DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026 has been officially announced by the Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). This prestigious scheme invites applications from Engineering post-graduates who hold an equivalent Engineering PG degree to pursue their Ph.D. under the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), which is a Deemed to be University. The DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026 is specifically designed for students who relish challenges in frontier areas of Science and Technology and wish to be part of India’s expanding nuclear power, research reactors, and nuclear fuel cycle technologies. Selected candidates will gain access to world-class research facilities and laboratories that are unique to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
About DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026
The DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026 commences in the third week of July 2026. The programme offers a rewarding research career in Nuclear Science, Engineering, and Technology. It aims to develop highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the nation-building task in highly specialized scientific areas. Scholars will be admitted to one of the following HBNI Constituent Institutions:
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
- Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam
- Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar
- Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata
- Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore
Fellowship Benefits in DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026
| Component | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | Rs. 80,000/- (Rupees Eighty Thousand) |
| Annual Contingency Grant | Rs. 60,000/- per year |
| Initial Duration | Four Years |
| Maximum Extension | Up to Five Years total (based on performance) |
| Medical Facilities | Available under Contributory Health Services |
During the DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026, hostel accommodation is mandatory for all Ph.D. scholars. The contingency grant is provided to meet Ph.D. related expenses such as books and research materials.
Important Dates for DDFS 2026
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | 22 December 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 22 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration | 21 January 2026 |
| Correction Window | 07 – 14 February 2026 |
| Download Admit Card | 25 February 2026 |
| Online Examination (CBT) | 14 and 15 March 2026 |
| Interview Slot Booking | 17 – 24 April 2026 |
| Selection Interviews | 16 – 18 June 2026 |
| Commencement of Programme | 3rd Week of July 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026
To apply for the DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026, candidates must fulfill the following educational and age requirements:
- Qualifying Degree: M.E. / M.Tech. / M.Sc. (Engg) / Integrated M.Tech. in Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Material Science, or Civil Engineering with minimum 60% marks.
- Undergraduate Degree: Minimum 60% marks in B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Sc. (Engg).
- Final Year Students: Those appearing in 2025-2026 may apply. They must submit final certificates by December 31, 2026.
- Age Limit: Born on or after August 1, 1998 (28 years). Relaxations apply for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwD (10 years).
- Nationality: Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
Screening Disciplines and Qualifying Degrees
| Screening Discipline | Eligible Qualifying PG Degree |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering (ME) | M.Tech in Mechanical or related |
| Chemical Engineering (CH) | M.Tech in Chemical or related |
| Metallurgical Engineering (MT) | M.Tech in Metallurgy / Material Science |
| Electrical Engineering (EE) | M.Tech in Electrical / EEE |
| Electronics Engineering (EC) | M.Tech in Electronics / ECE / Telecom |
| Computer Science (CS) | M.Tech in CS / Computer Engineering |
| Instrumentation (IN) | M.Tech in Instrumentation / Controls |
| Civil Engineering (CE) | M.Tech in Civil Engineering |
Selection & Screening for DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026
The selection process for the DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026 is a two-step procedure involving an Online Screening Examination and a Selection Interview. The screening exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a marking scheme of +3 for correct and -1 for incorrect answers. The duration is 120 minutes. Shortlisting for the interview depends equally on the Screening Test score and the marks obtained in the first two semesters of the M.Tech. degree.
Final selection for the DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026 is based solely on the candidate’s performance in the selection interview, which includes a 10-minute presentation on their M.Tech. project, subject to medical fitness clearance.
How to Apply for DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026
Interested candidates must visit the official portal at https://www.barcocesexam.in to submit their application. The DAE HBNI BARC Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) Programme 2026 application fee is Rs. 500 for General/OBC male applicants, while Women, SC/ST, and PwD candidates are exempted.
For further details, candidates are encouraged to check the official resources below:
