Independent isomeric yield ratios of 131Te, t33Te and 134I have been determined at five different energies in the range of 25--44 MeV alpha particle induced fission of 238U using radiochemical and gamma spectrometric techniques. From the independent isomeric yield ratios, fragment angular momenta (J~ms) have been deduced using a statistical model analysis. The Ares were also calculated theoretically based on thermal equilibration of various collective modes after considering the occurrence of multichance fission. These data and the literature data for various fragments in the mass region 126-136 in 238U(ot,f), 238U(p,f) and 238U(y,f) show the following important features: (i) Both the entrance channel excitation energy and input angular momentum affect the fragment angular momentum in the exit channel. (ii) There are two groups of fission products from the point of view of change of fragment angular momentum with increase in excitation energy and input angular momentum. (iii) Fragment angular momentum depends on nuclear structure effect such as shell closure proximity and odd-even effect. (iv) The fragment angular momentum calculated theoretically based on statistical equilibration of various collective modes are in good agreement with the experimental values indicating the validity of such an assumption. (~) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.