SERB Research Scientist Scheme 2026: ₹1.2 Lakh Monthly Emolument for INSPIRE & Ramanujan Fellows
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Quick answer
The SERB Research Scientist Scheme provides a 2-year research platform (extendable to 3 years) for INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows who have completed their 5-year tenure but not secured regular positions. Selected fellows receive a consolidated emolument of ₹1,20,000 per month, a research grant of ₹7,00,000 per annum, and overheads of ₹1,00,000 per annum. Applications are accepted offline throughout the year within six months before or after tenure completion, submitted in prescribed format to SERB, New Delhi.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Financial Support for Continued Research |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 0–40 years |
| Income limit | ₹0 lakh |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The SERB Research Scientist (SRS) Scheme was approved by the SERB Board to sustain the research careers of INSPIRE Faculty (DST) and Ramanujan Fellows (SERB) who fail to obtain regular positions after their five-year fellowship tenure. The scheme offers an additional two years of support, extendable by one year based on performance evaluation, with a maximum tenure of three years. It is implemented through recognized academic institutions, national laboratories, and R&D institutions in India. The fellows, designated as SERB Research Scientists, are expected to pursue research objectives independently without manpower support.
Benefits
- Consolidated emolument of ₹1,20,000 per month (all inclusive)
- Research grant of ₹7,00,000 per annum for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, and travel (no manpower support)
- Overheads of ₹1,00,000 per annum for host institution
- Leave as per host institution rules; participation in scientific workshops treated as on duty
- Maternity leave as per Government of India instructions for female candidates
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Open only to INSPIRE Faculty (DST) and Ramanujan Fellows (SERB)
- Applicant must have completed or be nearing completion of the five-year tenure of the respective fellowship
- Upper age limit of 40 years at the time of application submission
- Can be availed only once in a candidate's career
- Tenable only in India at recognized academic institutions, national laboratories, or R&D institutions
- Host institution must provide necessary administrative and infrastructural support
- May continue at current host institution or move to a different suitable institution
- Not allowed to work at the same department/institution where PhD/M.S./M.D. degree was earned
- Purely temporary and contractual assignment for 2 years, extendable to one more year subject to performance evaluation, not beyond three years under any circumstances
Who cannot apply
- SERB Research Scientists are not eligible to receive any other research project/fellowship from any government or non-governmental source during the scheme tenure
- No provision for manpower support under the research grant
- Cannot be availed more than once in a career
- Support not extendable beyond three years under any circumstances
Documents required
- Duly filled application form (Annexure I) as per prescribed format
- Three copies of the application printed on both sides of A4 size paper
- Softcopy of the complete proposal emailed to harishkumar@nic.in
How to apply
- 1Monitor SERB (www.serb.gov.in), SERB Online (www.serbonline.in), and DST (www.dst.gov.in) websites for scheme notifications; applications are open throughout the year
- 2Ensure application is submitted within six months before or after completion of the regular five-year tenure of INSPIRE Faculty or Ramanujan Fellowship (previous batches may apply at scheme launch)
- 3Download and prepare the application strictly according to the prescribed format (Annexure I) available on the official SERB website
- 4Print three copies of the completed application on both sides of A4 size paper
- 5Send the hard copies to: Dr. Harish Kumar, Scientist F, Science and Engineering Research Board, 3rd & 4th floor, Block-II, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016, INDIA
- 6Email a softcopy of the complete proposal to harishkumar@nic.in
- 7Superscribe the envelope and email subject with: “SERB Research Scientist (Specify the area*)” where area is one of: Chemical Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences
Frequently asked questions
What is the SERB Research Scientist Scheme?+
The SERB Research Scientist (SRS) Scheme is a new initiative by the Science and Engineering Research Board for awardees of INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellowships who fail to secure regular positions after completing their five-year tenure. It provides a platform to continue research activities and explore regular positions for an additional period.
What is the objective of the scheme?+
The objective is to identify and provide a platform for sustainment of the research career of INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows for an additional period of two years after completion of the regular tenure of five years in the respective schemes.
Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?+
Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying?+
The scheme is open only to INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows who have completed or are nearing completion of their five-year tenure. The upper age limit is 40 years at the time of application submission. The scheme can be availed only once in a career.
What are the research areas covered under this fellowship?+
Chemical Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences.
What is the nature of financial support?+
Emolument: Consolidated amount of ₹1,20,000 per month; Research Grant: ₹7,00,000 per annum; Overheads: ₹1,00,000 per annum.
Can a SERB Research Scientist receive any other research project or fellowship?+
No, SERB Research Scientists are not eligible to receive any other research project/fellowship from any government or non-governmental source during the tenure of the scheme.
How many times can a fellow avail this fellowship?+
Only once; the eligible fellow can avail this fellowship only once in his/her career.
What is the duration of this fellowship?+
The scheme is tenable for a period of 2 years, extendable to one more year subject to performance evaluation. Under any circumstances, the support is not extendable beyond three years.
When can an applicant apply and what is the last date?+
Applications are open throughout the year. Applications shall be submitted within six months before or after completion of the regular tenure of the schemes. Previous batches may be allowed to apply at the opening of this new scheme.
How to submit an application under the scheme?+
Candidates should submit 3 copies of the application printed on both sides of A4 size paper to Dr. Harish Kumar, Scientist F, SERB, 3rd & 4th floor, Block-II, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016, and email a softcopy to harishkumar@nic.in.
How will the applications be evaluated?+
Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee constituted for the purpose. The committee may consider performance evaluation by the relevant subject expert committee during the INSPIRE Faculty/Ramanujan Fellowship tenure. Applicants may be called for personal interviews if required.
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