The Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI) at IIT Madras is offering a range of fellowship opportunities for talented researchers, graduates, postgraduates, and women interested in advancing their careers in Data Science (DS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The WSAI fellowship programmes provide an opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary research environment, collaborate with leading experts, access advanced computing infrastructure, develop independent research interests, publish academic research, and engage with scientists and researchers from around the world.

The fellowship opportunities currently featured by WSAI include Post Doctoral Fellowships, Post Bacc Fellowships, and the Women Post Bacc Fellowship Program. Each programme targets a different stage of an applicant’s academic or research career, making the opportunities relevant to both experienced researchers and promising early-career graduates.

WSAI was founded in 2024 with the goal of bringing together faculty members with expertise across Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to work on impactful problems that have direct relevance to society. Through its fellowship programmes, the School seeks to develop scientific talent while creating an environment where fellows can pursue meaningful research and build long-term academic and professional careers.

Opportunity Category: Fellowship

Host Institution: Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI), IIT Madras, India

Fields: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and allied application domains

Location: IIT Madras, India

Application Deadline: No specific deadline is stated on the provided WSAI fellowship information. Applicants should therefore consult the official fellowship application pages for the current application status and any deadline that may apply.

About the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

The Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI) is an academic and research school at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).

Founded in 2024, the School brings together faculty members with expertise in different areas of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Its work is focused on addressing impactful problems that have practical and societal relevance.

WSAI’s interdisciplinary structure is particularly important for researchers working in modern AI and Data Science because many emerging research challenges cannot be addressed effectively through a single academic discipline.

The School’s research environment provides fellows with opportunities to:

• Work with faculty members specializing in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
• Develop research projects and independent research directions.
• Collaborate across disciplines.
• Interact with researchers and scientists from around the world.
• Access advanced computing infrastructure.
• Participate in workshops and academic colloquia.
• Develop publication records through high-quality research.
• Mentor students and contribute to the academic community.
• Build connections with researchers in academia and industry.

For candidates interested in building a research-oriented career in AI or Data Science, the WSAI fellowships can provide an environment for developing both technical expertise and research independence.

WSAI Post Doctoral Fellowship 2026

The WSAI Post Doctoral Fellowship is designed for outstanding researchers who have already completed a PhD and want to continue developing their research careers in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related application areas.

The programme is particularly suited to candidates who have demonstrated strong academic or research capabilities and are interested in developing independent research lines under supportive mentorship.

According to WSAI, the fellowship environment is designed to nurture scientific leadership. Fellows are encouraged to move beyond simply contributing to existing projects and instead develop their own research directions with guidance and support from experienced faculty.

Who Is the Postdoctoral Fellowship For?

The Post Doctoral Fellowship is intended for:

• Outstanding candidates who hold a PhD degree.
• Researchers whose doctoral research is related to Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or allied application domains.
• Researchers interested in developing independent research programmes.
• Candidates seeking mentorship from leading faculty in Data Science and AI.
• Researchers who want access to advanced high-performance computing infrastructure.
• Individuals interested in publishing research and participating in an interdisciplinary academic environment.

A PhD in a relevant field is therefore the central academic requirement described for this fellowship.

Benefits of the WSAI Post Doctoral Fellowship

The WSAI Post Doctoral Fellowship provides several benefits designed to support both the professional development and research activities of fellows.

1. Monthly Fellowship Stipend of INR 1 Lakh

The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of INR 1 lakh.

This financial support is intended to provide fellows with funding while they undertake their research at WSAI.

2. Interdisciplinary Research Environment

Fellows become part of a highly interdisciplinary environment where researchers working in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence can interact and collaborate.

This can expose researchers to different methodologies, perspectives, technical approaches, and application areas.

3. Mentorship by Leading Faculty

Postdoctoral fellows receive the opportunity to work with and receive mentorship from leading faculty members in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Mentorship can be particularly valuable for researchers seeking to establish independent research programmes and develop their scientific leadership.

4. Opportunity to Mentor Students

The fellowship also provides fellows with opportunities to mentor bright students.

This can allow postdoctoral researchers to gain additional academic experience while contributing to the development of the next generation of researchers.

