SERB - POWER Fellowship 2026: ₹15,000 Monthly Fellowship + ₹10 Lakh Research Grant
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Quick answer
SERB - POWER Fellowship is a central government scheme by the Department of Science & Technology to support women scientists with Ph.D. degrees in science and engineering. It provides a monthly fellowship of ₹15,000 in addition to regular income, an annual research grant of ₹10 lakhs, and overheads for the host institute. Eligible women aged 35‑55 can apply through nominations submitted by heads of institutions or fellows of national academies on the online portal www.serbonline.in.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Financial Support and Research Grant |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central Government |
| For | Women / girls |
| Age | 35–55 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
SERB - POWER (Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research) Fellowship was launched by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research funding in various S&T programs in Indian academic institutions and R&D Laboratories. The fellowship is aimed to enhance diversity in research to ensure equal access and weighted opportunities for Indian women scientists engaged in research and development activities.
Benefits
- Fellowship of ₹15,000 per month in addition to regular income.
- Research grant of ₹10 Lakhs per annum for minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, contingencies and domestic travel.
- Overheads for the host institute.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The nominee should be an active woman scientist with an excellent record of research performance as an independent investigator.
- The nominee should be an outstanding woman researcher and innovator working in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories, holding a Ph.D. degree in any branch of science and engineering.
- The nominee should be in regular service throughout the duration of the Fellowship.
- The nominee should be an Indian citizen between 35‑55 years of age working in institutions in India.
- The nominee should not be receiving any other fellowships from Government sources during the tenure.
Who cannot apply
- Receiving any other Government fellowship during the fellowship period.
Documents required
- Identity proof of candidate
- Passport size photograph
- Proof of age
- Educational Qualifications certificates
- Details of Professional awards/recognition/fellowship
- Bank Details (Bank Account Number, Name of the Bank, Bank Branch, and IFSC Code)
- Any other document, as required
How to apply
- 1Visit the official portal www.serbonline.in.
- 2The applicant fills the online application form and submits it.
- 3SERB sends an email with a link to the nominator.
- 4The nominator verifies the details and forwards the nomination to SERB.
- 5Nominations are accepted throughout the year; selection is made twice a year by a Search‑cum‑Selection Committee.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for SERB Power Fellowship?+
Outstanding women researchers and innovators working in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories, holding Ph.D. degrees in any branch of science and engineering, with an excellent research record as independent investigators, in regular service, Indian citizens aged 35‑55, and not receiving any other Government fellowship.
What is the age limit for eligibility?+
The nominee must be between 35 and 55 years of age.
Can I apply if I am already receiving another Government fellowship?+
No, you cannot receive any other Government fellowship during the tenure of the SERB‑POWER Fellowship.
Is the fellowship amount taxable?+
Yes, the fellowship received under SERB Power Fellowship is taxable as per Income Tax rules.
Which areas of study are covered?+
All areas of Science (in the broadest terms) are covered by this Fellowship.
What financial support does the fellowship provide?+
Fellowship of ₹15,000 per month in addition to regular income, research grant of ₹10 lakhs per annum, and overheads for the host institute.
What is the duration of the fellowship?+
The fellowship is for three years, without any possibility of extension.
How many times can a person avail this fellowship?+
A person can avail the SERB‑POWER Fellowship only once; successful fellows cannot be renominated.
When can I apply and is there a last date?+
Nominations are accepted throughout the year via the online portal www.serbonline.in; there is no specific last date.
Who can nominate a candidate?+
Heads of Institutions or Fellows of National Academies can send the nominations.
How does the fellow receive subsequent year grants?+
Grants for subsequent years are released after submission of two hard copies of Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Utilisation Certificate (UC) in the prescribed format, financial‑year wise (01st April to 31st March).
Can the host institute be changed during the fellowship?+
Yes, a fellow can change the host institute by providing NOCs from both institutes, final financial papers, undertaking certificate and appointment letter from the new institute.
Is there a provision for extension of the fellowship?+
No, there is no provision for extension.
How are fellows selected?+
Selection is made twice a year by a specially constituted Search‑cum‑Selection Committee.
Under which heads can the research grant be used?+
The research grant of ₹10 lakh per annum can be used for minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, contingencies and domestic travel.
Can the research grant be used for international travel?+
No, the research grant cannot be used for international travel.
Do I need permission from SERB if I am away from my institute for more than 6 weeks?+
Yes, you must take permission from SERB for absences exceeding 6 weeks.
Can I avail the fellowship amount and research grant while visiting abroad for more than 8 weeks?+
No, the fellow is not eligible to receive the fellowship amount, research grant or overhead charges during such visits unless a student is drawing fellowship/salary from the project.
Can I use the research grant to attend an international conference?+
No, travel expenses for foreign assignments are not covered from the research grant.
Can I get an extension based on a period spent abroad for collaboration work?+
No, extensions are not allowed based on claimed visits abroad.
What is the official website for application?+
www.serbonline.in
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)