Harvard Mittal Institute India Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Postdoctoral Program for Indian Scholars
The academic landscape in India is rapidly evolving, and one of the most prestigious opportunities emerging for early-career researchers is the Mittal Institute India Fellowship 2026, offered in collaboration with Harvard University. This fellowship is designed to empower promising Indian postdoctoral scholars to conduct high-impact research within India while benefiting from world-class mentorship from Harvard faculty.
Unlike many global research fellowships requiring relocation abroad, this program is intentionally India-based (New Delhi). It enables scholars to pursue advanced, socially relevant research rooted directly in the Indian context while receiving structured academic guidance from Harvard. The fellowship stands as a bridge between global academic excellence and local societal impact.
Understanding the Fellowship: Purpose, Vision & Harvard’s Role
The India Fellowship is administered by The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, a Harvard initiative dedicated to fostering long-term academic collaborations between Harvard researchers and South Asia. Over the years, the Mittal Institute has become a thriving hub for interdisciplinary collaborations, public programming, and influential research across diverse South Asian themes.
The 2026 fellowship cycle will support two exceptional postdoctoral scholars who will be based in the Institute’s New Delhi offices for a full academic year beginning January 2026. Fellows work independently while also benefiting from Harvard’s intellectual ecosystem through virtual engagement, seminars, and curated research support.
Why This Fellowship Matters
With India’s rapidly growing academic and research sectors, opportunities for structured postdoctoral work remain limited. This fellowship:
- Raises the standard of early-career research in India
- Encourages evidence-based policymaking
- Creates pathways for global academic collaboration
- Strengthens India-focused interdisciplinary scholarship
The fellowship is not simply a funding program—it is a long-term knowledge partnership aimed at nurturing research leaders who understand India’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Harvard has outlined clear and inclusive eligibility requirements to ensure that emerging researchers who display strong academic potential are given priority. Candidates must:
- Hold a PhD awarded between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2025.
- Be at the early postdoctoral stage of their career.
- Have completed most of their formal education in India (preferred).
- Not be engaged in any other fellowship or full-time program during the fellowship year.
The committee particularly values originality, clarity in research direction, and a strong record of academic excellence. Scholars from socially underrepresented groups and diverse regions of India are also encouraged to apply.
Research Areas Welcomed
The fellowship is intentionally interdisciplinary. Scholars across all academic fields may apply as long as their research clearly connects to the public benefit of India. Some suggested themes include:
- Public health, epidemiology, education reform, gender justice
- Sociology, anthropology, political science, public administration
- History, literature, linguistics, cultural studies, philosophy
- Law, constitutional studies, governance
- Climate studies, sustainability, energy transition, environment
- Medicine, biomedical research, mental health
- Science, innovation, technology, and society
Applicants may include global comparative research as long as the central focus remains India.
Fellowship Benefits & Financial Support
The Mittal Institute offers a generous support package to ensure that fellows can work without financial strain. Selected scholars receive:
- INR 1,00,000 per month (gross stipend)
- Support for research-related expenses
- Funding for books, equipment, and materials
- Medical expenses allowance
- Round-trip economy-class travel reimbursement for those living outside Delhi
This funding structure allows fellows to dedicate themselves fully to research while maintaining personal and academic well-being.
Responsive Table – Fellowship Financial Breakdown
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | INR 1,00,000 (gross) |
| Research Support | Expenses for study materials, data collection, field visits |
| Healthcare Needs | Medical expenses covered as required |
| Travel Reimbursement | Economy round-trip for scholars outside New Delhi |
Academic Mentorship & Institutional Support
One of the most distinctive features of the fellowship is the remote mentorship arrangement. Each selected scholar is matched with a Harvard faculty member whose research aligns with the project’s theme. Mentorship includes:
- Regular virtual meetings
- Feedback on research progress
- Guidance on publication strategy
- Support in connecting with global scholars
Fellows also participate in academic programming hosted by the Mittal Institute’s India office, including seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative research meetings.
These engagements help early-career researchers integrate into an intellectually vibrant community while staying rooted in Indian contexts.
Application Requirements & Submission Process
All applications must be submitted through the official Harvard ARIeS portal. Candidates need to prepare the following documents:
- Research Proposal (2–3 pages): Clearly outline the title, abstract, proposed questions, methods, and anticipated outcomes.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): List academic degrees, awards, publications, and research contributions.
- PhD Degree Certificate: Only a scanned copy is required; transcripts are not necessary.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: One must be from an academic referee who knows your research work.
After you submit your application, your referees will automatically receive a system-generated link to upload their letters.
Apply here: Harvard ARIeS Portal
Important Dates & Deadline
Application deadline: July 7, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly advised to complete the process well in advance.
Why You Should Consider Applying
The Harvard Mittal Institute India Fellowship offers significant advantages:
- Opportunity to collaborate with Harvard faculty without the need to relocate
- Substantial funding and travel support
- Interdisciplinary eligibility across sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities
- Research aimed at improving Indian society
- Access to a strong academic network
If your research aligns with India’s development goals and you aspire to be part of an international academic community, this fellowship can be an exceptional gateway.
How to Begin Your Application
Start your application here:
Apply via Harvard ARIeS Portal
For queries or support, contact the Mittal Institute team at:
mi******************@*********rd.edu
Explore more scholarship updates at
WeMakeYouScholar.com