5. Research and Travel Allowances

In addition to the monthly stipend, the fellowship includes additional allowances for research and travel.

Such support can help fellows participate in research-related activities and academic events.

6. Workshops and International Colloquia

WSAI regularly organizes workshops and colloquia involving international experts.

Fellows can benefit from exposure to current research developments and opportunities to interact with experts working in different areas of AI and Data Science.

7. High-Performance Computing Infrastructure

Researchers receive access to state-of-the-art high-performance computing infrastructure.

This is particularly significant for researchers working with computationally intensive AI and Data Science projects that require substantial CPU or GPU resources.

WSAI Post Bacc Fellowship Program 2026

The WSAI Post Bacc Fellowship Program is designed for exceptional graduates and postgraduates seeking an extended research experience in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

The programme can provide an opportunity to spend up to two years undertaking research in an advanced academic environment.

Unlike a conventional short-term internship, the fellowship is structured around deeper research engagement. Participants can work on research problems, interact with scientists, develop technical skills, contribute to publications, and potentially earn academic course credits at IIT Madras.

Who Can Apply for the WSAI Post Bacc Fellowship?

The stated eligibility requirements are:

• Applicants should have a four-year Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree.
• The degree should be in an area relevant to WSAI.
• Applicants should be under 27 years of age.

The programme is therefore particularly suitable for young graduates and postgraduate students who want to explore research in AI and Data Science before pursuing a longer-term academic or research career.

Applicants should ensure that their academic background is relevant to the research areas of WSAI.

Benefits of the WSAI Post Bacc Fellowship

The programme provides a range of academic, research, professional, and networking opportunities.

Work at a Leading Research Centre

Fellows have the opportunity to work at one of India’s leading research centres for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

This provides exposure to a research-focused environment and the opportunity to work alongside experienced academics and researchers.

Interact With Scientists From Around the World

The fellowship allows participants to interact with top scientists from around the world.

International academic exposure can help fellows develop professional networks and gain insight into current developments in AI and Data Science.

Access to High-Performance Computing

Participants can access state-of-the-art CPU and GPU high-performance computing infrastructure.

This can be particularly valuable for computational research, machine learning, deep learning, large-scale data analysis, and other areas requiring significant computing resources.

Possibility of Earning IIT Madras Course Credits

The programme offers the possibility of earning course credits at IIT Madras.

This can add an academic component to the research experience and potentially support the fellow’s future educational plans.

Opportunities to Publish Research

Fellows can work toward publishing their research in top journals and A conferences*.

Developing a strong publication record can be highly valuable for candidates considering PhD programmes, academic careers, research positions, or advanced technical roles.

Support for Top-Tier Publications

According to WSAI, any publication in a top-tier venue will be supported by the Centre’s infrastructure.

This demonstrates the programme’s emphasis on producing high-quality research rather than simply completing short-term projects.

Fully Funded National Conference Trip

Fellows receive a fully funded trip to a national conference every year.

Conference participation can provide opportunities to present research, learn from other researchers, receive feedback, and build professional connections.

Previous Fellow Experience

WSAI highlights the experience of previous fellows to demonstrate the potential impact of the Post Bacc programme.

One former fellow, Siddharth C, described the fellowship as providing guidance, time to learn, access to experts from around the world, and an opportunity to discover his strengths.

His experience illustrates how a research fellowship can potentially provide more than technical training. It can also help participants clarify their academic interests, identify areas of specialization, and prepare for further studies.

According to the testimonial provided by WSAI, the fellowship experience contributed to Siddharth’s subsequent journey toward a Master’s in Computing Science at the University of Alberta.

WSAI Post Bacc-W Fellowship Program 2026

The WSAI Post Bacc-W Fellowship Program is a dedicated two-year research fellowship exclusively for women.

The programme seeks exceptional graduates and postgraduates who want to undertake research in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence while receiving mentorship and access to advanced research infrastructure.

The programme is designed to support women interested in building research careers in AI and Data Science and provides opportunities for academic development, research publication, professional networking, and participation in major computing-related events.

Eligibility Requirements for the Women Post Bacc Fellowship

The eligibility requirements provided by WSAI include:

• Applicants must have a four-year Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree.
• The degree should be in an area relevant to WSAI.
• Applicants under 28 years of age are encouraged to apply.
• The programme is exclusively for women.

