The Summer Research Fellowship Program 2026 (SRFP 2026) is a national-level research fellowship initiative coordinated through India’s leading science academies. The program is aimed at identifying students and teachers with strong academic foundations and a clear interest in research.
Participants selected under SRFP 2026 undertake short-term research work under the guidance of scientists associated with the national science academy network. The program is designed to promote scientific inquiry, strengthen research aptitude, and encourage sustained interest in academic research careers.
The SRFP 2026 application process is conducted entirely online through the official academy portal. Selection is based on academic background, research interest, and recommendations, as evaluated by the academies.
About the Summer Research Fellowship Program 2026
The Science Academies(SRFP 2026) is conducted by India’s three national science academies the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI).
The fellowship is open to motivated students and teachers from recognised universities and colleges bodies such as UGC, AICTE, MCI, and other accredited institutions, including private universities (as stated on the official program page).
Selected candidates are assigned a guide, and the fellowship work is carried out for about two months. The program is designed around hands-on research exposure under the supervision of the assigned guide, with the academies coordinating the fellowship administration.
Once the candidate submits the online application, a registration number is generated. The registration number must be quoted in all future correspondence related to SRFP 2026.
| Programme name | Science Academies’ Summer Research Fellowship Program 2026 (SRFP 2026) |
| Conducted by | IAS + INSA + NASI (Joint initiative) |
| Who can apply | Eligible students and teachers from recognised universities/colleges |
| Work duration | About 2 months |
| Mode of application | Online application only through the official academy portal |
| Selection intimation | Selection information is communicated around March–April 2026, along with the guide’s concurrence |
Related: IIT Bhilai Summer Internship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility conditions for the Science Academies’ Summer Research Fellowship Program 2026 (SRFP 2026) are clearly defined by the academies and differ slightly for students and teachers. Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements at the time of application submission.
Eligibility for Students
Students applying for SRFP 2026 must be currently enrolled in a recognised academic program at a university or college affiliated to UGC, AICTE, MCI, or other recognised accreditation bodies, including private universities.
| Eligible levels | BS / BSc – second year BSc (Research) – third year BStat / BMath – second year BE / BTech / BCA – second or third year Integrated or dual degree programmes (specified years) MS / MSc / MVSc / MPharm – first year ME / MTech / MCA – first year |
| Minimum academic requirement | An average of at least 65% marks in core subjects (excluding languages) from Class X onwards |
| Nationality | Applicant must be an Indian national |
| Not eligible | PhD students and candidates who have already availed the academy fellowship twice |
Marks obtained in all qualifying examinations must be entered correctly in the online application. Any incorrect or misleading academic information can result in rejection at any stage.
Eligibility for Teachers
Teachers working in recognised colleges or universities are also eligible to apply for SRFP 2026. The programme allows teachers to undertake focused research work under academy-affiliated scientists.
| Who can apply | Teachers employed in recognised colleges or universities |
| Minimum marks requirement | No minimum percentage requirement for teachers |
| PhD status | Teachers who are also registered PhD students may apply only if they are actively engaged in teaching duties |
| Publications | Details of publications, if any, must be uploaded as part of the application |
Meeting the eligibility conditions does not guarantee selection. All applications are subject to screening and evaluation by the academies as per their internal review process.
How to Apply for SRFP 2026
Applicants are required to complete the online form carefully and upload all mandatory documents within the prescribed size limits. Once submitted, no changes are permitted.
Step-by-step application process
- Visit the official SRFP 2026 online application portal.
- Register using a valid email address to generate login credentials.
- Fill in personal details, academic background, and institutional information exactly as per official records.
- Enter marks obtained in all qualifying examinations from Class X onwards.
- Provide the details of a teacher referee, including a valid email address, for recommendation purposes.
- Upload the required documents and project write-up in the specified format.
- Review the application carefully and submit it before the deadline.
After successful submission, a registration number is generated. This number must be quoted in all future communication related to SRFP 2026.
Important application instructions
| Application mode | Online only through the official SRFP portal |
| Number of applications | Only one application per candidate is permitted |
| Document submission | No hard copies of mark sheets or certificates should be sent by post |
| Editing after submission | Not allowed once the application is finally submitted |
| Incorrect information | Applications with incorrect or misleading information are liable to be rejected |
Applicants are advised to retain a copy of the submitted application details and registration number for reference until the completion of the SRFP 2026 process.
Related: SRFP 2026 Document Upload Guidelines (Official)
Required Documents and Project Write-Up
Applicants to the Science Academies’ Summer Research Fellowship Program 2026 must upload specific documents and a short project write-up as part of the online application. Applications without the required uploads or with incorrect formats are liable to be rejected.
