Core pillar
Group-embedded research
Conduct your project within an IIT Kharagpur research group, with mentorship, peer interaction, and shared infrastructure.
CRAFT — Fellowship for Research Scholars
A fellowship for PG and PhD students: mentored research within IIT Kharagpur groups with access to advanced infrastructure.
Maximum duration
Up to 30 days
21 Sept – 28 Feb 2027
Cohort Capacity
Flexible
PG and PhD students
Overview
CRAFT enables postgraduate and PhD students from other institutions to work on projects aligned with ongoing research at IIT Kharagpur, in close collaboration with faculty mentors and active groups. Participants may access relevant experimental and computational facilities, making the program particularly valuable for those with limited access to comparable resources at their home institutions.
Eligibility
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Postgraduate and PhD students
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With a well-defined problem aligned with ongoing work at IIT Kharagpur
Important dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 21 Sept 2026 |
| Applications Close | 31 Dec 2026 |
| Program dates | Flexible; visits must conclude by 28 Feb 2027 |
| Maximum duration | Up to 30 days |
Travel and Hospitality Support
Selected visitors will receive support for the approved duration, subject to applicable Government of India and Institute norms.
- Round-trip admissible train fare by the shortest route, reimbursed at actuals
- Accommodation for the approved duration; Institute Guest House or student hostel accommodation is subject to availability
- Local hospitality, including meals, for the approved duration
The approved support and applicable conditions will be communicated with the offer. At present, financial support is limited to domestic travel. Any change will be notified.
Program Structure
CRAFT places you within active research groups, with seminars, lab work, and mentorship aimed at outcomes you can carry forward.
Labs & workshops
Access advanced research infrastructure including specialised laboratories, computational facilities, and instrumentation.
Fellowship experience
Structured to democratize access while maintaining the rigor of graduate-level research practice.
01. Onboarding & plan
Align your proposal with host capabilities, safety requirements, and a realistic milestone plan.
Mentorship
Faculty & group guidance
Methods
Techniques & instrumentation
Scholarship
Literature, ethics, documentation
02. Deep project work
Sustained work with regular feedback through experiments, computation, or theory, depending on the discipline.
Hands-on lab, studio, or field work
Analysis, iteration, and validation
Presentation and feedback from peers
What You'll Gain
World-class infrastructure
Use facilities and instrumentation that may be unavailable at your home institution.
Mentored execution
Guidance from IIT Kharagpur faculty and researchers who know the standards of the field.
Peer network
Build relationships across disciplines with others pursuing serious research.
Seminars and Workshops
Participate in seminars, workshops, and thematic sessions.
Application and Selection Process
Visitors may apply directly or through faculty nomination; each application must identify an IIT Kharagpur faculty host and their academic unit. Selection is based on the visitor’s academic background and the clarity, relevance, feasibility and expected outcomes of the proposed engagement. The online application requires:
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Purpose of the visit
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Proposed engagement and expected outputs
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Current curriculum vitae
FAQs
Q: When can I apply?
A: Applications are accepted year-round, with priority given to summer, subject to accommodation availability.
Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
A: The fellowship runs for up to one month.
Q: How are visits organized?
A: Each visit is coordinated by a host faculty member.
Q: When will I receive a decision?
A: Decisions are communicated within one month of application.
For complete terms, policies, and conditions regarding this program, please Click here for more info.