The Valliappa Foundation has announced the Padma Bhushan Professor Rajinder Kumar Research Fellowship for three doctoral researchers. Each selected PhD scholar will receive Rs 1 lakh per year for three years. The fellowship honours former Indian Institute of Science (IISc) professor Rajinder Kumar and aims to support young researchers pursuing doctoral work.
The fellowship is open to full-time PhD scholars who are already registered and pursuing research at institutions ranked among the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The financial support can be used for research-related expenses, including materials, academic travel, and other activities directly connected with doctoral research.
Three fellows will be selected through a screening process conducted by an expert committee comprising experts from Sona College of Technology and Vee Technologies. The last date to submit applications for the inaugural fellowship is September 15, 2026.
The fellowship was formally announced by C Valliappa, chairman of the Valliappa Foundation. Rajinder Kumar made notable contributions to chemical engineering and later served as dean of engineering at IISc. The initiative forms part of the Sona Group’s efforts to support education, research, and innovation. Eligible candidates can download the application form through the Sona College of Technology website.
Key highlights:
- Three full-time PhD scholars will be selected for the research fellowship.
- Each selected scholar receives Rs 1 lakh per year for three years.
- Applicants must be pursuing a PhD at an institution ranked among the top 100 in NIRF.
- The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
- Applications are available through the Sona College of Technology website.
Eligible PhD scholars should visit the official website of Sona College of Technology to access the fellowship application and related information. Check the official website for the latest instructions and authoritative updates before submitting the application.