SITARE-Appreciation Grant 2026: Up to ₹1 Lakh Grant & BIIS Workshop
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Quick answer
The SITARE-Appreciation Grant offers undergraduate students a 3 to 4-week residential training workshop at the Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) with full travel and accommodation support. Out of 30 to 40 participants per workshop, 10 selected students receive a financial grant of up to ₹1 lakh to support their innovative ideas. Eligible students can apply online through the official BIRAC portal during active application calls.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹1 lakh grant and residential training |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Started by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the SITARE-Appreciation Grant supports innovative research ideas among undergraduate students. The scheme conducts residential Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS) workshops three times a year to offer hands-on technical orientation, problem identification mentorship, and access to bio-incubation centres. Ten students from each batch receive up to ₹1 lakh to further their translational research projects either at their home institution or at the partner organisation's laboratory.
Benefits
- 3 to 4 weeks of residential technical training and mentorship at the Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS).
- Grant support of up to ₹1,00,000 each for 10 selected students out of 30 to 40 participants in each workshop.
- Class II rail fare and local travel expenses covered.
- Free hostel accommodation along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Shuttle facility provided between the hostel and the project site.
- Exposure to bio-incubation centres, interactive sessions with industry experts, and potential visits to reputed institutions.
- Official recognition as BIRAC SITARE-Appreciation beneficiaries.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelors programme in any discipline.
- Must hold a valid student identity card issued by their institution or university.
- Applicant can participate in the BIIS workshop only once across all SITARE partners (unless selected as an Appreciation Award Grantee recommended for subsequent workshops).
- Preference is given to students belonging to Tier II/Tier III cities and aspirational districts across India.
Who cannot apply
- Students who have previously attended a BIIS workshop across any SITARE partner cannot re-apply, unless they are SITARE-Appreciation Award Grantees recommended by the SITARE Partner or BIRAC.
Documents required
- Valid student identity card issued by the institution or university
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Educational qualification certificates
- Proof of residence
- Statement of Purpose (SoP) proposal
- Any other relevant document
How to apply
- 1Visit the official BIRAC website at www.birac.nic.in when a call for applications is announced.
- 2If you are a new applicant, register as an individual by clicking on New User Registration.
- 3Check your registered email for the computer-generated password and log in to the portal.
- 4Navigate to the Programmes section and click on the SITARE-BIIS application link.
- 5Select the highlighted active call against which you want to submit your application.
- 6Complete the application form, submit your Statement of Purpose (SoP) following the official format, and submit the proposal online.
Frequently asked questions
What is the financial grant under the SITARE-Appreciation Grant?+
Ten selected students per workshop receive a grant of up to ₹1 lakh each to support their innovative ideas and sustained research.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?+
Students pursuing a Bachelors degree in any discipline with a valid college or university identity card are eligible to apply.
Are boarding and lodging expenses covered during the workshop?+
Yes, student participants receive Class II rail fare, local travel, hostel accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and shuttle transport.
How many workshops are organized in a year?+
A total of three residential BIIS workshops are conducted each year, tentatively in the months of February, June, and December.
How are students selected for the BIIS workshop?+
Selection is based on the Statement of Purpose (SoP), assessed on Originality (40%), Clarity of Purpose (20%), Implementation Plan (15%), and Potential Impact (15%).
Can a student apply for the workshop multiple times?+
No, a student can avail only one BIIS workshop training, unless they are SITARE-Appreciation Award Grantees recommended by the partner or BIRAC.
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