Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme
Young Indian scientists aged 30–40 with outstanding research track records can apply for this prestigious DST fellowship to pursue cutting-edge basic research in frontier science and technology at their own institutions. Selected fellows receive ₹25,000/month on top of their regular salary and get SERB research funding for up to 5 years. Apply through the DST online portal at onlinedst.gov.in when the annual call for applications is advertised.
About This Scheme
Young Indian scientists aged 30–40 with outstanding research track records can apply for this prestigious DST fellowship to pursue cutting-edge basic research in frontier science and technology at their own institutions. Selected fellows receive ₹25,000/month on top of their regular salary and get SERB research funding for up to 5 years. Apply through the DST online portal at onlinedst.gov.in when the annual call for applications is advertised.
Full official description
The Government of India had instituted a scheme "Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme" to commemorate India's fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme, a selected number of young scientists, with a proven track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue basic research in frontier areas of science and technology. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan. The project should contain innovative research ideas and it should have the potential of making an impact on R&D in the discipline. The fellowships are scientist-specific and not institution-specific, very selective, and have close academic monitoring.
Duration of Fellowship:
The duration of the fellowship will be for a period not exceeding five years.
Benefits
- Fellowship of ₹25,000/month (in addition to regular salary) for up to 5 years
- Research funding from the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) covering recurring and non-recurring costs as per SERB norms
- Freedom and flexibility in research direction and fund utilization as approved in the research plan
- Duration: up to 5 years
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian national with a regular position at a recognized Indian academic or research institution
- Must hold a PhD in Science, Engineering, or Medicine
- Must not be receiving any other fellowship from the Government of India
- Must be between 30 and 40 years of age at time of application
- Must have an outstanding proven track record: significant research publications, patents, peer recognition, or national/international awards
- Host institution must agree to manage financial and administrative responsibilities of the project for 5 years
How to Apply
Step 01: Applications for the “SwarnaJayanti Fellowships Scheme” are invited from eligible candidates in the format as given on DST online portal. Step 02: Candidates may log on to https://onlinedst.gov.in/ to access the home page of the “DST e-PMS Portal” for details and submit the application in online mode only. Note 01: There is no need to send a hard copy. Note 02: The candidates may be required to submit further additional information as required and present the project idea before final selection. Note 03: The advertisement for the “Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme” for each year will appear on the DST Website with all details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme”?
The Government of India had instituted a scheme "Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme" to commemorate India's fiftieth year of Independence. Under this scheme, a selected number of young scientists, with a proven track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue basic research in frontier areas of science and technology. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan.
Which is the implementing department of this scheme?
Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
What are the eligibility criteria to apply under the scheme?
- The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals having a regular position in a recognized Indian academic/research organization.
- The applicant should possess a Ph.D. in Science/Engineering/Medicine and should not be drawing Fellowship from any other Scheme of Government of India.
- Scientists should be active in the frontier area of science and engineering with outstanding contributions in the form of research publications and/ or patents, peer recognition from the scientific community, awards, etc. in his/ her area of research.
What is the age criterion to apply under the scheme?
The fellowship is open to scientists between 30 to 40 years of age.
What is the nature of the assistance provided under this scheme?
The award consists of a Fellowship of [?]25,000/- per month in addition to the salary drawn from the parent Institute for a period of 5 years. The fellows selected along with their projects will be considered for funding by the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) as per SERB norms, for fellowship, recurring and non-recurring heads.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The duration of the fellowship will be for a period not exceeding five years.
How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
Candidates may log on to https://onlinedst.gov.in/ to access the home page of the "DST e-PMS Portal" for details and submit the application in online mode only.
What is the selection procedure of the fellows?
The selection procedure will include consideration at various stages. The Department constitutes a Subject Committee which screens applications received and calls the screened in applicants for presentation. The candidates shortlisted after presentation by the Subject Committees will have to make presentation to the National Core Committee of Experts which gives its final recommendations. An Empowered Committee of Secretaries will make the final selection based on the recommendation of National Core Committee. Scientists selected for the award should have accomplished innovative original research in frontier areas of science and technology.
Can I apply through offline mode?
No, the eligible applicant may apply only through online mode and there is no need to send a hard copy.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Proof of age
- Education Qualification Certificates
- Proof of employment including current employment
- Professional recognition, awards, fellowships received
- Complete list of publications in SCI journals & other referred journals
- Any other document, as required