Central Govt Education & LearningScience, IT & Communications

VAIshwik BHArtiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship

The VAIBHAV Fellowship brings Indian diaspora scientists (NRI/PIO/OCI) to collaborate with Indian universities and research institutions in cutting-edge fields like AI, quantum technologies, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. Fellows spend up to 2 months per year for up to 3 years at an Indian host institution. The host Indian institution applies through DST's e-PMS portal on behalf of the fellow.

Department Of Science & Technology For: Infra Official Source

About This Scheme

Full official description

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. Research areas under which applications may be submitted: Proposals are sought in select identified verticals and horizontals of VAIBHAV (as mentioned in the preamble):

Quantum Technologies: Quantum Communication; Quantum Computing; Quantum Sensing and Metrology; Quantum Materials and Devices
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Foundation of AI/ML; AI/ML and Signals; AI for Social Good; AI and Robotics
Computational Sciences: High-Performance Computing Architectures; Computational Atmospheric Sciences; Cyber-Physical Systems
Data Sciences: Data Science Project Management; Data Science Infrastructure, Deployment and Hosting; Data Privacy and Security; Data Science Education; Data Science Applications
Photonics: Photonic Devices; Optical Imaging and Bio-photonics; Photonic Materials and Sources; Nano-photonics; Integrated Photonics and Communication
Energy: Future Electricity Systems; Sustainable Mobility Technologies; Advanced Fossil Technologies; Sustainable Future Fuels
Electronics and Semiconductor Technologies: Semiconductor Materials and Process Technologies; Semiconductor Devices: Physics and Technology; Electronic Circuits and System Design
Communication Technologies: Cellular Evolution 5G and Beyond (THz Comm); Communication Technologies for IoT/CPS; High-Speed Optical Communication – backbone networks; Cognitive Technologies for Futuristic Communication
Aerospace Technologies: Aerospace Systems and Design; Propulsion Technologies; Flight Structure and Integrity; Modeling and Simulations; Unmanned Aerial Systems and Countermeasures
Materials and Processing Technologies: Structural Materials; Materials Recycling & Purification; Advanced & Functional Materials; Catalytic Materials & Processes; Computational Materials Science
Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Science; Polar Science; Ocean Science/Technology; Geo Science/Technology
Environmental Sciences: Air Quality Management; Water Quality Management; Soil and Waste Management; Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity Conservation; Climate Change
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Smart Manufacturing, IoT, Digital Manufacturing; Additive Manufacturing; Precision/Micro-nano Manufacturing/Surface Engineering; Industrial Machines, Robotics/Automation; Speciality Products Manufacturing
Health, Medical Sciences and Biomedical Devices: Advanced Technologies in Health Care; Precision Health; Holistic Health; Remote and Rural Health - Reaching the Unreached
Pharmaceuticals and Bio-Technology: Biotherapeutics and Biosimilars; Industrial Biotechnology; Infectious Diseases/ Disease biology; Drug Discovery, Repurposing and Drug delivery
Agricultural Sciences: Precision Agriculture; Sustainable and Climate Smart Agriculture; Food Safety and Nutritional Security; Climate Resilient Livestock, Veterinary Therapeutics and Zoonoses control, Nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture and metabolic biology, Modern Fisheries and Aquaculture and seed production, Genome editing, Robotics, farm automation, Digital Agriculture
Social Sciences for SDGs: Behavioral Community Approaches & its impact on Societal Development; Societal aspect of Technology Development with cause; Socio-Economic aspect of Development
Management: Fostering academic collaborations; Mechanisms to increase R&D outputs from Indian institutions; Business innovation; Entrepreneurship for growth; Management of New-Age (Knowledge) Organizations; Making India R&D center of the world / Making India Center of Practice-Oriented Management Knowledge

