BIRAC E-YUVA Scheme 2026: ₹7,500 Quarterly Stipend & Research Grant for UG Students

At a glance

About the scheme

Implemented by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the E-YUVA scheme promotes a culture of translational research and entrepreneurial innovation among college students. Under the undergraduate category, student teams conduct interdisciplinary research in their college laboratories while accessing advanced facilities at designated E-YUVA Centres (EYCs). In addition to financial support, the fellowship provides continuous technical mentorship, IP guidance, legal direction, and incubation exposure over a 12-month period.

Benefits

• Quarterly stipend of ₹7,500 per quarter for each student member of the team.
• Annual research grant of ₹2,50,000 per team, disbursed in two instalments (75% and 25%) to the institute account.
• Fellowship support provided for a tenure of 12 months.
• Access to research infrastructure and pre-incubation facilities at E-YUVA Centres and Knowledge Partners.
• Continuous mentoring support covering technical guidance, IP support, legal assistance, training, regulatory advice, and business mentoring.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicants must be Indian undergraduate students pursuing a degree in any domain at an Indian institute or college.
• Students must apply as a team comprising a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 members.
• Team members can belong to the same institute or different colleges; interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
• If team members are from different institutions, each member's institution must have an E-Cell, Institutional Innovation Council, or Incubation centre.
• The team must be supported by an institutional mentor or guide.
• The research proposal must be original, apply interdisciplinary knowledge, and aim to develop innovative biotech products or technologies.

Who cannot apply

• Individual student applicants without a team of 3 to 5 members are not eligible.
• Postgraduate and post-doctoral candidates cannot apply under this specific undergraduate fellow category.
• Proposals submitted without an institutional mentor or guide are not accepted.

Documents required

• Identity proof such as Aadhaar Card or PAN Card
• Educational qualification certificates
• Other relevant academic and project-related documents

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official BIRAC website at birac.nic.in following the national call for proposals.
2. 2One designated team member must register and create a user account on behalf of the entire team.
3. 3Fill in the online E-YUVA application form with project details, team credentials, and mentor information.
4. 4Upload the required identification and academic documents and submit the proposal online.
5. 5Undergo centre-wise initial eligibility checks and screening by the designated E-Cells or Centres.
6. 6Attend the project presentation before the Technical Expert Committee and BIRAC nominees if shortlisted.
7. 7Sign the formal fellowship agreement with the assigned E-YUVA Centre upon selection.

Frequently asked questions