CRAFT - Fellowship for Research Scholars CRAFT (Collaborative Research Advancement Fellowship for Talent) supports postgraduate and PhD students from less-resourced institutions by providing access to IIT Kharagpur’s advanced academic ecosystem, including high-end experimental and computational facilities. It enables them to work on projects aligned with ongoing research in close collaboration with faculty mentors and active groups. Eligibility Postgraduate and PhD students With a well-defined problem aligned with ongoing work at IIT Kharagpur Fellowship Support CRAFT fellows receive financial support designed to cover essential expenses during the programme. Stipend: ₹5,000 for the 6-week duration.Accommodation: Covered under the KRITI scheme in IIT Kharagpur hostels.Meals: Provided for the entire duration. Program Structure CRAFT places you within active research groups, with seminars, lab work, and mentorship aimed at outcomes you can carry forward. Group-embedded Research: Conduct your project within an IIT Kharagpur research group, with mentorship, peer interaction, and shared infrastructure. 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. 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 Selection is based on academic preparation, potential, and the relevance and feasibility of the proposed project. Applicants must submit: A proposal developed with a prospective faculty mentor Academic transcripts Letters of recommendation A statement of purpose outlining research interests Important Dates Milestone Date Applications Open 15 April 2026 Applications Closed 31 December 2026 Program Dates Flexible Duration 30 days Frequently Asked Questions When can I apply?Applications are accepted year-round, with priority given to summer, subject to accommodation availability. What is the duration of the fellowship?The fellowship runs for up to one month. How are visits organized?Each visit is coordinated by a host faculty member. When will I receive a decision?Decisions are communicated within one month of application. Source: https://kriti.iitkgp.ac.in/programs/craft