USIEF follows a multi-tier selection process for all fellowships. After the application deadline, no applications will be accepted. The submitted applications move through the following stages of the selection process:

1. Technical Review: USIEF staff screen all the applications for eligibility and completeness before sending them to the reviewers/screening committees. Application that are deemed ineligible or do not meet the award requirements are not moved forward in the review process. Only complete applications (including all the required documents ) received by the deadline are considered in the review process. USIEF has created a checklist to ensure the applicants do not miss any mandatory documents.
2. Screening/Review Committees: Technically eligible applications are reviewed by subject experts. Reviewers include academicians and professionals from both U.S. and India who have discipline or field-specific experience. The committee/reviewers read and rate applications and make recommendations for further consideration.
3. National Selection Committee: Applicants who are short-listed in the review process are then invited for virtual interviews. Based on the fellowships available and priorities, final recommended list is drawn.

Screening/selection committees will generally use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

1. • • • Academic credentials and professional ability
       • Merit of the proposed Fulbright project
       • Communication skills
       • Commitment to community or national service
       • Need to conduct research in the U.S. and relevance to the Indian context
       • Outcomes, Potential Impact and Benefits
       • Motivation, Seriousness of Purpose, Maturity, Leadership, Cultural Adaptability
       • Ability to contribute as a cultural ambassador beyond his/her specific field of study
2. Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB): All final shortlisted applications are forwarded to FSSB for final approvals

Note: It is the policy of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board that reasons for non-recommendation and non-selection of applications are not given. Decisions taken by the reviewers/committees in connection with the selection process will be final and requests for reconsideration will NOT be entertained.

USIEF organizes mentoring workshops for potential Fulbright applicants, offering guidance on how to create a strong application. These workshops cover key elements of the application process and provide valuable insights to enhance your submission.

For more information on upcoming workshops in your region, please contact your local USIEF office.