Study-cum-Research Program at ICRISAT

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering International Organization committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting the 2.1 billion people residing in the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

ICRISAT invites applications from eligible candidates globally for its 2025-26 academic year for a Study-cum-Research Program under the following categories:

Internship Program – Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months
Master’s Research Program – Duration: 3 months to 6 months
Doctoral Research Program – Duration: 6 months to 3 years

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ICRISAT aims to become a major player in agri-food systems education alongside capacity building and training. ICRISAT continues to provide learning opportunities for students and researchers globally. The learner scholar will be engaged in a project that is typically in progress at ICRISAT and will contribute to project progress while enhancing the skills and learning opportunities for students. This facility offers not only learning opportunities but also excellent networking skills and network building for their further education and career progression.

Plant sciences

Genetics and plant breeding

Entomology

Plant pathology

Plant physiology

Agronomy

Genomics and Prebreeding

Cell and Molecular Biology

Trait Engineering

Natural/Environmental Sciences

Soil science

Soil and water conservation

Natural resource management

Environmental sciences

Climate studies

Social Sciences

Agricultural economics

Agricultural extension

Gender studies

Food and nutrition

Engineering and Technology

Agri-engineering

Postharvest management

Value addition

Digital agriculture

Mechanical/automobile engineering

Agri-business Management & Communications

Agri-business management

Finance

Media & communications

Others (related to ICRISAT services)

Organizational safety and security

Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Eligibility criteria

Candidates should have been enrolled in a recognized academic Institute/university for Master's (MSc-level research), Doctoral (PhD-level research), and BSc (for internship) programs.

Student research/internship should be a part of their academic requirements.

Candidates should have completed all required coursework and should be free from classroom attendance during the period of study at ICRISAT

In addition, recent graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) seeking to enhance their skills for further studies, employment, or market readiness are also eligible to apply.

Other requirements

1. Applicants must submit their applications online and pay a non-refundable application fee inclusive of GST:

USD $20 for international applicants (applying from outside India)

INR ₹1,500 for Indian students (applying from within India)

2. It is mandatory for all applicants to procure and maintain self-acquired travel, accident, and health insurance for the duration of their stay at ICRISAT.

Application Process

Applications are accepted year-round but will be reviewed and processed three times a year – in June, September, and March.
Applicants must submit their application at least 45 days before their intended start date.
Must apply via the link provided below along with the registration feen payment receipt.

Selection Criteria

Students will be selected based on the following criteria:

Alignment with the requirements of ICRISAT scientists or ongoing research programs (refer to the table below
Academic performance and qualifications
Personal interview (Optional)

Bench Fee*#

ICRISAT charges a nominal bench fee to cover the cost of office space, database access, library usage, and incidental research expenses such as chemicals, glassware, safety gear, and facilitation services.

Internships:(up to three months): USD $100 for the first month, plus USD $25 for each additional month or part thereof.
Masters Research Students(up to 6 months): USD $100 for the first 6 months, plus USD $50 for every additional 6-month period or part thereof.
Doctoral Research Students:(up to 12 months): USD $150 for the first 12 months, plus USD $50 for every additional 6-month period or part thereof.

Note: A limited number of scholarships/fellowships are also available, which will be given to deserving candidates.

*Bench fee does not cover students’ food, stay and travel expenses.
# Students from low-income countries (as classified by the FAO) are eligible for a 50% concession.
USD amounts may be converted into equivalent local currency at the time of payment.

* You will have to upload the payment receipt for your form to be considered.

Location wise estimated vacancies, 2025-26

Location	Internships	MSc	PhD
ICRISAT-Patancheru Campus at Hyderabad	93	38	24
African Regional locations	20	4	7