The SERB Research Scientist Scheme is designed as a bridge for INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows who, upon completing their regular tenure of five years, have not yet secured a regular position. This scheme provides a temporary, contractual platform to sustain their research activities for an additional period, enabling them to continue their work and explore opportunities for obtaining permanent roles. The scheme is administered by SERB and is available only to eligible INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows.
Objective
- Sustainment of Research Careers:
To provide a platform for sustaining research activities for up to two years after the completion of the regular five-year tenure of the INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellowship schemes. - Transitional Support:
To offer a temporary opportunity for fellows to continue their research and seek permanent positions while advancing their work.
Benefits
- Emolument:
A consolidated, all-inclusive amount of ₹1,20,000 per month. - Research Grant:
₹7,00,000 per annum. - Overheads:
₹1,00,000 per annum provided to the host institution. - Usage:
Research grants can be used for minor equipment, consumables, contingency, and travel. There is no provision for manpower support under this scheme. - Leave:
Standard leave entitlements as per the host institution’s rules apply. Participation in scientific workshops (domestic or international) is considered on duty. Maternity leave is provided as per government norms.
Duration
- Initial Tenure:
2 years. - Extension:
Can be extended for an additional year (subject to performance evaluation). - Maximum Duration:
The scheme is not extendable beyond a total of 3 years.
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply:
Only INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows who have completed (or are nearing completion of) their regular five-year tenure. - Age:
The upper age limit for INSPIRE Faculty/Ramanujan Fellows is 40 years at the time of application. - Usage:
A candidate can avail the SERB Research Scientist Scheme only once in his/her career. - Location:
The scheme is applicable only within India and can be implemented in recognized academic institutions, national laboratories, and other recognized R&D institutions. - Host Institution:
The fellow may choose to continue at the current host institution or switch to a different one, provided the new institution meets the support and infrastructural requirements. - Restrictions:
Fellows are not permitted to work in the same department/institution where they earned their Ph.D./M.S./M.D. degree. - Other Fellowships:
During the tenure of this scheme, fellows are not eligible to receive any other research project or fellowship from any government or non-governmental source.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
- Notification & Timing:
- Applications are accepted throughout the year. Applicants should submit within six months before or after completion of their regular tenure.
- Previous batches may also apply when the new scheme is opened.
- Submission:
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Prepare the application strictly as per the prescribed formats (Annexure I), available on the official website.
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Submit three printed copies of the completed application on both sides of A4 paper to:
Dr. Harish Kumar, Scientist F
Science and Engineering Research Board
3rd & 4th Floor, Block – II, Technology Bhavan,
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016, INDIA.
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- Softcopy Submission:
- Email a soft copy of the complete proposal to [email protected].
- Labeling:
- Clearly superscribe the envelope/email with “SERB Research Scientist (Specify the Area)” (e.g., Chemical Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences).
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Biodata of the applicant
- Age Proof Certificate
- Qualification Certificates
- Award Letter from INSPIRE Faculty or Ramanujan Fellowship (as applicable)
- Undertaking Certificate by the applicant
- Endorsement Certificate from the Host Institute
- Any additional documents as specified by the guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the SERB Research Scientist Scheme?
A scheme providing temporary research support to INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows for an additional period (up to 3 years) after their regular tenure ends. -
What is the objective of the scheme?
To sustain the research careers of fellows who have completed their regular five-year tenure but have not secured permanent positions. -
Which agency implements the scheme?
It is administered by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). -
What are the eligibility criteria?
Only INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows who have completed (or are near completion of) their five-year tenure and are below 40 years of age at the time of application are eligible. -
What support is provided under the scheme?
Fellows receive a monthly fellowship of ₹1,20,000, an annual research grant of ₹7,00,000, and an overhead grant of ₹1,00,000 per annum for the host institution. -
Can a fellow receive any other research project or fellowship concurrently?
No, they must not receive any other fellowship or research project support during the scheme’s tenure. -
How long is the fellowship period?
Initially 2 years, with a possible extension of 1 year (maximum of 3 years total). -
When can an applicant apply?
Applications must be submitted within six months before or after completing the regular tenure of the INSPIRE Faculty/Ramanujan Fellowship. -
How is the application submitted?
Applications are submitted offline in printed format, along with a soft copy emailed to the designated contact.