Last Updated: January 2, 2026
Table of Contents
- 💰 Fellowship Benefits: What You'll Receive
- 📋 Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
- 🔬 Eligible Fields of Study
- 📅 Application Timeline 2026
- 📄 Required Documents Checklist
- 📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
- 🎯 Tips to Maximize Your Selection Chances
- 🔗 Other France Scholarships to Explore
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🕑 6 min read
The Raman-Charpak Fellowship 2026 provides Indian PhD students €1,500/month (approximately ₹1,39,500) plus return airfare and insurance to conduct research in France for 2-6 months. Named after Nobel Laureates C.V. Raman (India, 1930) and Georges Charpak (France, 1992), this is the only Indo-French bilateral fellowship fully funded by both governments.
If you’re a PhD scholar looking to gain international research experience, collaborate with French labs, and strengthen your academic profile, this fellowship is your golden opportunity. The 2026 application cycle opens in April 2026 with a deadline in June/July 2026.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—eligibility, benefits worth ₹8-10 lakh, application process, required documents, timeline, and expert tips to maximize your selection chances. If you’re planning to study in France, this fellowship is an excellent stepping stone.
🇫🇷🇮🇳 Raman-Charpak Fellowship 2026: Quick Overview
- Monthly Stipend: €1,500 (₹1,39,500/month)
- Duration: 2-6 months
- Total Value: ₹8-10 lakh (including airfare, insurance)
- Eligibility: Indian PhD students under 30 years
- Application Opens: April 2026
- Deadline: June/July 2026
- Results: September 2026
- Fellowship Starts: October 2026 onwards
💰 Fellowship Benefits: What You’ll Receive
The Raman-Charpak Fellowship is fully funded—you don’t pay a single rupee. Here’s the complete breakdown:
💡 Exchange rate: 1 EUR = ₹93 (approximate)
💡 KEY INSIGHT
For a 6-month fellowship, you’ll receive approximately ₹8.37 lakh in stipend alone (€9,000), plus all expenses covered. This makes it one of the most generous research fellowships available to Indian PhD students!
📋 Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
Before applying, ensure you meet ALL these requirements:
⚠️ NOT ELIGIBLE
- Those who previously received CEFIPRA support
- Those with permanent positions at institutions
- Master’s students (only PhD students for Indians)
- Students without a confirmed French host supervisor
🔬 Eligible Fields of Study
The fellowship covers a wide range of scientific disciplines:
🌿 Environmental Sciences
🌡️ Atmospheric Sciences
⚛️ Physical Sciences
🧪 Chemical Sciences
🔧 Engineering Sciences
🧬 Biological Sciences
🏥 Life & Medical Sciences
🔩 Materials Sciences
🖥️ Mathematical & Computational Sciences
🎯 Need Help with Your Fellowship Application?
From finding French host labs to crafting a winning research proposal, our experts can guide you through the entire process.
✓ 500+ students guided | ✓ Expert research proposal review
📅 Application Timeline 2026
April 2026
📢 Call for Applications announced on CEFIPRA website
April – June 2026
📝 Application submission window open
June/July 2026
⏰ APPLICATION DEADLINE (exact date announced in April)
August – September 2026
🔍 Selection process and evaluation
End of September 2026
📧 Results announced via email and CEFIPRA website
October 2026 onwards
🎉 Fellowship begins in France
📄 Required Documents Checklist
Prepare these documents BEFORE the application opens:
📋 Core Documents
- ✅ Research Proposal (max 5 pages)
- ✅ CV with photo (max 3 pages)
- ✅ Publication list with role (first/co-author)
- ✅ PhD Synopsis/Summary (max 3 pages)
- ✅ PhD Registration Letter (scanned)
- ✅ Highest Degree Certificate (scanned)
📝 Letters Required
- ✅ LOR from Indian PhD Supervisor
- ✅ Invitation Letter from French Host Supervisor
- ✅ Agreement Letter from French Lab
- ✅ NOC from Head of Indian Institution
🆔 Identity Documents
- ✅ Passport (front & back scanned)
- ✅ Recent photograph
- ✅ Research experience proof
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Identify French Host Lab (Start NOW!)
Research French institutions in your field. Use platforms like ResearchGate, Google Scholar to find professors whose work aligns with yours. Email them with your research proposal draft. This step takes 2-4 months—start early!
