IIT Hyderabad FIRST at IITH PhD 2026: Rs. 60,000 Fellowship Programme, Check Eligibility

IIT Hyderabad FIRST at IITH PhD 2026: Could a ₹60000 Monthly Fellowship boost your research career?

Hyderabad: International scholars seeking opportunities for doctoral research in India can apply for the IIT Hyderabad Fellowship for International Research Scholars in Technology - FIRST at IITH. This four-year PhD opportunity offers selected scholars financial support of ₹60,000 per month plus ₹1 lakh per year as contingency support.

The application fee is nil and applications are invited till October 31, 2026 5:00 PM IST - according to the announcement provided.The fellowship aims to support international scholars pursuing impactful research in diverse disciplines at IIT Hyderabad.

IIT Hyderabad FIRST at IITH PhD 2026: What is the Fellowship?

IIT Hyderabad's FIRST at IITH stands for Fellowship for International Research Scholars in Technology. The institute states the fellowship is intended for international scholars pursuing doctoral level research at the institute. IIT Hyderabad's International Relations office manages international students, researchers via academic programmes, research and international collaborations.

The institute also conducts PhD admissions across various departments and interdisciplinary programmes. Its official PhD admissions information states, "the candidates should go through the eligibility requirements given in the relevant department brochure."

FIRST at IIT Hyderabad Fellowship 2026: Key details

Who should consider FIRST at IITH?

The opportunity is aimed at international scholars interested in pursuing doctoral research at IIT Hyderabad. Prospective applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements for their area of research. IIT Hyderabad notes, "the eligibility and selection criteria are decided individually by each department and the candidate may apply for more than one department if eligible."

This makes it important for applicants to look beyond the fellowship size. The right research area, academic background and alignment with departmental requirements will remain central to the admission process.

What financial support does FIRST at IITH provide?

The fellowship package indicated in the announcement offered:

• ₹60,000 monthly fellowship
• ₹1,00,000 annual contingency
• Nil application fee
• Four-year PhD opportunity

For a researcher considering a full-time doctoral programme, financial support can be a significant advantage to support them through the research period. But, candidates should check the current terms and conditions of the fellowship in the official application information before submitting their forms.

Why should one consider IIT Hyderabad for PhD research?

IIT Hyderabad offers PhD programmes across a range of engineering, sciences, interdisciplinary areas and other academic fields. Its official admissions portal currently lists departments including Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Climate Change, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Physics and several other fields. The international-facing academic ecosystem of the institute can also be relevant for scholars coming to India for doctoral research.

Ultimately, the best reason to apply should be the research fit. Applicants should identify faculty members, departments and research areas aligned with their interests before applying.

How to apply for IIT Hyderabad FIRST at IITH PhD 2026?

International scholars interested in the programme should consider current instructions provided through IIT Hyderabad's official International Relations and PhD admission resources.

Before submitting their applications, candidates should:

• Check the current eligibility requirements for FIRST at IITH
• Identify the relevant department or research area
• Review the required academic and supporting documents
• Complete the application through the required online process
• Carefully check the information before final submission
• Submit the application before 5:00 PM IST on October 31, 2026

IIT Hyderabad's general PhD instructions note, "it is not sufficient to just save your application in the system. You need to follow the instructions for submission of the application."

A four-year research opportunity with ₹60,000 monthly support

For international scholars considering doctoral research in India, the IIT Hyderabad Fellowship for International Research Scholars in Technology - FIRST at IITH offers a four-year PhD opportunity and financial support of ₹60,000 per month, plus ₹1 lakh annual contingency assistance.

But the deadline is the detail applicants cannot overlook. Applications are due by October 31, 2026 5:00 PM IST according to the announcement provided. Candidates should check the latest eligibility, department requirements and application instructions before submitting their forms.

FAQs

1. What is FIRST at IITH Fellowship 2026?

IITH’s FIRST is a fellowship program for international research scholars, which provides selected scholars with the opportunity to pursue PhD degree at IIT Hyderabad.

2. How much fellowship is provided under FIRST at IITH?

As per the given announcement, the selected scholars will get ₹60,000 per month + ₹1 Lakh per annum as contingency.

3. How long is the PhD program at IIT Hyderabad under the FIRST fellowship?

As per the given announcement, it is a four-year PhD program.

4. Is there an application processing fee for applying to the FIRST at IITH 2026?

No, as per the given announcement, the application processing fee is NIL.

5. What is the last date to apply for IIT Hyderabad PhD via FIRST fellowship?

As per the given announcement, the last date to apply for IIT Hyderabad PhD program is October 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM IST.

6. Who is eligible to apply for the IIT Hyderabad PhD program?

The IIT Hyderabad PhD program is open to international scholars; however, applicants are advised to check eligibility criteria for their preferred department and research area.

7. Can candidates apply to more than one department?

As per the IIT Hyderabad PhD guidelines, if candidates want to apply to more than one department, they have to apply separately.

8. Where can applicants find more information on IIT Hyderabad PhD admissions?

Applicants can visit the IIT Hyderabad PhD admissions page for more information on the admission process, department, and application instructions.

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