Candidates should ensure that their academic background aligns with the research areas available through WSAI.

Benefits of the WSAI Women Post Bacc Fellowship

The programme provides several benefits aimed at helping women develop as researchers and technology professionals.

Research at WSAI

Participants can work at a leading research centre focused on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

The research environment can provide exposure to advanced AI methodologies and interdisciplinary research.

Interaction With International Scientists

Fellows have opportunities to interact with top scientists from around the world.

International engagement can broaden participants’ understanding of the global AI research ecosystem.

Publication Opportunities

Fellows can work toward publishing research in top journals and A conferences*.

The Centre also states that publications in top-tier venues will receive support from its infrastructure.

Mentorship by Women Experts

A particularly important feature of the programme is mentorship by women experts from academia or industry.

This provides fellows with opportunities to learn from experienced women working in research and professional environments.

Access to CPU and GPU Computing

Participants receive access to state-of-the-art CPU and GPU infrastructure.

Such computing resources can be important for research involving machine learning, artificial intelligence, data-intensive applications, and computational experimentation.

Potential IIT Madras Course Credits

Participants have the possibility of earning course credits at IIT Madras, providing an additional academic dimension to the fellowship.

Fully Funded Annual Conference Trip

The fellowship includes a fully funded trip to a national conference every year.

This can help fellows present their work, meet researchers, discover new research opportunities, and expand their professional networks.

Participation in Major Women-in-Computing Events

Participants may also attend major events and initiatives such as:

• ACM-W
• Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing

These opportunities can provide additional networking, professional development, and exposure to the wider technology community.

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Previous Women Post Bacc Fellow Experience

WSAI also shares a testimonial from Abjasree S, Data Scientist at Datycs, who described the fellowship as personally and professionally enriching.

Her testimonial emphasizes several aspects of the fellowship experience, including the freedom to choose research problems, collaboration with experienced academics, expert guidance, interaction with exceptional peers, and development of technical skills.

The experience also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork and the opportunity to pursue research that can contribute meaningfully to society.

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Comparing the Three WSAI Fellowship Opportunities

The three fellowship programmes serve different categories of applicants.

Fellowship	Main Target Group	Academic Requirement	Age Requirement	Duration/Structure
WSAI Post Doctoral Fellowship	Experienced researchers	PhD in Data Science, AI, or allied application domains	Not specified in provided information	Postdoctoral research
WSAI Post Bacc Fellowship	Exceptional graduates and postgraduates	Four-year Bachelor’s or Master’s degree relevant to WSAI	Under 27	Up to two years
WSAI Post Bacc-W Fellowship	Women graduates and postgraduates	Four-year Bachelor’s or Master’s degree relevant to WSAI	Under 28 encouraged	Two years

Applicants should carefully select the programme corresponding to their educational background, career stage, and eligibility.

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Why Consider the WSAI Fellowships?

There are several reasons why these fellowships may be attractive to candidates interested in AI and Data Science.

1. Strong Research Focus

The programmes are designed around research rather than only classroom learning. This makes them particularly relevant to candidates considering careers in academia, research institutions, technology, or advanced AI development.

2. Access to Advanced Infrastructure

AI research can require substantial computing resources. Access to state-of-the-art CPU and GPU infrastructure can enable fellows to undertake computational projects that may otherwise be difficult to conduct independently.

3. Faculty Mentorship

Mentorship from experienced researchers can help fellows refine research questions, improve methodologies, interpret results, develop publications, and establish stronger academic directions.

4. International Exposure

Interactions with international experts can expose fellows to global research trends and provide opportunities to develop professional connections beyond their immediate academic environment.

5. Publication Opportunities

For candidates planning an academic or research career, publications can be an important part of their professional profile. WSAI specifically highlights opportunities to publish in top journals and A* conferences.

6. Conference Participation

The funded national conference trip provides fellows with opportunities to engage with the wider research community.

7. Research Independence

The WSAI environment encourages fellows to develop independent research lines. This can be particularly valuable for researchers seeking to progress toward academic leadership and independent research careers.

What Kind of Researcher Would Benefit Most From These Fellowships?

