Back-To-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme 2026: Support for Women Researchers in Kerala
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Quick answer
This scheme offers a Post-doctoral fellowship to women with a career break in science or engineering. Women who are permanent residents of Kerala, unemployed, and qualified with a PhD can apply online through the official portal. The fellowship lasts for up to 2 years and includes a monthly stipend and contingency grant.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹45,000 + 10% HRA per month for 2 years |
| Ministry / department | Science and Technology Department |
| Level | State Government (Kerala) |
| For | Women / girls |
| Age | Up to 40 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Back-To-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme is designed to help women scientists in Kerala who have taken a career break due to family commitments. It provides financial support and infrastructure to enable their re-entry into scientific research. The scheme aims to increase women's participation in higher education and research, contributing to scientific progress in the state.
Benefits
- Post-doctoral fellowship of ₹45,000/- + 10% HRA per month
- Annual contingency grant of ₹75,000/-
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Women with PhD in Science or Engineering
- Unemployed women with a career break due to family commitments
- Permanent residents of Kerala
- Age below 40 years (relaxable for OBC and SC/ST)
- Minimum 60% marks in post-graduation
- Published at least one research paper in SCI journal or secured patent
- Not availed of previous KSCSTE Back-to-Lab Fellowship for PhD
- Not receiving any emoluments at the time of application
Who cannot apply
- Applicants who are currently employed or receiving emoluments
- Applicants who have already availed of a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or elsewhere
Documents required
- Identity proof of applicant
- Photo of applicant
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Proof of permanent residency in Kerala
- Marks sheet and Certificate of PG
- Certificate of Ph.D.
- Work & Research Experience certificate
- Reprints of latest Research Publications in SCI journal
- Certificate on Break in Career
- Biodata of applicant and mentor
- Declaration by applicant
- Consent from Scientist Mentor
- Endorsement from Head of Host Institution
How to apply
- 1Visit the official KSCSTE web portal at www.submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in.
- 2Register and fill out the online application form.
- 3Upload all required supporting documents.
- 4Submit the application for review and further processing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the objective of this programme?+
The Scheme is intended to support women having career break, facilitating their re-entry in scientific research by providing Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
Which is the implementing agency of this programme?+
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?+
Women qualified with Ph.D. in Science/Engineering subjects who are under Career break due to family commitments are eligible to apply.
What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the programme?+
The age of the candidate should be below 40 years.
Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC categories under the programme?+
Yes, relaxation in age is up to a maximum of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST.
What is the qualification required to apply for the programme?+
The applicants should have qualified Ph.D. in Science / Engineering subjects.
What should be the minimum marks for post-graduation?+
The applicant should have scored minimum 60% marks for post-graduation.
Can an employed candidate be eligible to apply?+
No, the applicant should not be employed either on permanent or temporary basis and should not be receiving any sort of emoluments at the time of application.
How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible fellow?+
The scheme offers a Post-doctoral fellowship of ₹45,000/- + 10% HRA per month.
How much will the contingency grant to be paid under the programme?+
Annual contingency grant of ₹75,000/- will also be paid under the programme.
What is the duration of the fellowship?+
Duration of the Fellowship is limited to a maximum of 2 years.
Which subjects are to be considered under the programme?+
The subject categories include Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical, Chemical & Mathematical sciences.
How can an applicant apply for the programme?+
Eligible applicant may apply online in the KSCSTE web portal at www.submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in.
Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?+
The Head, Women Scientists Division, Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom (P.O), Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471 2548208, Email: womenscientistkerala@gmail.com
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)