Govt Offers Rs 4 Lakh/Month, Free Travel & Global Research Opportunities, Check Full Details Here

VAIBHAV fellowship designed to create meaningful research partnerships between the Indian scientific diaspora and India’s higher educational and research institutions. (Photo Source: Canva)

The Government of India has announced the highly anticipated VAIBHAV Fellowship Call for 2025. This initiative invites accomplished scientists and technologists of Indian origin who are residing abroad to collaborate with leading Indian institutions. Led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the VAIBHAV Fellowship aims to promote global scientific exchange and enhance research excellence.

What is the VAIBHAV Fellowship?

VAIBHAV stands for VAIshwik BHArtiya Vaigyanik, a fellowship designed to create meaningful research partnerships between the Indian scientific diaspora and India’s higher educational and research institutions. It allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to engage in high-impact research in India for up to two months each year, over a three-year period.

Benefits for Fellows

Selected VAIBHAV fellows will receive:

• A monthly fellowship of Rs 4 lakh for one to two months annually

• Business class international travel from their current workplace abroad to the Indian host institution

• Accommodation allowance up to Rs 7,500 per day

• Research contingency grant of Rs 1 lakh per year

• Domestic travel support within India for collaborative visits

In addition, host institutions will receive up to Rs 5 lakh annually to facilitate the fellow’s research, covering consumables, project overheads, and other essentials.

Research Areas in Focus

The fellowship encourages proposals in cutting-edge and strategic sectors such as:

• Quantum Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Advanced Manufacturing & Semiconductor Technologies

• Health, Biomedical Devices & Pharmaceuticals

• Environmental Sciences & Earth Sciences

• Agricultural Innovation & Food Security

• Data Sciences, Aerospace, Photonics, and more

Expectations from Fellows and Institutions

Fellows are expected to share global best practices, mentor Indian researchers, and help initiate long-term research collaborations. They should submit a detailed report within 21 days of completing their visit, outlining work done and future plans.

Host institutions, Indian universities, national labs, or scientific institutes ranked in the top 200 of NIRF or having NAAC A+, must offer lab space, access to infrastructure, and ongoing collaboration beyond the fellow’s physical visit.

Both fellows and host scientists are encouraged to jointly initiate projects, build innovations, or even start technology-based startups aligned with India’s national priorities.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible as a VAIBHAV Fellow, the applicant must:

• Be an NRI, OCI, or PIO working abroad

• Hold a Ph.D./M.D./M.Tech/M.S. degree

• Have at least five years of work experience as a faculty member or researcher in a recognized foreign institution or company (postdoctoral or Ph.D. experience does not count)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online only through the DST’s ePMS portal https://onlinedst.gov.in. The last date for submissions is May 30, 2025 (5:00 PM IST).

Each proposal should be submitted by the Indian host institution on behalf of the applicant. Physical or email applications will not be entertained. Required documents include biodata, research experience, publication lists, consent letters from host and parent institutions, and more.

Documents Needed

• Applicant and host scientist’s biodata

• Letters of consent from host and current institute

• Proof of experience, qualifications, passport/OCI/PIO documents

• Publications, conflict of interest declarations, and more

Selection and Evaluation

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of experts. Evaluation will be based on:

• Scientific merit and innovation

• Applicant’s track record (awards, publications, collaborations)

• Host institution’s research capacity

• Strategic alignment with India’s national goals

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their proposals virtually.

The VAIBHAV Fellowship Call-2025 is a golden opportunity for the Indian scientific diaspora to reconnect with their roots and contribute to India’s research sector. By bridging global expertise with local innovation, the program aims to strengthen India’s position as a hub for cutting-edge science and technology.

For queries, applicants can contact the VAIBHAV Cell at [email protected].

First published on: 18 Apr 2025, 07:30 IST

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