Top Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India (2025)

Top Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India (2025)

Are you dreaming of building a career in chemistry? But worried about how to fund your education or research dreams? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of young minds across the nation face financial challenges while pursuing their dreams in science. But here is some good news. Numerous chemistry scholarships & fellowships in India can help you unlock your potential without worrying about tuition fees or research costs. 

From undergraduate students to PhD scholars and postdoctoral researchers, these scholarships are designed to support everyone at every stage of their journey. Whether you are dreaming of discovering a drug for a rare genetic disorder or developing green energy solutions, financial support can’t be your barrier anymore. 

With these top chemistry scholarships & fellowships in India, you can contribute to building a strong nation through your innovations. We have brought you a curated list of the top chemistry scholarships & fellowships in India for 2025. So, now you can focus on your passion, not your pocket.

Comprehensive Overview of Top Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India (2025)

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility Summary	Official Link
INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE)	Top 1% in Class 12 Board Exams / top 10,000 rank in JEE/NEET; UG in Basic/Natural Sciences (17–22 yrs).	Link
HBCSE Summer Fellowship	1st-year UG Science/Engineering, ≥55% marks.	Link
DBT Junior Research Fellowship (BET)	Indian citizens are eligible to apply for a Ph.D. in Indian universities/institutes.	Link
CSIR-UGC NET JRF	Indian nationals with M.Sc. + NET qualification, subject to age/marks criteria.	Link
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)	Strong academic record; direct Ph.D. entry from top institutes.	Link
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship	Indian nationals pursuing doctoral studies; merit-based.	Link
Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship	Ph.D. holders ≤35 yrs for postdoctoral research in India.	Link
National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (NPDF)	Ph.D. holders ≤35 yrs for research in Indian institutes.	Link
WISE-KIRAN (Women Scientists)	Women with Ph.D./M.Sc., career gap, restarting research.	Link
Institute-Based Fellowships (IITs/IISERs)	Institution-specific admission & fellowship rules (UG/PG/PhD).	Visit institute sites
Tata Innovation Fellowship	Ph.D. holders ≤55 yrs; strong track record in life sciences/biotech innovation.	Link
L’Oréal India Young Women in Science	Girls after Class 12 (Science), higher studies; merit + financial need.	Link
Tata Trusts Education Grants	UG/PG students in science/medicine; merit + need-based.	Link
INSA-JRD Tata Fellowships	Researchers from developing countries for work in India.	Link
Merck India Charitable Trust (MICT) Scholarships	Class 10/12 students; merit + financial need support.	Link

 

Detailed Explanation of Each Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India

1. Scholarships for Undergraduate Chemistry Students

• INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)

• • Offered by: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India

• • Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate (B.Sc. and M.Sc.)

• • Amount: ₹80,000 per year (₹60,000 direct + ₹20,000 for summer projects)

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research, or INSPIRE, is an initiative by the indian government to help young talents in science. This program is for top-performing science students, including those in chemistry. Along with financial support, INSPIRE SHE also offers summer internships at national labs, providing students with a glimpse into the life of a research scientist. 

• HBCSE Summer Fellowship Program

• • Provider: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) – HBCSE

• • Eligibility: Students pursuing B.Sc or integrated M.Sc in Chemistry and related fields

• • Support: Stipend of ₹7,500 for the 4–6 week duration + travel reimbursement and accommodation (if required)

This highly competitive summer research fellowship provides an excellent opportunity to gain early exposure to scientific research. This program nurtures pedagogy under expert mentorship. These Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India offer a launchpad to young minds. The selected candidates have the opportunity to work on hands-on projects. They will be contributing to national science education initiatives, Olympiad training, and curriculum development.

2. Scholarships for Postgraduate Chemistry Students

• DBT Postgraduate Fellowship

• • Provider: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India
  • Eligibility: M.Sc. students in Life or Chemical Sciences from select institutions
  • Support: Monthly stipend + contingency grant

This fellowship helps postgraduate students to gain research experience from the top-notch DBT-funded labs. It helps in bridging the gap between academia and hands-on laboratory work. This fellowship prepares students for future research roles. 

• Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship

• • Provider: Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
    
  • Eligibility: Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in Chemistry and other science subjects
    
  • Support: Monthly stipend and annual contingency

This scholarship is provided to meritorious students. It encourages students to excel in science education. It is one of the best scholarship programs for those who demonstrate leadership. It requires a strong academic record during their master’s.

3. Fellowships for Ph.D. and Doctoral Research

• CSIR-UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)

• • Offered by: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) & University Grants Commission (UGC)

• • Level: Postgraduate to Ph.D.

• • Amount: ₹37,000 (JRF) and ₹42,000 (SRF), plus HRA and contingency grant

This is one of the top Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India awarded for research and academic career. It’s for the students who have cleared the national level. NET exam with high ranks in the field of chemical sciences. This fellowship will not only fund your research but also act as a qualification for assistant professorships in Indian universities. 

• Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF)

• • Offered by: Ministry of Education, Government of India

• • Level: Direct Ph.D. at IISc, IITs, NITs, and other select institutions

• • Amount: ₹70,000 to ₹80,000/month (progressive increase), plus ₹2 lakh per year as contingency

If you’re looking to step into high-impact research after your undergraduate or master’s, then PMRF is the best option. Chemistry students can apply for this fellowship if they secure PhD admission at one of the PMRF participating institutions. Based on academic performance, research proposals, and a letter of recommendation, the fellowship is awarded. 

4. Postdoctoral Fellowships in Chemistry

• Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship

• • Offered by: University Grants Commission (UGC)

• • Level: Postdoctoral (Ph.D. in Chemistry)

• • Amount: ₹46,500–₹54,000/month depending on experience, plus contingency

This fellowship is named after the renowned physicist Dr. D. S. Kothari. This postdoctoral fellowship is designed for recent PhD graduates in chemistry to support their academic research in Indian universities. The fellowship offers flexibility for researchers to choose their institutions and mentors. This allows them to align their research in chemical sciences. 

• National Post Doctoral Fellowship (NPDF)

• • Provider: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
  • Eligibility: Ph.D. holders below 35 years in Chemistry or allied disciplines
  • Support: ₹55,000/month + research grant

NPDF helps young researchers establish themselves in the academic and scientific fields. It helps in gaining mentorship from top scientists at leading Indian research institutes. It also encourages postdoctoral innovation and collaboration. 

5. Scholarships for Women in Chemistry

WISE-KIRAN Scheme for Women Scientists

• • Offered by: DST, Government of India
  • Level: Postgraduate and Ph.D.
  • Programs under WISE-KIRAN:

Program	Eligibility	Support	Purpose
WISE-PhD	Unemployed women with M.Sc.	₹37,000/month + research grant	Pursue doctoral research
WISE-PDF	Women Ph.D. holders	₹67,000/month + up to ₹3L for equipment	Postdoctoral research
WISE-SCOPE	Ph.D. holders	₹55,000/month + project grants	Societal research
WISE-IPR	Open	Varies	IPR training for self-employment

 

This scheme is launched to support women who wish to return to research or want to pursue advanced studies after a break. Whether it’s doctoral, postdoctoral, or societal research. WISE-KIRAN offers funding options for every program. The main aim is to promote gender inclusivity in science.

6. Institute-Based Fellowships (IITs & IISERs)

• • Offered by: Individual IITs and IISERs
  • Eligibility: Based on JAM (M.Sc) or GATE/NET (Ph.D.)
  • Support:
    • M.Sc.: ~₹12,400/month
    • Ph.D.: ~₹31,000/month (as per MoE norms)

India’s top institutions, such as IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, and IISER Pune, offer internal fellowships to students pursuing chemistry. These Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India are based on entrance exams, such as JAM for MSc students and GATE/NET for PhD scholars. It also covers tuition fees, cost of living, and sometimes even the research contingencies. These institutes offer access to advanced labs, mentorship, and international collaboration opportunities. 

7. Tata Innovation Fellowship

• Provider: DBT, Government of India
• Level: Postdoctoral scientists in life sciences and chemical biology
• Support: ₹25,000/month (in addition to salary) + ₹6 lakh/year as contingency

While it may not be exclusive to chemistry, the Tata Innovation Fellowship supports scientists conducting innovative and translational research in the life sciences and chemical biology. If your chemistry work has a biomedical or biotechnological application, this fellowship is a perfect fit. It rewards innovation and real-world impact, making it one of the most competitive fellowships in India.

8. IACS Fellowships & Research Programs

• Provider: Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata
• Level: UG, PG, and Ph.D.
• Support: Varies based on program
  

India’s oldest and most respected chemistry research institution is the Indian Association of Chemistry. This is one of the top Chemistry Scholarships & Fellowships in India. It offers fellowships and summer research opportunities. The selected students get hands-on lab experience. You will have guidance from leading chemists. And a possible gateway into integrated PhD programs. These programs can be truly transformative if you are interested in exploring chemistry research. 

9. Private Scholarships & CSR Fellowships

Several private foundations and companies offer chemistry-focused scholarships based on merit, financial need, or gender equity:

• L’Oréal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship
• Tata Trusts Medical and Science Education Grants
• INSA-JRD Tata Fellowships
• Merck India Charitable Trust (MICT) Scholarships

These fellowships often focus on merit, gender equity, or financial need. Many of them are linked to industrial research or applied sciences, allowing students to connect with the private sector.

The world of chemistry is full of opportunities. From discovering new material to solving climate challenges or curing disease, the possibilities are endless. But to fully explore this world, you need the right support system. These chemistry scholarships & fellowships in India for 2025 offer not only financial support. They are also helping you in building a powerful academic and research network. 

Whether you are in school, college, or already in your early research career, these chemistry scholarships & fellowships are designed for your every stage. Take time to explore these options. Prepare your applications carefully and step confidently into this exciting world of chemistry. 

Pro Tip: Start early, keep track of deadlines, and reach out to mentors or professors for guidance and recommendation letters. Many of these programs are competitive, but with the right effort, they’re absolutely within reach.