MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship 2026 – Ministry of Culture, Kolkata

About the Organisation

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) is a premier research institution located in Kolkata, West Bengal, functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Established to promote scholarly research and academic engagement on Asian civilizations, cultures, and inter-regional relationships, MAKAIAS plays a vital role in advancing India's cultural diplomacy and intellectual outreach across Asia. The institute regularly invites distinguished scholars, researchers, and academics to contribute to its ongoing research programmes through fellowship opportunities.

Role & Responsibilities

The MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship is a prestigious research opportunity offered to scholars who wish to undertake in-depth academic research under specific thematic programmes approved by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Selected Senior Fellows will be expected to:

• Conduct original and rigorous research under one of the approved project themes.
• Submit periodic progress reports and a final research output as per institute guidelines.
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and academic discussions organized by MAKAIAS.
• Contribute to the intellectual and cultural mission of the institute and the Ministry of Culture.
• Produce publishable research papers, monographs, or reports based on their fellowship work.

• Ramayana Diplomacy: Exploring the cultural and diplomatic significance of the Ramayana across Asian nations.
• Gautam Buddha: Research on the life, teachings, and cross-cultural influence of Gautam Buddha across Asia.
• Ideas of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee: Academic study of the political, social, and intellectual contributions of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
• Brihattar Bharat (Greater India): Research on the historical, cultural, and civilizational connections between India and the broader Asian region.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in applying for the MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship 2026 must meet the eligibility requirements as specified in the official advertisement. While specific qualifications and age limits have not been detailed in the current notification, the fellowship is typically open to:

• Scholars, academics, and researchers with a strong background in Asian studies, history, culture, political science, or related disciplines.
• Individuals with demonstrated research experience and a credible academic or professional track record.
• Applicants who can propose a well-defined research project aligned with one of the four approved themes.
• Retired professors, serving faculty members, independent researchers, and subject matter experts are generally encouraged to apply.

Candidates are advised to refer to the official MAKAIAS advertisement for complete and updated eligibility criteria before applying.

Selection Process

The selection of Senior Fellows at MAKAIAS is typically carried out through a rigorous academic evaluation process. The process may include:

• Scrutiny of the submitted research proposal and application documents.
• Evaluation by an expert committee or selection panel constituted by MAKAIAS and the Ministry of Culture.
• Shortlisting of candidates based on the merit and relevance of their proposed research project.
• Interview or presentation round for shortlisted applicants, if applicable.

Final selection will be based on the academic merit of the candidate and the quality and relevance of the proposed research to the approved programme themes.

Salary & Benefits

The fellowship remuneration and associated benefits will be as per the norms prescribed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for Senior Fellowships under MAKAIAS-approved programmes. While specific salary figures have not been disclosed in the current notification, Senior Fellows under Ministry of Culture programmes typically receive a monthly fellowship amount along with contingency grants for research-related expenses. Candidates are advised to confirm the exact fellowship amount from the official advertisement or by contacting MAKAIAS directly.

How to Apply

Eligible and interested candidates must apply through offline mode only. The application process involves the following steps:

• Download or obtain the official application form from the MAKAIAS website or office.
• Fill in all required details accurately and completely.
• Attach a detailed research proposal aligned with one of the four approved project themes.
• Include all supporting documents such as academic qualifications, publications, experience certificates, and identity proof.
• Send the completed application along with all enclosures to the official address of MAKAIAS, Kolkata, before the deadline.

Applications submitted through online mode or received after the last date will not be considered. Candidates are encouraged to send their applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.

Important Dates

• Application Mode: Offline
• Last Date to Apply: Within 30 days from the date of publication of the official advertisement
• Official Notification: Refer to the MAKAIAS official website or Ministry of Culture portal for the exact publication date

Candidates must ensure their applications reach MAKAIAS, Kolkata, on or before the last date. Late or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship 2026?

A: The MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship is open to scholars, academics, researchers, retired professors, and subject matter experts with a strong background in Asian studies, history, culture, or related disciplines. Applicants must be able to propose a research project aligned with one of the four approved themes: Ramayana Diplomacy, Gautam Buddha, Ideas of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, or Brihattar Bharat. Please refer to the official advertisement for complete eligibility details.

Q: What is the fellowship amount or salary for MAKAIAS Senior Fellows?

A: The exact fellowship remuneration has not been specified in the current notification. However, Senior Fellowships under Ministry of Culture programmes typically include a monthly fellowship stipend along with a contingency grant for research expenses. Candidates are advised to check the official MAKAIAS advertisement or contact the institute directly for the confirmed fellowship amount.

Q: What is the last date to apply for the MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship 2026?

A: The last date to apply is within 30 days from the date of publication of the official advertisement. Candidates must ensure their offline applications reach MAKAIAS, Kolkata, on or before this deadline. It is recommended to apply well in advance to avoid any postal or processing delays.

Q: What is the selection process for the MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship?

A: The selection process involves scrutiny of the research proposal and application documents by an expert committee constituted by MAKAIAS and the Ministry of Culture. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or presentation. Final selection is based on the academic merit of the applicant and the quality and relevance of the proposed research project to the approved programme themes.

Q: How can I apply for the MAKAIAS Senior Fellowship 2026?

A: Applications must be submitted in offline mode only. Candidates need to fill out the official application form, attach a detailed research proposal under one of the approved themes, and include all relevant supporting documents. The completed application should be sent to the official address of MAKAIAS, Kolkata, before the last date. Online applications will not be accepted.

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