1. Anthropology
2. Economics
3. Education Policy and Planning
4. History
5. Language/Literature/Linguistics
6. Performing Arts
7. Political Science (including, but not limited to, International Security and Strategic Studies)
8. Psychology
9. Public Policy
10. Sociology
11. Urban and Regional Planning (with emphasis on smart cities and waste management)
12. Visual Arts

The applicant will be affiliated to one U.S. host institution. USIEF strongly recommends all applicants to indicate affiliation preference, and to correspond, in advance, with potential host institutions. If the applicant has secured a letter of invitation from a U.S. institution, they must include it as a part of the online application.

These fellowships provide J-1 visa support, a monthly stipend, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel, a modest settling-in allowance, and a professional allowance.

Subject to availability of funds, a dependent allowance and international travel may be provided for one accompanying eligible dependent provided the dependent is with the grantee in the U.S. for at least 80 per cent of the grant period.

In addition to the General Prerequisites

• The applicant must have a Ph.D. or a D.M. degree within the past four years. They must have obtained Ph.D. degree between July 15, 2021 and July 14, 2025. The applicant is required to upload their Ph.D. or D.M. degree certificate/provisional on the online application;
• The applicant must have a publication in a reputed journal. They must upload a recent significant publication (copy of paper/article) on the online application (not exceeding 30 pages); and
• If applicant is employed, please follow the instructions carefully regarding employer’s endorsement. If applicable, obtain the endorsement from the appropriate administrative authority on the FNPostdoc Letter of Support from Home Institution. The employer must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship period. Candidates working under government-funded projects are also required to get endorsement from their affiliating institutions in India.
• Government of India and Indian State Government employees are not eligible for any Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships. This does not include faculty or staff at Central or State universities or colleges.

Note: In the application, the applicant is required to indicate the period in which they can complete the proposed project in the United States. The applicant must determine grant duration carefully. Should they be selected for a grant, it will be for the period specified in their application. The duration cannot be changed.

1. Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2026
2. Please carefully review the FNPostdoc Applicant Instructions before starting your online application
3. Please refer to FNPostdoc Applicant Checklist before submitting the application
4. In addition, you must complete and upload the FNPostdoc Applicant Annexure and FNPostdoc Letter of Support from Home Institution on your online application (if applicable).

Timeline and Placement Process

For any queries contact: postdoc@usief.org.in