The fellowships may be particularly suitable for candidates with a strong interest in areas such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Computational research
• AI applications
• Data-driven research
• Interdisciplinary AI research
• Other allied application domains related to WSAI

The exact research areas available to an applicant will depend on the research activities and faculty expertise at WSAI.

Candidates should therefore review the School’s research areas and faculty profiles before applying and identify research interests that align with the Centre’s work.

How to Apply for the WSAI Fellowships 2026

WSAI provides separate application forms for its different fellowship programmes.

Applicants should select the programme that matches their academic qualifications and eligibility.

Post Doctoral Fellowship

Candidates interested in the Post Doctoral Fellowship can apply through the application form provided by WSAI.

Post Bacc Fellowship

Candidates applying for the general Post Bacc Fellowship can use the designated application form.

Women Post Bacc Fellowship

Women who meet the requirements for the Women Post Bacc Fellowship can apply through its dedicated application form.

Applicants should carefully review the application form and provide accurate academic and personal information.

APPLY HERE

Tips for Preparing a Strong WSAI Fellowship Application

Although the information provided does not prescribe a specific application strategy, candidates can strengthen their preparation by clearly demonstrating their suitability for research in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

1. Clearly Explain Your Research Interests

Applicants should be able to explain what areas of Data Science or AI they are interested in and why those areas matter to them.

2. Demonstrate Relevant Academic Preparation

Ensure that your academic background clearly satisfies the relevant programme requirements, particularly the degree requirements for the Post Bacc and Women Post Bacc programmes.

3. Highlight Research Experience

Where applicable, emphasize:

• Previous research projects
• Academic projects
• Publications
• Conference presentations
• Technical projects
• Research internships
• Relevant coursework
• Independent research

4. Demonstrate Technical Skills

Candidates working in AI and Data Science can benefit from clearly presenting relevant technical capabilities and experience.

5. Identify Potential Research Directions

For research-oriented applications, having a clear idea of the types of problems you would like to investigate can demonstrate preparation and genuine interest.

6. Review the Programme Carefully

Applicants should distinguish between the Post Doctoral, Post Bacc, and Women Post Bacc programmes before submitting an application.

Choosing the wrong programme based on age, academic level, or eligibility could prevent an otherwise qualified candidate from applying successfully.

Who Qualifies for the WSAI Fellowships?

The eligible applicant category differs according to the fellowship.

Post Doctoral Fellowship

The Post Doctoral Fellowship is aimed at outstanding candidates who hold a PhD in a subject related to Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or allied application domains.

Post Bacc Fellowship

The general Post Bacc Fellowship is intended for exceptional graduates and postgraduates who:

• Hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree.
• Have a degree in an area relevant to WSAI.
• Are under 27 years of age.

Women Post Bacc Fellowship

The Women Post Bacc Fellowship is specifically for women graduates and postgraduates who:

• Hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree.
• Have a degree in an area relevant to WSAI.
• Are under 28 years of age or within the age range encouraged by WSAI.

Eligible Countries and Nationalities

The information provided for these fellowships does not state a restriction to Indian citizens or any specific nationality, race, or continent.

The supplied WSAI fellowship information describes the academic and age requirements but does not specify an eligible-country list.

Therefore, applicants from outside India should check the official application forms and WSAI’s current fellowship guidance to confirm whether there are any nationality, visa, residency, or other international applicant requirements.

Candidates should not assume that nationality restrictions apply unless such restrictions are explicitly stated in the official programme information.

Is There an Application Deadline?

The provided WSAI fellowship information does not give a specific application deadline for the 2026 fellowships.

Applicants interested in these opportunities should therefore check the official WSAI fellowship pages and the relevant application forms for the latest information before applying.

Because fellowship application windows can change, candidates should avoid waiting until the last minute to submit their applications.

Visit HERE to learn more about the WSAI Fellowships 2026 at IIT Madras.