Benefits

Monthly fellowship of ₹4,00,000 (~USD 5,000) for up to 2 months per year (maximum 3 years)
Business class international airfare from place of work to India once per year
Fully furnished accommodation in guest house/hotel up to ₹7,500 per day
Contingency of ₹1,00,000 per year for research expenses in India
Domestic economy airfare to visit up to 2 Indian academic institutes per year
₹5 lakh per year for 3 years to the host institution for consumables, contingency, and overhead costs

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

NRI, PIO, or OCI currently working abroad in academia or research
Must hold a Ph.D, M.D, M.S, or M.Tech degree from a recognised university
Must be actively engaged in research
Either: employed at a top-200 QS World University (subject-wise) for 5+ years in a regular/tenure role; OR working in a reputed industry or research lab abroad for 5+ years (not as a PhD or postdoc fellow)
Host institution must be a top-200 NIRF-ranked university, NAAC A+ or above accredited institution, or a public-funded national research laboratory

How to Apply

Online

Application Process:

Step 01: The application should be submitted online to the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Step 02: The applicant can download the proposal formats of the VAIBHAV Fellowship from websites https://dst.gov.in/ or https://onlinedst.gov.in/Projectproposalformat.aspx?Id=2317 Step 03: The applicant needs to register themselves at the online portal with their active e-mail ID to apply to the VAIBHAV Fellowship. Step 04: An auto-generated email will be sent to the applicant with an ID and link to create a password. Step 05: After successful registration, the applicant can submit the completed application form and all relevant information through the e-PMS portal of the DST. Note 01: Each application should be submitted to DST. Note 02: The host Scientist needs to apply on behalf of the Indian Diaspora as DST would release the funds to the host Institution which will be reimbursed to the fellow by the host Institution. Note 03: Applications will be received in online mode only. Physical or e-mail applications will not be considered. Note 04: Any shortcomings in the proposal or non-submission through the e-PMS portal will result in the rejection of the proposal. DST will not be responsible for these shortcomings. Note 05: In case the applicant cannot submit the proposal in time, DST would not entertain that project offline, and also no request to extend the date would be entertained. Note 06: It may be noted that after submission, the applicant will get a Temporary Project Number (TPN), auto-generated by the system, which should be mentioned in all future references. Note 07: Without a consent letter from the Head of the Institute of Host and the applicant, the application shall not be entertained and shall be treated as disqualified. Note 08: The applicant needs to visit the official website of DST for the latest update.

Merit Evaluation Criteria and Deliverables:

We support research excellence and therefore contributions to research, training, and mentoring are considered and valued as part of the merit review process, with a focus on the quality and impact of these contributions. Applications must address all of the following criteria in order to be considered for funding:

Quality of the proposal and research findings, including significance and originality;
Relevance and outcomes, including benefit to society;
Knowledge transfer, exchange, and dissemination;
Partnership and international collaborations;
Applicants should submit a consent letter from their parent Institute.
Expected results, outcomes, and appropriateness of budget strategy to achieve them.

Review Process for Evaluation of Applications:

All applications will be handled in the strictest of confidence.
A Review Committee comprised of representatives and independent external reviewers from India and government departments will examine the proposals.
DST may consider inviting the shortlisted applicants for an online presentation of their proposed work as part of the review process. Applications must attain a positive rating to be considered eligible for funding.
The Experts Review Committee will prioritize applicants in the given vertical. The final decision would be taken by the Government on the recommendation of the VAIBHAV Apex Committee.

Contact Details:

For more details, the following may be contacted: Mr. Vinod Kumar Sharma, Under Secretary VAIBHAV Cell, International Cooperation Division Technology Bhawan, Department of Science and Technology Ministry of Science and Technology, New Delhi-110016 Email: vaibhav-india@gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship'?

The VAIBHAV Fellowship is a program initiated by the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It aims to envisage collaboration between scientists of the Indian Diaspora and Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Universities, and Public Funded Scientific Institutions.

What is the duration of the VAIBHAV Fellowship?