Step 2: Secure Invitation Letter
Once a French supervisor agrees to host you, get a formal invitation letter and agreement letter. Ensure they mention specific research collaboration details and duration.
Step 3: Prepare Research Proposal
Write a compelling 5-page proposal covering: project title, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and how this collaboration benefits your PhD research. Get feedback from both supervisors.
Step 4: Collect Supporting Documents
Get NOC from your institution head, LOR from your Indian supervisor, update your CV with publications, and gather all certificates.
Step 5: Submit Online Application
Apply at www.cefipra.org when the portal opens in April. Upload all documents and complete the form. Submit early—don’t wait until the deadline!
💡 EXPERT TIP
“The biggest mistake students make is waiting until April to find a French host. Start emailing potential supervisors NOW—3-6 months before applications open. French professors receive many requests, so early contact with a well-crafted email increases your chances significantly. Also, if your Indian institution has existing collaborations with French universities, leverage those connections.”
— Saumitra Rajput, Founder, Kadamb Overseas (15+ years experience)
🎯 Tips to Maximize Your Selection Chances
✅ DO
- Start host search 3-6 months early
- Target labs with Indo-French connections
- Highlight mutual research benefits
- Get strong LORs from both supervisors
- Show clear PhD research relevance
- Include publications (even if few)
- Apply early, not on deadline day
❌ DON’T
- Apply without confirmed French host
- Submit generic research proposals
- Exceed page limits (5 pages proposal)
- Wait until deadline to apply
- Ignore formatting guidelines
- Submit incomplete applications
- Reapply if already submitted once
🔗 Other France Scholarships to Explore
If you’re interested in France, also consider these prestigious scholarships:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 100% fully funded! You receive €1,500/month (₹1.4L) stipend, return economy airfare, health & travel insurance, visa costs, and up to €500 for attending seminars/workshops. Total value for a 6-month fellowship is approximately ₹9-10 lakh.
No, Indian Master’s students cannot apply. This fellowship is exclusively for Indian PhD students. However, French Master’s students can apply to visit India. If you’re a Master’s student interested in France, consider the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship or Charpak Master’s Scholarship instead.
No, French is not mandatory. Most scientific research in France is conducted in English, especially in lab settings. However, basic French knowledge is beneficial for daily life and can strengthen your application. Consider learning basics before your stay.
No, the duration is strictly 2-6 months. Extensions are not permitted under this fellowship. Plan your research timeline carefully to complete your objectives within this period.
No, there’s no CGPA or percentage cutoff. Selection is purely merit-based on your research proposal quality, academic profile, publications, and the strength of your French host lab connection. A strong proposal can offset lower grades.
Use these strategies: (1) Search publications in your field on Google Scholar/ResearchGate and identify French researchers; (2) Check if your Indian institution has existing collaborations with French universities; (3) Attend international conferences where French researchers present; (4) Email potential supervisors with a brief introduction, your research summary, and a specific collaboration proposal. Start this process 3-6 months before applications open.
The exact deadline is typically announced in April when applications open. Based on previous years, expect the deadline around June/July 2026. Results are announced by end of September 2026, and fellowships begin from October 2026. Monitor www.cefipra.org for official dates.
Ready to Apply for Raman-Charpak 2026?
Start preparing NOW! Finding a French host lab takes 3-6 months. Let our experts help you navigate the process.
📋 How We Help:
- Research proposal review & feedback
- French host lab search strategies
- Document preparation checklist
- Application form guidance
- Interview preparation (if required)
📞 +91-9913333239 |
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Saumitra Rajput
Founder & European Education Expert
With 15+ years of experience, Saumitra has helped 500+ Indian students secure admissions and scholarships in European universities, including prestigious fellowships like Raman-Charpak and Eiffel.
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Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder and lead counsellor at Kadamb Overseas, India's trusted Europe education consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of hands-on experience, he has personally guided 500+ students to universities across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Saumitra has visited partner universities across Europe, holds deep expertise in European visa processes, scholarships, and student life, and has achieved a 97% visa success rate for his clients. He is the host of the YouTube channel "Europe with Saumitra", where he shares first-hand insights on studying and living in Europe. His mission: make Europe accessible to every Indian student, with zero consultancy fees.