Important Points to Remember

Before applying, prospective candidates should keep the following points in mind:

1. The Post Doctoral Fellowship requires a PhD in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or an allied application domain.
2. The Post Bacc Fellowship requires a four-year Bachelor’s or Master’s degree relevant to WSAI.
3. The general Post Bacc Fellowship specifies an under-27 age requirement.
4. The Women Post Bacc Fellowship is exclusively for women.
5. The Women Post Bacc programme specifies that applicants under 28 are encouraged to apply.
6. The fellowships provide opportunities to work in a research-intensive AI and Data Science environment.
7. Several programmes offer access to advanced CPU/GPU high-performance computing infrastructure.
8. Research publication opportunities are highlighted across the Post Bacc programmes.
9. The Post Bacc programmes include opportunities for fully funded national conference trips.
10. The Post Doctoral Fellowship includes a monthly stipend of INR 1 lakh, along with additional research and travel allowances.
11. No specific deadline is provided in the supplied information.
12. Applicants should use the correct application form for the fellowship they are applying for.
13. International applicants should verify nationality, visa, and other requirements directly with WSAI because these are not specified in the supplied information.

Frequently Asked Questions About WSAI Fellowships 2026

What is the WSAI Fellowship?

The WSAI Fellowship refers to research fellowship opportunities offered by the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Madras. The programmes include Post Doctoral, Post Bacc, and Women Post Bacc opportunities.

Who can apply for the WSAI Post Doctoral Fellowship?

The programme is intended for outstanding candidates with a PhD in a field related to Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or allied application domains.

How much does the WSAI Post Doctoral Fellowship pay?

The Post Doctoral Fellowship includes a monthly stipend of INR 1 lakh, along with additional research and travel allowances.

Can graduates apply for the WSAI Post Bacc Fellowship?

Yes. The Post Bacc Fellowship is designed for exceptional graduates and postgraduates. Applicants should have a four-year Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an area relevant to WSAI and should be under 27 years of age.

Is there a WSAI fellowship specifically for women?

Yes. WSAI offers the Post Bacc-W Fellowship Program, which is exclusively for women.

What is the age limit for the Women Post Bacc Fellowship?

WSAI states that applicants under 28 years of age are encouraged to apply.

Does WSAI provide computing facilities?

Yes. The fellowship programmes provide access to state-of-the-art CPU/GPU high-performance computing infrastructure.

Can WSAI fellows publish research?

Yes. The Post Bacc programmes highlight opportunities to publish in top journals and A* conferences, with support for publications in top-tier venues.

Does the fellowship provide conference funding?

The Post Bacc and Women Post Bacc programmes include a fully funded trip to a national conference every year.

Is there a deadline for the WSAI Fellowship 2026?

No specific deadline is stated in the information provided. Applicants should check the official WSAI application pages for the latest deadline or application status.

Can international applicants apply?

The provided information does not specify a nationality or country restriction. International applicants should check the official application forms and WSAI guidance for any requirements concerning nationality, international admission, visas, or residency.

Conclusion

The WSAI Fellowships 2026 at IIT Madras present valuable research opportunities for individuals seeking to build careers in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. With separate programmes for postdoctoral researchers, exceptional graduates and postgraduates, and women in the early stages of their research careers, WSAI offers pathways for candidates at different academic stages.

The Post Doctoral Fellowship stands out for experienced researchers with relevant PhDs, offering a monthly stipend of INR 1 lakh, research and travel allowances, faculty mentorship, student mentoring opportunities, international academic exposure, workshops, and access to high-performance computing infrastructure.

The Post Bacc Fellowship provides younger graduates and postgraduates with an opportunity to spend up to two years conducting research, accessing advanced computing resources, interacting with international scientists, pursuing publications, potentially earning IIT Madras course credits, and attending a fully funded national conference each year.

Meanwhile, the Women Post Bacc Fellowship provides a dedicated two-year research pathway for women, combining research opportunities with mentorship from women experts in academia and industry, publication support, advanced computing facilities, conference participation, and exposure to major women-in-computing events.

For candidates with a genuine interest in AI and Data Science, these programmes can offer more than financial or academic support. They can provide an environment for developing research independence, technical expertise, professional networks, publication experience, and long-term scientific leadership.

Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, identify the fellowship that corresponds to their academic and career stage, and submit their application through the appropriate WSAI application form. Since no specific deadline is provided in the supplied information, prospective applicants should also verify the current application status and any closing date directly with WSAI before applying.

For more global Fellowship opportunities visit OFY HERE