Government of India Launches AI Fellowship Program for Students

The Government of India has launched the IndiaAI Fellowship program to support students engaged in Artificial Intelligence projects. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to undergraduate, master's, and PhD students, fostering a skilled workforce in AI. Eligibility criteria include specific academic performance and course completion. The application process varies for different educational levels, with detailed requirements for documentation. This program not only offers financial aid but also promotes innovation in the AI sector, making it a significant step for aspiring AI professionals.

By Ambika Singh Oct 9, 2025, 13:58 IST

Introduction to IndiaAI Fellowships

The Government of India has introduced a new initiative aimed at fostering student engagement in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This program is designed to provide financial backing for students working on AI-related research and projects, ultimately aiming to cultivate a robust workforce skilled in AI within the nation.

Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply?

To qualify for this fellowship, final-year undergraduate or dual degree students must have completed a minimum of three AI-focused courses and achieved at least 80% marks or an equivalent score. For postgraduate applicants, a minimum of 80% in their undergraduate studies and 75% in their current program is required. PhD candidates must adhere to specific CGPA standards and should not be recipients of any other fellowship.

Application Process for UG/PG/Dual Degree Students

Steps to apply:

1. Access the fellowship portal.

2. Complete the application form with necessary documents.

3. The project guide will verify the application and forward it to IndiaAI.

4. Applications will be assessed based on eligibility criteria and available seats.

5. IndiaAI will then approve or deny the application.

Application Process for PhD Candidates

Steps for PhD applicants:

1. The institution will provide the nodal officer's details to IndiaAI.

2. Upon approval, the officer will be registered on the portal.

3. The institution will identify eligible PhD scholars.

4. Scholars will complete the application and upload required documents.

5. IndiaAI will approve or reject the application after verification.

Financial Support Details

Fellowship Amount:

Undergraduate students may receive financial assistance of up to ₹100,000, distributed in two installments. Postgraduate students can obtain between ₹100,000 and ₹200,000, depending on their semester. Each installment will be contingent on grade sheets and project progress reports.

Ongoing Application Process

How to nominate:

Nominations for this fellowship can be submitted year-round, but only the top 10 nominations from each institution will be accepted. Alongside the application, students must provide updated marksheets, letters of support from both the project guide and the institution head, a passport-sized photograph, and any optional additional documents.

Required Documentation

Documents needed:

1. Latest UG marksheet in PDF format (20 KB to 2 MB)

2. Letter of support from the Project Guide in PDF format (20 KB to 2 MB)

3. Letter of support from the Institution Head in PDF format (20 KB to 2 MB)

4. Passport-size photo in JPG/JPEG/PNG format (20 KB to 500 KB)

5. Optional additional documents in PDF format (up to 2 MB)

Objective of the Fellowship

This initiative serves not only as financial support for students aspiring to build careers in AI but also represents a significant move towards enhancing innovation across the country.