Each year, through an open call for proposals, the Foundation will advertise the Fellowship. There would be five categories of Fellowship themes each year: Ancient Indian History, Medieval Indian History, Modern Indian History, Freedom Movement & Post-Independence Indian History.

Applicants must have a Graduate degree as a minimum qualification. A Masters or Ph.D. in any field is desirable, and a background in history, archaeology and allied disciplines is beneficial though not mandatory. Original writing samples will also be evaluated for the shortlisting. In exceptional cases, individuals with a proven track record in research and writing may be considered, even without formal academic degrees.

Candidates are required to submit the following materials as part of their application:

• A completed online application form with personal and educational details (available on the FIHCR website during the application window).
  
  
• A 2–3 page research proposal (PDF, max 5MB) detailing the research objective, chapter outline or structure, and a short month-wise timeline of the proposed work (1 page max).
  
  
• A writing sample (minimum 1,000 words, maximum 5 pages), either published or unpublished, that demonstrates the applicant’s research and writing ability. Preferably related to the proposed topic.
  
  
• A budget plan (PDF or Excel) outlining the proposed utilisation of the ₹15 Lakhs grant.
  
  
• A CV including educational background and a list of prior publications, if any.
  
  

Any additional material the applicant wishes to submit to strengthen their application (optional).

All applications will undergo a multi-stage selection process, beginning with an internal screening. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview with the Fellowship jury. The final list of Fellows will be announced on 5 August 2025. The jury’s decision will be final and binding.

Selected Fellows will benefit from access to mentorship, academic workshops, and support in preparing their manuscript for potential publication. While FIHCR will make every effort to assist in connecting Fellows with publishers, it does not guarantee publication.

Specific milestones will be there during the Fellowship and disbursal of stipend will be dependent on deliveries at those fixed milestones. Periodically a Fund Utilization report and also progress report on status of research & writing need to be given. A seminar on findings by the mid-year mark and an Annual Conference at the end of the Fellowship to present findings will be conducted. Thus, each year a new cohort of Fellows will join the emerging group of scholars in Indian history.

At the end of the Fellowship (with a maximum grace period of 4 months for any exceptional needs on prior permission), the Fellows will make ready a publish-worthy manuscript whose copyright they will hold. The Foundation will make best efforts to get the manuscript published, though the Fellows are also free to publish their manuscripts themselves. A copy of the research material will be made available to the Foundation for its archival purposes.

Fellows are expected to complete the research and write a full-length, original manuscript. The copyright of the work remains with the Fellow. The Foundation will archive a copy for research and documentation purposes.

In addition to completing their project, Fellows must present their findings in a mid-year seminar and at the closing Annual Conference. Regular status updates and financial utilization reports are also expected.