Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship 2025: Eligibility, Salary Amount, Age

The Department of Biotechnology has instituted a scheme known as the “Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship”. The scheme is aimed at Indian Nationals who are working overseas in various fields of biotechnology and life sciences and are interested in taking up scientific research positions in India. The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellows would be able to work in any of the scientific Institutions/Universities in the country. The applicant should have a proven/outstanding track record as evidenced by research publications and recognitions. The duration of the fellowship will be for a period of three years. Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellows shall also be eligible for regular research grant through extramural and other research schemes of various S&T agencies of the Government of India.

The scheme has been conceptualized with the aim of attracting highly skilled researchers (Indian Nationals) working overseas in various cutting-edge disciplines of any area of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Bio-engineering, Healthcare (human and animal), Agriculture and Veterinary biotechnology, Bio-energy and allied areas by providing them an attractive avenue to pursue their R&D interests in Indian universities/institutions.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Fellowship Amount: ₹1,00,000 per month.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): ₹18,500 per month.
Research Support Grant: ₹13,00,000 per year for:
- Purchase of consumables
- Minor equipment
- Domestic travel
- Engaging project staff
- Other contingent expenditures related to project implementation
Institutional Overhead: ₹50,000 per annum to the host institute.
Eligibility for Extramural Research Grants: Awardees can apply for regular research grants from various S&T agencies of the Government of India, provided a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) is a regular faculty member of the institution.
Choice of Research Institution: Fellows can work at any recognized scientific or academic institution in India, provided the host institute offers necessary R&D support.

Duration and Number of Fellowships

Fellowship Duration:
- Initially for three years.
- In exceptional cases, the fellowship may be extended by an additional two years after a performance appraisal.
Number of Fellowships:
- Up to 75 fellowships are awarded annually.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality:
- Indian nationals working abroad in relevant scientific fields.
Educational Qualification:
- Ph.D./MD degree or equivalent in Life Sciences, Agriculture, Bioinformatics, or allied areas.
- M.Tech in Engineering/Technology with at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in overseas labs.
Post-Doctoral Experience:
- A minimum of three years of post-doctoral research experience in overseas research institutions is required.
Returnees to India:
- Those who have already returned to India within one year of the closing date of the advertisement (two years for women candidates) are eligible to apply.
- Candidates holding permanent positions in India are not eligible.
Age Limit:
- Upper age limit: 45 years at the time of application submission.
Track Record:
- Applicants should have an outstanding research track record demonstrated through publications and recognitions.
Permanent Positions:
- If a fellow accepts a permanent position during the fellowship tenure, the fellowship and HRA will be discontinued, but the research grant will continue for the remaining period.

Application Process

Online Application Steps:

Advertisement and Registration:
- DBT will advertise the fellowship periodically on the DBT India website, the Regional Centre for Biotechnology website, and in national newspapers and scientific journals.
- Applicants must register on the online portal and fill out the application form before the closing date.
Complete the Online Form:
- The application form will include sections on:
  - Personal Information
  - Academic Qualifications
  - Post-Doctoral and Work Experience
  - Research Contributions
  - Referee Details
  - Proposed Research Work
  - Proposed Host Institution
Submission:
- Submit the online application form before the deadline.
Selection Process:
- A committee constituted by the DBT will review applications and recommend candidates for the fellowship.

Documents Required

Date of Birth Proof
Copy of Passport (if applicable)
Doctoral Degree Certificate
Details of Research Contributions
Reprints of 5 Best Research Publications
Research Proposal detailing the proposed research work
Certificate from Host Institute confirming support for the fellow’s research
Letters of Recommendation
Undertaking from Applicant/Statement from Current Employer (certifying that the applicant does not hold a permanent position in India)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship?
Indian nationals with Ph.D./MD/M.Tech degrees and at least three years of post-doctoral experience abroad in biotechnology, life sciences, or related fields.

Q2: Are Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) eligible to apply?
The scheme primarily targets Indian nationals, but specific guidelines for OCI eligibility should be checked in the latest advertisement.

Q3: How many years of post-doctoral experience are required?
Applicants must have at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in an overseas laboratory.

Q4: Can I apply if I have already returned to India?
Yes, candidates who have returned to India within one year (or two years for women) of the closing date are eligible, provided they do not hold a permanent position.

Q5: What is the fellowship amount provided under this scheme?
The fellowship provides ₹1,00,000 per month, ₹18,500 HRA per month, and an annual research support grant of ₹13,00,000.

Q6: Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes, the upper age limit is 45 years.

Q7: Can experience in the industry be counted as research experience?
Yes, relevant research experience in the industry may be considered if it aligns with the fellowship’s objectives.

Q8: Can I apply if I already have a job in India?
No, applicants holding permanent positions in India are not eligible.