Mandatory documents
| Academic mark sheets | Scanned copies of all mark sheets from Class X onwards up to the most recent examination |
| File format | JPEG format only |
| Maximum file size | Each file must not exceed 700 KB |
| Teachers (if applicable) | Scanned copies of publications, if any |
| Recommendation details | Valid email address of a teacher referee for students |
Applicants must ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and correctly labelled. Uploading unreadable or incomplete documents can lead to rejection during screening.
Project write-up guidelines
A concise project write-up is a mandatory part of the SRFP 2026 application. This write-up helps the academies assess the applicant’s research interest and alignment with the fellowship.
| Word limit | Minimum 150 words, maximum 250 words |
| Content focus | Area of interest, motivation for the topic, and what the applicant intends to learn |
| Originality | Must be original and written by the applicant; copied or generic text is not accepted |
| Formatting | Avoid special characters that may interfere with online submission |
The project write-up does not require prior confirmation from a guide. Guides are assigned by the academies after selection, based on the applicant’s stated interests and availability of scientists.
Read Also: TRAI Internship 2026
Selection Process and Conditions
The selection process for the Science Academies’ Summer Research Fellowship Program is conducted solely by the three participating science academies. All applications are reviewed through an internal screening and evaluation process.
Selection is based on academic background, the quality of the project write-up, recommendations provided, and the availability of suitable guides. The decision of the academies regarding selection is final.
| Who evaluates applications | Indian Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, and The National Academy of Sciences, India |
| Basis of evaluation | Academic record, project write-up, recommendation, and suitability for available research guidance |
| Interview | No interview is specified in the official selection process |
| Selection outcome | Communicated individually to selected candidates |
| Guide allocation | Assigned by the academies after selection, based on stated interests and availability |
Merely meeting the eligibility criteria or submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Only shortlisted candidates receive official communication from the academies.
If any information provided by the applicant is found to be incorrect or misleading at any stage, the fellowship may be cancelled, and any financial support already provided may be recovered.
Any disputes related to the SRFP 2026 process fall under the jurisdiction of courts located in Bengaluru.
Read Also: NHRC Summer Internship 2026
Fellowship Benefits and Support
Selected candidates under the SRFP 2026 receive academic and logistical support for the duration of the fellowship period, as specified by the science academies.
The support provided is intended to enable fellows to focus on their assigned research work under the guidance of the allotted scientist during the approved fellowship tenure.
| Monthly fellowship | A fellowship amount is paid for the approved period of work, as decided by the academies |
| Travel support | Reimbursement of round-trip train fare by the shortest route, as per academy rules |
| Duration covered | Support is limited to the officially approved fellowship period |
| Certificate | A joint certificate is issued by the science academies upon successful completion of the fellowship |
The fellowship amount and travel reimbursement are subject to the terms and conditions prescribed by the academies. Any additional expenses incurred by the fellow are not covered unless explicitly approved.
Continued support under SRFP 2026 is conditional upon satisfactory progress and adherence to the program guidelines communicated to selected candidates.
Read Also: SEBI Internship 2026
Important Dates
The key dates for the SRFP 2026 are announced by the science academies and must be followed strictly by applicants. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
| Events | Expected Timeline |
| SRFP internship announcement | November 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 31 January 2026 |
| Selection intimation | March–April 2026 |
| Fellowship period | Two months |
Applicants are advised to check the official SRFP portal regularly for updates or changes to the schedule communicated by the academies.
Frequently Asked Questions on SRFP 2026
🔽 Is the SRFP 2026 application process online or offline?
The SRFP 2026 application is online only through the official portal. Applications in any other format are not accepted.
🔽 Do I need to send hard copies of mark sheets or certificates by post?
No. The academies require scanned uploads during the online application. Hard copies should not be sent by post.
🔽 What mark sheets do students need to upload for SRFP 2026?
Students must upload scanned mark sheets from Class X onwards up to the most recent examination, as per the official upload instructions.
🔽 What is the project write-up, and what word limit should I follow?
The project write-up is a short statement describing your research interest and what you want to work on during the fellowship. The official word limit is 150 to 250 words.
🔽 Can I submit more than one SRFP 2026 application?
No. Only one application per candidate is permitted. Submitting multiple applications can lead to rejection.
🔽 Does meeting eligibility guarantee selection?
No. Meeting eligibility and submitting the application does not guarantee selection. Applications are screened by the academies and selection decisions are final.
🔽 What should I keep safe after submitting the application?
After submission, a registration number is generated. Keep it safe and use it in any future correspondence related to SRFP 2026.
