DBT Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship
Prestigious fellowship of ₹1,35,000 per month plus ₹13 lakh annual research grant for Indian scientists working overseas to return and pursue cutting-edge biotechnology and life sciences research at Indian institutions.
About this scheme
The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (DBT-RRF) is a flagship scheme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, initiated in 2006-2007. The programme aims to reverse brain drain by attracting highly skilled Indian researchers working overseas in cutting-edge disciplines of life sciences, biotechnology, bio-engineering, healthcare, agriculture, veterinary biotechnology, and bio-energy back to India. Up to 75 fellowships are awarded every year. Fellows receive a consolidated monthly fellowship of ₹1,35,000, House Rent Allowance of ₹18,500 per month, and an annual research support grant of ₹13,00,000 for consumables, minor equipment, domestic travel, and project staff. The fellowship is for a period of three years, extendable by up to two additional years after performance appraisal. The programme is managed by the DBT-HRD Project Management Unit at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad.
Eligibility
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen — OCI/PIO card holders are not eligible
- Age limit: Upper age limit of 45 years as on the closing date of application
- Qualification: Ph.D./M.D. or equivalent in life sciences, agriculture, bioinformatics, and allied areas, or M.Tech in Biotechnology, allied areas, or medicine
- Post-doctoral experience: Minimum three years of post-doctoral research experience in overseas research laboratories
- Research track record: Proven and outstanding track record as evident from research publications and recognitions
- Return status: Those who have already returned to India must have returned within one year of the closing date (two years for women) and must not hold a permanent position in India
Benefits
- Consolidated monthly fellowship of ₹1,35,000
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) of ₹18,500 per month
- Annual research support grant of ₹13,00,000 for consumables, minor equipment, domestic travel, and project staff
- Institutional overhead of ₹50,000 per annum paid to the host institute
- Eligible for regular research grants through extramural and other schemes of Government of India S&T agencies (with a Co-PI as regular faculty)
- Fellowship duration of three years, extendable by up to two additional years
- Up to 75 fellowships awarded annually
- If a fellow joins a permanent position, the fellowship component stops but the research grant component continues for project completion
Required documents
- Date of birth proof
- Copy of passport(optional)If applicable
- Doctoral degree certificate (Ph.D./M.D.)
- Details of research contribution
- Reprints of 5 best research publicationsFirst page only
- Research proposal detailing proposed research work
- Certificate by host instituteMandatory — application will not be accepted without it
- Letters of recommendation
- Undertaking from applicant / statement from current employer(optional)Certifying that applicant is not on a permanent position in India (if applicable)
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