Post-doctoral research is a critical phase for PhD holders seeking to deepen their expertise and contribute to scientific advancement. In India, a range of prestigious fellowships is available for post-PhD researchers, offering financial support and valuable resources. Here’s a closer look at some notable fellowships, including specific opportunities for women researchers.
Notable Post-PhD Fellowships
Offered by: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Eligibility: PhD holders in basic and applied sciences, including engineering and medicine.
Duration: 5 years
Benefits: Research grants and a consolidated salary.
2. SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Offered by: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
Eligibility: PhD holders in science, engineering, and medicine.
Duration: 2 years
Benefits: Monthly stipend, research grants, and overheads.
3. CSIR-Nehru Science Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Offered by: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Eligibility: PhD holders within three years of completion.
Duration: 2 years, extendable by one more year.
Benefits: Fellowship, contingency grants, and travel allowance.
Offered by: DST
Eligibility: Scientists and engineers below the age of 40 with a PhD.
Duration: 5 years
Benefits: Fellowship, research grant, and institutional overheads.
5. Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship
Offered by: University Grants Commission (UGC)
Eligibility: Recent PhD holders in all areas of science.
Duration: 3 years
Benefits: Fellowship, contingency grant, and HRA.
6. DBT-Research Associateship Program
Offered by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Eligibility: PhD holders in biotechnology and related life sciences.
Duration: 2-3 years
Benefits: Fellowship, contingency grant, and travel allowance.
7. ICMR Postdoctoral Fellowship
Offered by: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Eligibility: PhD holders in biomedical sciences.
Duration: 2 years
Benefits: Fellowship, contingency grant, and travel allowance.
These fellowships provide invaluable opportunities for researchers to advance their careers and contribute to scientific innovation in India.
Fellowships for Women Researchers
In an effort to support women in academia and research, several fellowships have been established exclusively for female post-PhD researchers:
8. UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Women Candidates
Eligibility: Open to women with a PhD in Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Duration: 5 years
Fellowship Amount: ₹38,800 per month for the first two years, increasing to ₹46,500 per month for the remaining period, plus an annual contingency grant of ₹50,000.
Application Process: Online application once a year through the UGC’s official website.
9. WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF)
Administered by: Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Eligibility: Women scientists aged 27-60 years, not in regular employment.
Disciplines: Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering & Technology.
Objective: To enable women to continue their research as bench-level scientists in both basic and applied sciences.
10. Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A)
Administered by: Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Eligibility: Women aged 27-57 with qualifications in Science and Technology.
Fellowship Amount: ₹55,000 per month.
Objective: To provide a platform for women scientists to pursue research in basic or applied sciences, particularly in frontier areas.
These initiatives aim to empower women in their research careers, fostering greater participation and contributions to science and technology in India.
