The Raman-Charpak Fellowship Programme honors two Nobel Laureates in Physics—Prof. C.V. Raman, the Indian Nobel Laureate (1930), and Prof. Georges Charpak, the French Nobel Laureate (1992). Launched during the State visit of the President of France to India in February 2013, this fellowship facilitates the exchange of doctoral students (and now also French Master students) between India and France. The programme is implemented by the Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA) and aims to improve doctoral and master’s skills by allowing students to carry out part of their research work in a partner institution in the other country.
Target Group
- For Indian Fellows:
PhD students registered in a recognized Indian university or research institution. - For French Fellows:
PhD students registered in a recognized French university/research institution. - For French Master Students:
Master students who wish to undertake internship work in India to enhance their academic skills.
Duration of Fellowship
- The fellowship duration is between 2 to 6 months.
Areas Covered
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences
- Materials Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Life and Medical Sciences
- Mathematical and Computational Sciences
Benefits
- Travel Support:
- Round-trip economy class air ticket between India and France.
- Insurance coverage (travel & health) and, if applicable, Carte de Séjour.
- Administrative support for visa and registration costs.
- Conference/Workshop Support:
- Funding support for attending conferences, seminars, or workshops during the stay.
- Financial Support:
- For Indian Fellows: Fellowship support of 1500 Euros per month for daily expenses, local travel, accommodation charges, plus social security charges.
- For French Fellows: Fellowship support of ₹40,000 per month for daily expenses and local travel, plus accommodation charges up to ₹45,000 per month.
Eligibility
- Indian Applicants:
- Must be Indian citizens residing in India.
- Registered for a PhD in a recognized university or research institution.
- French Applicants:
- Must be residing in France.
- Registered for a PhD or Master’s degree in a recognized institution.
- General Conditions:
- Maximum age of 30 years as of 1st April of the call year.
- Applicants must not have been previously supported by CEFIPRA.
- Applicants holding permanent positions in institutions/universities are not eligible.
- Pre-authorization or prior consent from the applicant’s Institute/University is required.
Application Process
Mode: Online
- Registration:
Eligible candidates must register and apply at www.cefipra.org or via http://www.cefipra.org/proposal/index.aspx. - Timeline:
The application period opens during April/May and closes during June/July. - Important:
- Once an application is successfully submitted, candidates should not apply again.
- Late submissions or those received by post will not be considered.
Documents Required
- A CV (maximum 2 pages) with a recent photograph, including a summary of achievements, research interests, and a list of up to 5 key publications.
- Letter of recommendation from the PhD supervisor or head of the program.
- Letter of recommendation from the prospective host supervisor.
- Proof of research experience or publications (as first author or co-author).
- No Objection Certificate from the Head of the Institution.
- Scanned copy of the highest degree certificate.
- Scanned copy of the PhD registration letter or proof of registration (for Master’s students, appropriate proof).
- A scanned copy of a valid passport (both front and back).
- A recent photograph.
- Detailed description of the Research Plan/Proposal (maximum 5 pages) outlining the title, research work plan, and expected benefits from the research stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the “Raman-Charpak Fellowship Programme”?
It is an Indo-French fellowship programme aimed at facilitating the exchange of doctoral students (and French Master students) between India and France to enhance their research skills. -
What is the aim of the Programme?
To broaden the scope and depth of future engagements in science, technology, and innovation by improving doctoral (and Master’s) skills through cross-cultural research exposure. -
Which is the implementing agency?
The programme is implemented by the Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA). -
When was the Programme launched?
It was launched in February 2013 during the State visit of the President of France to India. -
What are the eligibility criteria?
Indian PhD students residing in India and French PhD/Master students residing in France are eligible, with a maximum age of 30 years as of 1st April of the call year. Applicants must not have received previous support from CEFIPRA and must have pre-authorization from their institution. -
What areas are covered under the Fellowship?
The fellowship covers a wide range of scientific disciplines, including Atmospheric, Earth, Materials, Physical, Chemical, Engineering, Biological, Life and Medical, and Mathematical and Computational Sciences. -
What is the amount of the Fellowship?
Indian Fellows receive 1500 Euros per month, while French Fellows receive ₹40,000 per month along with additional accommodation support. -
What additional supports are provided?
Additional supports include round-trip airfare, insurance, visa and registration costs, and support for attending academic events. -
What is the duration of the Fellowship?
The duration ranges from 2 to 6 months. -
How does one apply for the Fellowship?
Applications are submitted online through the CEFIPRA portal.