The fellowship allows fellows to spend up to two months in a year for a maximum period of three years collaborating with an Indian Institution.

What are the research areas covered under the VAIBHAV Fellowship?

The fellowship encourages research proposals in the following identified verticals and horizontals: Quantum Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computational Sciences, Data Sciences, Photonics, Energy, Electronics and Semiconductor Technologies, Communication Technologies, Aerospace Technologies, Materials and Processing Technologies, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Health, Medical Sciences and Biomedical Devices, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences for SDGs, Management:

What is the emolument provided under the programme?

The VAIBHAV Fellowship offers a stipend of [?]4,00,000/- per month (equivalent to USD 5000 per month) for a minimum of 01 month and a maximum of 02 months per year, with a total fellowship duration not exceeding 03 years.

Are there additional benefits for international travel?

Yes, VAIBHAV Fellows are entitled to one international travel ticket in business class per year from their place of work in the parent institute to their place of work in India.

What accommodation arrangements are made for VAIBHAV Fellows during their stay in India?

Fellows receive fully furnished accommodation in a guest house or hotel, with a daily allowance of up to [?]7500 to cover accommodation expenses.

Is there any provision for research-related expenses during the fellowship?

Yes, VAIBHAV Fellows receive a contingency grant of [?]1,00,000 per year for research-related expenditures in India.

Are there provisions for domestic travel within India for academic purposes?

Yes, Fellows are eligible for domestic travel within India (economy class) for academic purposes, with a limit of two visits to Indian academic/scientific institutes in a year.

How is the financial support structured for the host institution?

The host institution receives institutional financial support of up to [?]5 Lakhs per year for a duration of 3 years. This funding is allocated to cover expenses related to consumables and accessories, contingency, and institutional overhead for the research project.

Who is eligible to apply for the VAIBHAV Fellowship?

The VAIBHAV Fellowship is open to Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) currently working abroad.

What academic qualifications are required for applicants?

Applicants should hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.S., or M.Tech degree from a recognized University.

Is there a requirement for applicants to be actively involved in research?

Yes, applicants must be engaged in active research at the time of applying for the VAIBHAV Fellowship.

What are the criteria for the applicant's current or past employment?

For VAIBHAV Fellow Applicants:

Who is eligible to apply for the VAIBHAV Fellowship?

The VAIBHAV Fellowship is open to Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) currently working abroad.

What academic qualifications are required for applicants?

Applicants should hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.S., or M.Tech degree from a recognized University.

Is there a requirement for applicants to be actively involved in research?

Yes, applicants must be engaged in active research at the time of applying for the VAIBHAV Fellowship.

What are the criteria for the applicant's current or past employment?

Applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:

Have worked in an Institute/University ranked in the top 200 QS World University Rankings (subject-wise) for at least 5 years or more in regular/tenure employment. Have worked in Industry or Research Laboratories of repute abroad for at least 5 years or more, but should not be a Ph.D. or Post-doctoral fellow.

Which institutions are eligible to host VAIBHAV Fellows?

Host institutions should fall into either of the following categories:

Higher Educational Institutions/University ranked in the top 200 in NIRF overall rankings or possessing NAAC 'A+' grade or above. Public funded Scientific Institutes/National Laboratories.

How to apply under the programme?

The call is open for proposal submission under VAIBHAV Fellowship at ePMS (https://onlinedst.gov.in).

Ready to apply?

Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.

Apply on myScheme.gov.in

Documents Required

Statement of Purpose (one-page max.)
Bio-data of Applicant in the prescribed format (two pages max.)
List of recent publications of the applicant (last three years) with impact factors
Copy of Valid Passport
Academic Qualification – Copy of certificate for highest degree
Experience Certificate
Undertaking by the applicant in the prescribed format
No-objection certificate from the parent institute
Consent letter from the Host Institute in India
CV of the host scientist /faculty (two pages max.)
List of recent publications of the host scientist/faculty (last three years) with impact factors