Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
For research, teaching, or a combination of teaching and research activities. Teaching can include co-teaching, guest lectures, workshops, seminars. Many Distinguished Scholars also work with Indian faculty on curriculum and program development, and conducting occasional lectures, workshops, and seminars both at their host institution and other institutions around India. Applicants may determine the percentage of the grant dedicated to each activity and should define this clearly in the project abstract/ summary and the project statement. A recommended teaching load for distinguished scholars would not exceed one course per term (generally three hours of teaching per week.)
Note: Distinguished Scholars are provided a generous domestic travel stipend for guest lectures and professional engagements across India.
Affiliations are available throughout India except for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to a valid visa or OCI Project Clearance, prior approval from the Government of India may be required for traveling to protected/restricted areas as designated by the Government of India. These areas include Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Scholars should consider this before finalizing their institutional affiliations or research projects.
According to Government of India regulations, Fulbrighters must be affiliated either with institutions/organizations of higher education approved and listed on the website of the Indian Ministry of Education, including institutions accredited AICTE, UGC and other Apex Level Bodies of the Ministry or medical institutions accredited by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
Note: Fulbrighters cannot be affiliated with non-government organizations (NGOs), think tanks, research organizations or other institutions that are not recognized by these regulatory bodies.
Applicants are encouraged to indicate their affiliation preference and secure an invitation letter from an institution when possible. If the applicant does not have a preferred host institution, USIEF can assist with identifying an appropriate one. Affiliations will be finalized by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) after the grantee is selected. USIEF reserves the right to change the affiliation if the one indicated in the application is unsuitable for any reason.
Grants may be 4 months.
Grants may begin any time between July 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Applications in all fields will be considered.
In-Country Grant Related Travel for Distinguished Scholar
The Fulbright Commission in India provides up to $2000 for travel and accommodation expenses for delivering lectures/ talks or conducting workshops across India. These events can be organized by the Commission upon recommendation from the scholar or receiving invitations from other institutions for hosting the scholar.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
All teaching will be in English; additional language proficiency not required.
For research, basic knowledge of a local language in the location of research can be an advantage; applicants are not required to submit a language proficiency evaluation.
Applicants for this award must have more than thirteen years of experience in a discipline or area of expertise. The Distinguished Scholar award is designed for eminent scholars with substantial experience and publications in their respective fields.
Applicants without significant experience in India are encouraged to apply, as are India specialists. Scholars who can contribute new methods of pedagogy, specifically interactive methods, group work and project-based learning are encouraged to apply. Scholars may be placed at institutions with varying academic/administrative arrangements; undergraduate colleges often make optimum use of visiting scholars.
Given the very limited number of awards under the Distinguished Scholar Fellowship, candidates may also be considered for the Academic & Professional Excellence Award.
U.S.-India Educational Foundation - Fulbright Commission in India
For suggested host institutions, please contact Priyanjana Ghosh, Senior Program Officer: Priyanjana@usief.org.in.
$6,000 per month. Support in arranging housing will be provided by USIEF and the host institution.
A one-time teaching/research allowance of up to $750 provided on a reimbursable basis for specific allowable expenses.
Additional living allowance of $200 per month per dependent, up to a maximum of three dependents who accompany the grantee for at least 80 percent of the grant period.
Travel for up to two accompanying dependents is also provided as long as the dependents accompany the grantee for at least 80% of actual grant duration in India.
Tuition reimbursement for up to $5,000 per child or $10,000 per family for accompanying dependent children in grades K-12 on a reimbursement basis.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
With additional funding provided by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, during their grant period, Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region may apply for a regional travel grant to engage in a variety of activities at academic institutions or non-profit organizations in eligible SCA countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Activities that U.S Scholars may engage in include: faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, conferences, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, or some combination thereof. Scholars in the arts may be invited to give master classes or recitals, participate in exhibitions or workshops, or consult with cultural institutions. Activities may not include research. This grant will cover travel to and from the destination and lodging may be offered by the hosting institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant, and as funds are limited, may only participate in one Regional Travel Grant during their Fulbright grant.
Before traveling to another country on a Regional Travel Grant, it is important to confirm trip details with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or Fulbright Commission in that country.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference
With funding provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (the Fulbright Commission in India) invites eligible Fulbright grantees in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for Fulbright U.S. Scholars and U.S. Student Researchers who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region at the time of the conference to gather to discuss each other’s work, network, and share their experiences as international exchange participants.
Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), India’s Fulbright Commission, proudly offers over 40 Fulbright U.S. Scholar grants across three award categories for the 2026-27 academic year.
Since 1950, USIEF has facilitated over 21,000 fellowships, supported by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Education, Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Department of Science and Technology, and other partners. This robust collaboration reflects the program's historic significance and the strong partnership between the United States and India.
The transformative 2008 Fulbright agreement elevated India to full partnership in funding and governance of the program. Under this landmark accord, Fulbright-Nehru and Fulbright-Kalam Fellowships have expanded significantly, introducing innovative opportunities and increasing the number of fellowships available to U.S. scholars.
India is a compelling destination for Fulbright scholars. As the world’s largest democracy and a burgeoning global economy, it boasts a rich historical tapestry, cultural pluralism, and an unparalleled zeal for education. Home to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing education systems, India welcomes scholars to teach, research, and exchange ideas across a wide array of disciplines.
Higher Education in India: Opportunities and Structure
India’s higher education system, rooted in the British model, primarily conducts instruction in English. It encompasses universities, colleges, and specialized diploma-awarding institutions, categorized by central, state, and private funding sources. Undergraduate admissions are highly competitive, often reliant on rigorous entrance exams.
Scholars will find an education landscape that prioritizes quality teaching and innovative research. The 2020 New Education Policy (NEP) is poised to revolutionize Indian education. Highlights of the NEP include:
This policy aims to position India as a vibrant knowledge hub.
Practical Support for Fulbrighters
USIEF ensures robust support for Fulbright scholars through its offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. These hubs facilitate a seamless transition for grantees and provide guidance throughout their fellowship.
Why Choose India?
India’s rich cultural, academic, and professional opportunities make it an unmatched destination for Fulbright scholars. From ancient traditions to cutting-edge research, the country offers a unique blend of experiences that inspire and challenge scholars to grow intellectually and personally.
Visit the Current Fellows page on the USIEF website to explore past projects and gain insight into the vibrant possibilities of a Fulbright experience in India.
We encourage you to seize this opportunity to engage with India’s dynamic academic and cultural landscape. Apply now and become part of this exciting journey!
Details regarding U.S. Scholar alumni to India can be found in the Fulbright Scholar Directory. Read more about Fulbright Scholar Alumni Ambassador, Professor Jeff Withey, who collaborated with microbiologists at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Archaeological Research: Applicants must clearly state in their proposals whether they will need to visit excavation sites. Selected candidates in this field will be required to fill out a form that USIEF will submit to the government of India for obtaining special clearance from the Archaeological Survey of India.
Archival Research: Applicants should clearly state in their proposals whether they will need to consult records and/or papers in the National Archives, New Delhi, or in state archives. USIEF will obtain the necessary letter from the U.S. Embassy, which will be required for a scholar’s entry into the archives.
Public Health/ Medical Research: Applicants in pursuing health or medical related research may require additional approvals. USIEF will guide candidates through the process.