National Solar Science Fellowship Programme 2026: Up to ₹32.00 Lakhs Annual Grant, Eligibility & How to Apply
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Quick answer
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme offers selected Indian scientists an annual grant of up to ₹32.00 lakhs for solar energy research. It is open to scientists with a doctorate or equivalent and at least ten years’ experience, with no age bar. Applications are submitted offline using the prescribed proforma in response to an open advertisement.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹32.00 lakhs per year |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of New and Renewable Energy |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme, launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in February 2011, provides a platform for top Indian scientists and engineers to conduct advanced research in solar energy science, engineering and technology. Selected fellows receive a comprehensive annual grant, work with host institutions, and contribute to national solar technology goals through quarterly reports, an annual conference and possible extension of their fellowship.
Benefits
- Total annual grant of up to ₹32.00 lakhs (emolument up to ₹12.00 lakhs, contingencies up to ₹5.00 lakhs, research grant up to ₹15.00 lakhs), pro-rated for fellowship tenure.
- Grant released to the host institution for disbursement to the Fellow.
- Fellow may raise additional resources from host institution, grant providers, or grant‑in‑aid institutions for research.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant must be Indian or of Indian origin.
- Open to scientists working in solar energy sciences, engineering, and technology (including government employees and those not affiliated with any public institution).
- Must hold a doctorate or equivalent in solar sciences/solar engineering with an outstanding track record and proven leadership qualities, and at least ten years of experience (including period spent on Ph.D. research).
- M.Tech. or M.S. degree holders with good published work and lab/industry experience may be considered as a special case if the Fellowship Management Committee finds the proposal worthwhile.
- Applicant should have an appropriate academic background and R&D experience in solar energy and related areas.
- No age bar for the programme.
- A comprehensive proposal must be submitted for consideration by the Fellowship Management Committee.
- The Fellowship Management Committee may amend the eligibility criteria as needed.
Documents 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)
How to apply
- 1Look for the open advertisement for the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme on the myScheme portal.
- 2Download the prescribed proforma (Annexure‑II) and Guidelines from the links provided in the advertisement.
- 3Fill the proforma as per the instructions in the Guidelines and attach your R&D proposal.
- 4Submit the completed application along with all required documents to the address mentioned in the advertisement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the aim of the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
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 launched the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India
When was the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme launched?+
The programme was launched in February 2011.
Who is eligible to apply for the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
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.
Is there any age bar for the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
No, there will be no age bar for the programme.
What is the benefit provided under the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
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 fellowships are awarded at a time under the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
The total number of fellowships at any point of time will be limited to 10 only.
What is the duration of the fellowship under the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
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 for the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?+
The eligible candidate may apply offline mode.
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