The “Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship” is a new programme which is implemented by the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. This programme envisages collaboration between scientists of the Indian Diaspora with Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Universities and/or Public Funded Scientific Institutions. The VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an Indian Institution for collaboration and may spend up to two months in a year for a maximum of 3 years.
Key Research Areas
Applications can be submitted in the following domains:
- Quantum Technologies: Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing, Quantum Materials & Devices.
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: AI Foundations, Robotics, AI for Social Good.
- Computational Sciences: High-Performance Computing, Cyber-Physical Systems.
- Data Sciences: Data Privacy & Security, Data Science Applications.
- Photonics: Optical Imaging, Nano-Photonics, Photonic Materials.
- Energy: Sustainable Mobility, Advanced Fossil Technologies, Future Fuels.
- Electronics & Semiconductor Technologies: Semiconductor Devices, Electronic Circuit Design.
- Communication Technologies: 5G & Beyond, IoT, Optical Communication.
- Aerospace Technologies: Propulsion Technologies, Unmanned Aerial Systems.
- Materials & Processing Technologies: Structural & Functional Materials, Catalytic Processes.
- Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Science, Polar & Ocean Science.
- Environmental Sciences: Air & Water Quality Management, Climate Change.
- Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Industrial Machines.
- Health, Medical Sciences & Biomedical Devices: Precision Health, Holistic Health Technologies.
- Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology: Drug Discovery, Infectious Disease Research.
- Agricultural Sciences: Precision Agriculture, Climate-Resilient Livestock, Digital Agriculture.
- Social Sciences for SDGs: Socio-Economic Development, Community Impact Studies.
- Management: R&D Innovation, Academic Collaborations, Entrepreneurship.
Benefits
- Fellowship Emoluments:
- ₹4,00,000 per month (~USD 5000) for a minimum of 1 month and up to 2 months per year for a maximum of 3 years.
- Travel & Accommodation:
- International Travel: Business class airfare from the fellow’s current institute to the host institution in India once a year.
- Accommodation: Fully furnished housing up to ₹7,500 per day.
- Domestic Travel: Economy class travel to two Indian institutions per year.
- Research Support:
- Contingency Grant: ₹1,00,000 per year for research expenses in India.
- Institutional Financial Support: Up to ₹5,00,000 per year for 3 years, covering consumables, contingencies, and institutional overheads.
Eligibility Criteria
For VAIBHAV Fellows:
- Nationality:
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) currently working abroad.
- Educational Qualifications:
- A Ph.D./M.D./M.S./M.Tech degree from a recognized university.
- Professional Experience:
- Active involvement in research.
- Working in a Top-200 QS World University (subject-wise ranking) for at least 5 years.
- OR, engaged in reputed industries/research labs abroad for at least 5 years (not as a Ph.D. or Postdoctoral fellow).
For Host Indian Institutions:
- Eligibility of Institutions:
- HEIs/Universities ranked in the Top 200 in NIRF overall rankings or with NAAC ‘A+’ grade or higher.
- Public Funded Scientific Institutions/National Laboratories.
Expectations
From VAIBHAV Fellows:
- Share best research practices and technological insights.
- Build long-term research collaborations with Indian institutions.
- Mentor Indian students and connect them with global scientific communities.
- Submit a progress report to DST within 21 days of completing the visit.
From Host Institutions:
- Provide lab facilities, research resources, and infrastructure support.
- Collaborate on joint research projects, start-ups, or technology translations.
- Submit annual progress and financial reports to DST.
- Implement and adapt best practices introduced by the VAIBHAV Fellow.
Application Process Online
- Step 1: Visit the DST Official Website or e-PMS Portal to access the VAIBHAV Fellowship details.
- Step 2: Register on the portal using an active email ID.
- Step 3: After registration, an auto-generated email with an ID and password link will be sent.
- Step 4: Complete and submit the application form via the e-PMS portal with all relevant documents.
Important Notes:
- The Host Scientist must apply on behalf of the fellow, as funds are disbursed to the Indian host institution.
- Physical or email submissions will not be considered.
- Applications missing key documents or not submitted through the e-PMS portal will be rejected.
- After submission, an auto-generated Temporary Project Number (TPN) will be issued and must be referenced in all communications.
Documents Required
- Statement of Purpose (Max. 1 page)
- Bio-data of Applicant (Max. 2 pages)
- List of Recent Publications (Last 3 years with impact factors)
- Copy of Valid Passport
- Academic Qualification Certificate (Highest degree)
- Experience Certificate (5 years in top institutions/research labs)
- Undertaking by the Applicant (Prescribed format)
- No-Objection Certificate from the current institute.
- Consent Letter from the Indian Host Institution.
- CV of the Host Scientist/Faculty (Max. 2 pages)
- List of Publications of the Host Scientist/Faculty (Last 3 years)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the duration of the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
The fellowship is for up to 2 months per year for a maximum of 3 years. - What are the research areas covered under this fellowship?
Research areas include Quantum Technologies, AI & ML, Photonics, Energy, Health Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, among others. - What is the monthly emolument provided?
Fellows receive ₹4,00,000 per month (~USD 5000). - Is there support for international travel?
Yes, business-class airfare from the fellow’s current institution to India is provided once a year. - Who is eligible to apply?
NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs with at least 5 years of research/industry experience in top-ranked universities or reputed research labs abroad. - Can Indian institutions initiate the application?
Yes, the host Indian scientist must apply on behalf of the VAIBHAV Fellow.
Contact Information
Mr. Vinod Kumar Sharma
Under Secretary, VAIBHAV Cell, International Cooperation Division
Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology
Technology Bhawan, New Delhi-110016
Email: [email protected]