NCERT Doctoral Fellowship in Education and Related Disciplines (PhD) National Council of Educational Research and Training in

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is offering Doctoral Fellowships for 2026, aimed at supporting young scholars pursuing research in education and related disciplines. The fellowship is designed to foster original research and innovative methodologies in areas critical to school education and teacher education. NCERT is an autonomous organization under the Government of India, with several constituent units across the country, including NIE New Delhi, CIET New Delhi, and regional institutes in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, Shillong, and Nellore.

The scheme's objectives are to provide opportunities for doctoral research in education from multidisciplinary perspectives and to build a contemporary knowledge base in the field. Fellows may conduct their research at any recognized university or research institution in India, with NCERT encouraging proposals that demonstrate original thinking and innovative approaches.

Priority research areas include Early Childhood Care and Education, focusing on physical, motor, cognitive, socio-emotional, ethical, cultural, and artistic development, as well as communication, early language, literacy, and numeracy. The fellowship supports research on approaches, content, and methodology of early childhood education.

Funding for the fellowship is set at 37,000 INR per month for UGC-NET qualified candidates and 35,000 INR per month for non-NET candidates. The application process requires submission of a research proposal aligned with the priority areas, and candidates must apply online by January 19, 2026. The official brochure provides detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions.

This opportunity is ideal for aspiring researchers interested in advancing the field of education, particularly those focused on early childhood care, teacher education, and innovative educational methodologies. For more information and to apply, candidates should consult the official NCERT fellowship brochure and use the provided application link.