Biotechnology Career Advancement And Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme For Women Scientists
₹55,000/month fellowship for women scientists returning to biotech research · DBT BioCARe
The BioCARe Programme by India's Department of Biotechnology funds independent research projects for unemployed women scientists who want to re-enter or advance in biotechnology and life sciences. It provides a fully funded research grant — up to ₹60 lakh for PhD holders and up to ₹40 lakh for M.Tech holders — including a monthly fellowship for three years. Applications are submitted online through the ICGEB/DBT portal when the scheme is advertised.
About This Scheme
The BioCARe Programme by India's Department of Biotechnology funds independent research projects for unemployed women scientists who want to re-enter or advance in biotechnology and life sciences. It provides a fully funded research grant — up to ₹60 lakh for PhD holders and up to ₹40 lakh for M.Tech holders — including a monthly fellowship for three years. Applications are submitted online through the ICGEB/DBT portal when the scheme is advertised.
Full official description
Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme, a special scheme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, the government of India aims to enhance the participation of women scientists in India towards research in Biotechnology and allied area. The program is mainly for the career development of unemployed female scientists for whom it will be the first “sanctioned” extramural research funding. Through this endeavor of the Department, a concerted effort would be made to give women scientists a strong foothold into the scientific profession, to help them re-enter the mainstream, and to provide a launch pad for further forays into the field of science and technology. Accordingly, applications are invited from Indian female scientists to apply to the program. On the behalf of Department of Biotechnology, this program is being managed by the Processing and Management Unit (PMU) established at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.
Benefits
- Category I (PhD holders): Research grant up to ₹60 lakh including ₹68,000/month fellowship for 3 years
- Category II (M.Tech/M.Pharma holders): Research grant up to ₹40 lakh including ₹50,000/month fellowship for 3 years
- Project duration: 3 years
- Working space, lab access, and resources provided by the host institution through your mentor
💡 Why Startups Should Care
BioTech and life sciences startups looking for co-founders or lead scientists — BioCARe fellows are highly qualified women researchers returning to their field, often with industry experience and a strong motivation to build impact. They could be excellent scientific co-founders or advisors.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian woman scientist, currently unemployed (not in any regular/permanent employment)
- Must be below 55 years of age as of the application deadline
- Category I: PhD in Life Sciences, allied disciplines, MD, MDS, or M.V.Sc.
- Category II: M.Tech in Biotechnology, M.Pharma, or equivalent degree
- This must be your first independent research project funded by any government agency
- Must not be enrolled in a PhD or receiving any other fellowship/scholarship simultaneously
- Requires a permanent mentor at the host institution with at least 5 years of service remaining
- Not eligible if you have previously received any extramural funding as Principal Investigator
Exclusions
- Candidates who are registered in Ph.D. and receiving any fellowships are not eligible to apply
How to Apply
- Visit the DBT portal: dbtindia.gov.in or the BioCARe scheme page.
- Register and submit your research proposal along with CV.
- DBT expert committee reviews proposals and selects candidates.
- Selected fellows are matched with a host institution.
- Fellowship payments begin upon formal commencement at the host institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Full Name Of The "BioCARe" Scheme?
The full name of "BioCARe" Scheme is "Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation".
Who Is The Implementing Agency?
On the behalf of Department of Biotechnology, this program is being managed by the Processing and Management Unit (PMU) established at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.
What Are The Objectives Of This Scheme?
Through this endeavor of the Department, a concerted effort would be made to give women scientists a strong foothold into the scientific profession, to help them re-enter the mainstream, and to provide a launch pad for further forays into the field of science and technology.
What Shall Be The Duration Of The Project?
The duration of the project is of three (3) years and is specified in the sanction order.
Within What Timeframe Is The Candidate Required To Join Their Host Institution?
The successful candidates have to join their host institution within 45 days from the date of issuance of the sanction order, or else it would be withdrawn.
How Much Shall Be The Research Grant In Case The Candidate Has A Ph.D. In Any Discipline Of Life Sciences Or Allied Areas Or Interdisciplinary Sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc.?
In case the candidate has a Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences or allied areas or interdisciplinary sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc., the Research Grant shall be up to [?] 60,00,000 (includes consolidated Fellowship of [?] 68,000/month).
How Much Shall Be The Research Grant In Case The Candidate Has A M.Tech. In Biotechnology Or Allied Areas / MPharma/ Equivalent Degree?
In case the candidate has a Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences or allied areas or interdisciplinary sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc., the Research Grant shall be up to [?] 40,00,000 (Includes consolidated Fellowship of [?] 50,000/month).
Which Research Areas Are Eligible For Financial Support?
Eligible Areas for Financial Support:
- Animal and Marine Biotechnology or allied areas.
- Bioengineering and Biomaterials or allied areas.
- Medical Biotechnology or allied areas.
- Environmental Biotechnology and Bioenergy or allied areas.
- Plant and Agriculture Biotechnology or allied areas.
Are The Candidates In Regular Or Permanent Employment Eligible?
No, the candidates in regular or permanent employment are not eligible to apply for BioCARe.
Is There Any Age-Related Criterion For This Scheme?
Yes, the woman scientist should be upto/below 55 years, as of the last date of the submission of the application.
Can The Candidates Who Are Registered In Ph.D. And Receiving Any Fellowships Apply?
No, the candidates who are registered in Ph.D. and receiving any fellowships are not eligible to apply.
Can The Mentor Be The Spouse Or Relative Of The Applicant?
No, the Mentor cannot be a permanent employee at the Host Institute and should not be a spouse or relative of the applicant.
How Many Remaining Years Of Service Should The Mentor Have?
The Mentor must have at least 5 years of service remaining.
What Types Of Institutions Are Eligible For This Scheme?
An applicant can submit his application for a research grant from a government-supported/government funded (such as central universities, state universities, autonomous institutions, Private Universities/Institutes etc.) or an Indian "non-profit" Institution.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Research proposal (life sciences/biotech focus)
- CV with publications and career break explanation
- Host institution acceptance letter
- Proof of advanced degree (PhD or equivalent)