CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026: Who Can Apply, Deadline, Stipend and How to Apply

CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has invited applications for its Direct Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) 2026 programme. The fellowship is aimed at young researchers seeking advanced research opportunities in science and technology under the guidance of faculty members and scientists at recognised universities, laboratories and research institutions.

The CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026 application window will open on August 18, 2026, and eligible candidates can apply online until September 17, 2026. Only online applications will be accepted through the CSIR-HRDG portal. 

Read the official CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026 notification

CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026: Key Highlights

The CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026 offers a monthly fellowship of ₹42,000 along with a contingent grant of up to ₹20,000 per year. The fellowship is initially tenable for up to two years and may be extended by one year based on an assessment of the research progress. 

CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026: Who Can Apply?

The CSIR SRF eligibility criteria vary according to the candidate's qualifying degree and research experience. Candidates can apply if they fulfil any of the prescribed qualification routes.

For MSc, BE or BTech Candidates

Candidates with an MSc, BE, BTech or equivalent degree must have secured at least 55% marks, have at least one publication in an SCI-indexed journal, and must have completed at least two years of research experience after the qualifying degree by the last date of application.

The research experience must be supported by appropriate fellowship records or the date of PhD registration.

For MTech or ME Candidates

Candidates holding an MTech, ME or equivalent degree in Engineering or Technology must have secured at least 60% marks.

For BE or BTech Candidates With Research Experience

BE/BTech candidates with at least 60% marks and two years of research experience as of September 17, 2026 can also apply.

For MBBS or BDS Candidates

Candidates holding an MBBS, BDS or equivalent qualification with at least 60% marks and one year of internship are eligible.

For BPharm, BVSc and BSc Agriculture Candidates

Candidates with BPharm, BVSc, BSc (Agriculture) or equivalent qualifications must have at least 55% marks, one publication in an SCI journal and at least three years of research experience.

For MPharm, MVSc, MSc Agriculture or MPhil Candidates

Candidates with MPharm, MVSc, MSc (Agriculture), MPhil or equivalent qualifications must have at least 55% marks, one SCI-journal publication and at least one year of research experience. 

CSIR SRF 2026 Age Limit

The maximum age limit for CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026 is 32 years as on September 17, 2026.

Age relaxation is applicable as per CSIR rules:

• SC/ST, PwD and women candidates: 5 years

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates: 3 years

Candidates should ensure that they meet the applicable age requirement on the last date of application. 

Who Is Not Eligible for CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026?

Candidates who have already been awarded a PhD, MD, MS or MDS degree, or those who have submitted their thesis for the award of any of these degrees, are not eligible for the CSIR SRF position.

Candidates must also submit documents supporting their research experience and PhD registration, wherever applicable. CSIR has stated that applications without the required supporting documents may be rejected. 

CSIR SRF 2026 Stipend and Tenure

Selected candidates under the CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026 will receive:

• ₹42,000 per month during the fellowship tenure or until the PhD viva-voce, whichever is earlier.

• Contingent grant of up to ₹20,000 per year.

• Initial fellowship tenure of up to two years.

• The tenure may be extended by one additional year based on research progress assessed by a three-member committee. 

Candidates who have already availed five years of JRF or three years of SRF from any source by September 17, 2026 need not apply. The combined tenure of JRF and SRF cannot exceed five years.

CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026 Application Date

The CSIR SRF 2026 application form will be available from August 18, 2026. The last date to submit the online application is September 17, 2026.

Candidates must apply online through the CSIR-HRDG application portal. No other mode of application will be accepted. 

CSIR SRF 2026 Selection Process

The selection process will include an interview. Candidates will first be shortlisted based on their academic record, research experience, publications and assessment of the proposed research work.

Shortlisting does not guarantee an interview. CSIR will make the final decision on whether a candidate is called for the interview. 

CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026: Important Instructions

Candidates should carefully select the relevant subject code while filling out the application form. The selected code must correspond with their previous education, research experience and proposed area of study.

CSIR also states that candidates can apply under only one subject code, and the subject code cannot be changed after submission of the online application. Applicants should provide complete details of their academic and research experience and upload the required supporting documents. 

How to Apply for CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026?

Candidates can follow these steps to apply for the CSIR Senior Research Fellowship 2026:

1. Visit the official CSIR-HRDG website.

2. Open the Direct SRF 2026 application link.

3. Register and complete the online application form.

4. Enter academic, research and fellowship details carefully.

5. Select the appropriate subject code.

6. Upload the required documents and supporting certificates.

7. Review all details before submitting the application.

8. Submit the application before September 17, 2026.

9. Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.

CSIR SRF 2026: What Makes This Fellowship Important?

The CSIR Senior Research Fellowship provides financial support to researchers who have already gained academic and research experience and want to pursue further research in science and technology. The fellowship can be tenable at universities, IITs, postgraduate colleges, government research establishments, CSIR laboratories, recognised public-sector R&D establishments and other recognised institutions. 

Candidates selected for the fellowship are required to devote their full time to the approved research programme. Simultaneous employment elsewhere is not permitted during the fellowship tenure.