit academic transcripts, a research proposal, and recommendation letters. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or written test conducted by AICTE or NTA. Ensure all documents are verified before submission.