National Solar Science Fellowship Programme
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy supports top scientists and engineers working on solar energy research, technology, and product development at identified institutions in India. Up to 10 fellowships are active at any time, each providing up to ₹32 lakhs/year for 2–5 years. Applications are invited through advertisements in national newspapers and the MNRE website.
About This Scheme
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy supports top scientists and engineers working on solar energy research, technology, and product development at identified institutions in India. Up to 10 fellowships are active at any time, each providing up to ₹32 lakhs/year for 2–5 years. Applications are invited through advertisements in national newspapers and the MNRE website.
Full official description
The “National Solar Science Fellowship Programme” of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy was launched in February 201
- The programme is meant for an Indian Scientist desirous of working in the forefront areas of solar energy science, engineering, and technology with a focus on science, technology, and product development in collaboration with selected prestigious institutions in India. The aim of the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme is to provide a platform to top quality scientists and engineers in the area of solar energy research, to use and expand the resources available at the identified schools/ institutions in the country and abroad to address the complex problems of solar energy utilization for various end uses including power generation. Fellowship Management Committee: A Fellowship Management Committee will be constituted by the Ministry under the Chairmanship of Secretary, MNRE with eminent scientists as members and scientist-in-charge (HRD) as convener. The Fellowship Management Committee will decide the areas of research to be undertaken under this programme. The Committee will also be recommending the institutions for taking part in the Fellowship Programme. The expert members of the Committee will have a duration of three years. Number of Fellowships: The total number of Fellowships at any point of time will be limited to 10 only. However, only three fellows will be selected during the first year of the launch of the Programme. Duration of Fellowship: Duration of the Fellowship will be initially for two years which may be extended for another three years on year to year basis depending upon the progress of the work done by the Fellow. Commencement of Programme: The National Solar Science Fellows will form a community of researchers engaged in frontal areas of solar energy by intellectual curiosity, top-quality scholarship, and drive to understand and find solutions to the application of solar energy and find solutions to the energy security challenges facing the country today. Through this programme, they will be benefiting from all that the Government has to offer, and in turn, benefit the Government in finding solutions to the technological problems of solar energy and their application on the field leading to the visible impact of solar energy in the energy sector of the country.
Benefits
- Up to ₹12 lakh/year in emoluments (salary component)
- Up to ₹5 lakh/year for contingency and operating expenses
- Up to ₹15 lakh/year as research grant
- Total package: up to ₹32 lakh/year per fellow
- Duration: 2 years, extendable year-by-year for up to 3 additional years based on progress
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian national or of Indian origin
- Must hold a PhD in solar sciences or engineering with at least 10 years of experience (including PhD research period); M.Tech/M.S. candidates with strong publications may be considered as a special case
- Must have an active R&D background in solar energy or closely related areas
- Open to scientists currently in government/public institutions as well as independent researchers
- No upper age limit
How to Apply
Step 01: Applications from talented scientists having proven records in any field of solar science, or engineering will be invited through open advertisement.
Step 02: The applicants shall submit their applications in the prescribed Proforma (Annexure-II).
Step 03: The application should be as per the instructions for filling up the Proforma given in the Guidelines.
Step 04: The applicant will attach an R&D proposal with his/her application in the R&D thrust areas identified by the Fellowship Management Committee of the MNRE with an emphasis on the potential impact of a proposed research project on solving problems encountered in solar energy technology and systems.
Step 05: A comprehensive proposal should be submitted by all the candidates for the National Solar Science Fellowship for the consideration of the Fellowship Management Committee.
Note 01: The Fellowship Management Committee headed by Secretary, MNRE/Eminent Scientist with other eminent scientists as members will scrutinize the applications including Eminent Scientist the research project, and select up to ten National Solar Science Fellows taking into account the Guidelines and as per the prescribed procedure. The Committee will be approved by the MNRE and have a tenure of three years. Note 02: Every selected Fellow will be attached to one of the selected schools/institutions and will have a tenure ranging from 1-3 years depending upon the project chosen and can be extended for further two years based upon the progress of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of the scheme?
The aim of the scheme is to provide a platform to top quality scientists and engineers in the area of solar energy research, to use and expand the resources available at the identified schools/institutions in the country and abroad to address the complex problems of solar energy utilization for various end uses including power generation.
Which department has launched this scheme?
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India
When was this scheme launched?
The "National Solar Science Fellowship Programme" was launched in February 2011.
Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
The programme is open to all Scientists working in the field of solar energy sciences, engineering, and technology including those currently employed in the Government of India/ State Government/Public Institutions and those who are not currently associated with any public institution but are working in the area and eager to pursue specific research that is beneficial to the Government of India.
Can a general category applicant be eligible to apply under this scheme?
Yes, this scheme is for all categories of applicants.
What is the minimum qualification required to apply under the scheme?
The applicant should possess Post-Graduation, PhD & Post-Doctoral degree to apply under the scheme.
Can an M.Tech. or M.S. degree holder candidate be eligible to apply under the scheme?
Yes, an M.Tech. or M.S degree holder with good published work and lab/industry experience will also be considered as a special case provided Fellowship Management Committee feels that the proposal submitted by such candidates is worth considering.
Is it mandatory for a candidate to have an appropriate background in academics and experience in R&D in the area of solar energy?
Yes, the applicant should have an appropriate background in academics and experience in R&D in the area of solar energy and other related areas that are directly or indirectly involved in solar sciences, engineering, and technology.
Will there be any age bar for the candidates to apply under the programme?
No, there will be no age bar for the programme.
What is the benefit of the scheme?
Each selected Fellow will receive a total annual grant of up to [?]32.00 lakhs comprising (i) emolument of up to [?]12.00 lakhs (ii) contingencies of up to [?]5.00 lakhs and (iii) research grant of up to [?]15.00 lakhs. This will be pro-rated for the duration of the tenure of the particular Fellow.
How many numbers of fellowships will be awarded at a time?
The total number of fellowships at any point of time will be limited to 10 only.
What should be the duration of the fellowship?
The duration of the fellowship will be initially for two years which may be extended for another three more years on year to year basis depending upon the progress of the work done by the Fellow.
How can a candidate apply under the scheme?
The eligible candidate may apply offline mode.
How can a candidate apply offline under the scheme?
Applications from talented scientists having proven records in any field of solar science, or engineering will be invited through open advertisement. The application should be as per the instructions for filling up the proforma given in the Guidelines.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Identity proof
- Certificates of Educational Qualifications
- Caste Certificate
- Experience certificate in R&D
- The R&D proposal
- Details of any awards/recognition received in the subject area at the national/international level
- Details of films/audio-visuals produced
- Details of Scientific/technical papers published in the relevant subject area
- Any other document (If applicable)