The interview panel consisted of professors from Germany and India belonging to different subject fields. Dr Katja Lasch, Regional Director, DAAD and other DAAD colleagues participated actively in this process spanning over two weeks. Prior to the interviews the same expert selection panel shortlisted the applications on the basis of research proposals submitted by the applicants. Thorough technical checks were conducted with the shortlisted candidates opting for an online interview to ensure a smooth running of the interviews.

There was a significant increase in scholarship grants this year, with 64 scholarships available for PhD and PhD sandwich programmes. DAAD India saw a significant rise in number of scholarship applications as well. The DAAD is looking forward to welcoming the selected scholarship holders in Germany this autumn. With the new batch of PhD scholarship holders who will be hosted by German research institutions between 12 and 36 months, the DAAD continues to enhance the research cooperation between Germany and the Indian subcontinent.