The Mittal Institute India Fellowship 2026, published by Harvard University, represents a career-defining opportunity for the brightest minds in postdoctoral research. If you are a recent PhD graduate with a compelling research vision for India, this fellowship could be your launchpad to significant academic and public impact. Navigating the application process for such a prestigious award can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide is designed to walk you through every step, offering clear, actionable advice to help you craft an application that truly shines. We will demystify the requirements, highlight the extraordinary benefits, and provide the encouragement you need to put your best foot forward.
Mittal Institute India Fellowship 2026
| Key Aspect | Detail |
| Fellowship Host | The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, Harvard University |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Application Deadline | July 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST |
| Primary Benefit | One-year residency with a monthly stipend of ₹1,00,000 |
The Mittal Institute India Fellowship 2026 is a gateway to a year of profound intellectual growth and a chance to make a tangible contribution to the understanding of India. While the application process is rigorous, it is also an opportunity to refine your research vision and articulate your scholarly ambitions.
Start preparing your application now. Give yourself the time to think deeply about your research, to polish your writing, and to connect with your recommenders. This prestigious fellowship is within your reach. Embrace the challenge, and you may soon find yourself at the forefront of scholarship in India, backed by the unmatched resources and reputation of Harvard University.
Unlocking a World of Opportunity: What is the Mittal Institute India Fellowship?
The Mittal Institute India Fellowship is more than just a postdoctoral position; it is a fully funded, year-long research residency designed to foster deep and impactful scholarship on India. Hosted by The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University, this program invites two exceptional scholars to base themselves in New Delhi. The core mission is to support independent, self-driven research that can contribute to the public good in India.
Fellows are not just given financial support; they are integrated into a vibrant intellectual ecosystem. This includes remote mentorship from Harvard faculty, access to Harvard’s extensive global academic networks, and the opportunity to engage with a diverse community of scholars, policymakers, and students in India.3 In my experience advising aspiring academics, the value of such a network cannot be overstated. It is often these connections that transform excellent research into influential work.
Who is This Fellowship For? The Ideal Candidate
This fellowship is tailored for early-career postdoctoral researchers who are brimming with innovative ideas. While open to all nationalities and disciplines, the fellowship gives preference to scholars who have been primarily educated at institutions in India and have not had prior opportunities to access Harvard’s resources.
The selection committee seeks individuals whose work is not only academically rigorous but also has the potential to move public discourse and effect real-world change. Whether your research is in public health, climate change, political science, literature, economics, or the visual arts, if it holds relevance for India, this fellowship is for you.
Are You Eligible? Checking the Boxes
Before you begin the application process, it is crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The requirements are specific, so a careful review is your first step.
Core Eligibility Requirements:
- Academic Standing: You must be an early-career postdoctoral researcher.
- PhD Completion Window: Applicants must have completed their PhD between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2025. This is a strict timeframe, so confirm your graduation date falls within this period.
- Residency: Fellows are expected to reside in New Delhi for the duration of the one-year fellowship.
- No Concurrent Fellowships: You cannot hold another fellowship or a full-time position concurrently with the Mittal Institute India Fellowship.
The Rewards of a Harvard-Backed Fellowship in India
The benefits of being a Mittal Institute India Fellow extend far beyond a line on your CV. This is a comprehensive package designed to support you personally and professionally.
- Generous Monthly Stipend: Fellows receive a gross monthly stipend of ₹1,00,000. This is intended to cover all living expenses, medical costs, books, and research materials, allowing you to focus entirely on your work.
- Travel Grant: For fellows relocating from outside of New Delhi, the fellowship provides a reimbursement for a round-trip economy airfare.
- Harvard Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with a Harvard faculty member for remote mentorship.10 This tailored academic guidance from a leading expert in your field is an invaluable asset.
- Unparalleled Networking: You will have the opportunity to publish your work, lead seminars, and engage with policymakers and scholars across India. The fellowship places you at the heart of critical conversations.
- Access to Harvard’s Resources: While based in India, you will be connected to Harvard’s vast intellectual resources, from digital libraries to a global network of academics.
Crafting Your Application: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Mittal Institute India Fellowship 2026?
A successful application is one that is thoughtful, well-researched, and meticulously prepared. The application must be submitted through the Harvard Academic Positions portal by the deadline of July 7, 2025. Here’s how to tackle each component.
1. The Research Proposal (2-3 pages)
Your research proposal is the heart of your application. It needs to be clear, concise, and compelling. I’ve seen many successful applicants excel by focusing on not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ of their research.
Your proposal should include:
- Project Title and Abstract: A succinct summary of your research.
- Research Questions: Clearly articulate the central questions your research seeks to answer.
- Methodology: Detail the methods you will use to conduct your research.
- Proposed Outcomes: What do you hope to achieve? This could be a book manuscript, a series of articles, a policy paper, or a creative work.
2. An Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should be well-organized and highlight your academic achievements. Be sure to include:
- Your academic degrees with the dates they were received.
- A list of your publications and research presentations.
- Any previous grants, fellowships, or academic honors.
3. The Writing Sample (Max 10 pages)
Select a writing sample that showcases your best scholarly work. This could be a dissertation chapter, a published academic paper, or a policy brief. Ensure it is double-spaced and does not exceed the 10-page limit. The sample should demonstrate your analytical skills and clarity of thought.
4. PhD Diploma Scan
You will need to provide a clear, scanned copy of your PhD diploma as proof of your degree.
5. Two Letters of Recommendation
Choose your referees wisely. At least one should be an academic referee who is intimately familiar with your scholarly work. Provide them with ample time to write a strong letter and share your research proposal with them so they can speak to the specifics of your project.
Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship 2025: Eligibility and Step by Step Apply Process
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply if my PhD was not from an Indian university?
Yes, the fellowship is open to all nationalities and academic backgrounds.13 However, preference is given to scholars who were primarily educated at institutions in India.
Q2: Is it possible to hold a part-time job during the fellowship?
No, the Mittal Institute India Fellowship is a full-time commitment, and you cannot hold any other fellowship or employment concurrently.
Q3: What kind of research topics are supported?
The fellowship is open to a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to STEM fields.15 The key criterion is that the research must be relevant to India and have the potential for public benefit.
Q4: Who should I contact if I have questions about the application?
For any inquiries, you should contact the Mittal Institute’s Delhi office directly at [email protected]. It is advised not to contact Harvard faculty directly regarding the fellowship.
