The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (DBT-RRF) is a prestigious re-entry program launched in 2006-07 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The program aims to bring highly-skilled Indian researchers working overseas back to India to contribute to scientific research in life sciences and biotechnology.

Objective of the Fellowship

The scheme is designed to attract Indian researchers from overseas in various cutting-edge disciplines of:

• Life Sciences & Biotechnology

• Bio-engineering

• Healthcare (human & animal)

• Agriculture & Veterinary Biotechnology

• Bio-energy and allied areas

The fellowship provides a platform for such researchers to pursue their scientific research interests in Indian universities and institutions while building a critical mass of science leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality

• Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.

2. Age Limit

• The upper age limit is 45 years as of the closing date of application.

3. Area of Research

Applicants working in any area of:
✅ Life Sciences & Biotechnology
✅ Bio-engineering
✅ Healthcare (Human & Animal)
✅ Agriculture & Veterinary Biotechnology
✅ Bio-energy & Allied Areas

4. Qualification & Experience

• Applicant must have:

  • Ph.D./M.D. degree or equivalent in Life Sciences, Agriculture, Bioinformatics, and allied areas.

  • M.Tech. in Biotechnology/allied areas/Medicine, etc.

• At least three years of postdoctoral research experience in overseas research laboratories.

• Strong research track record (evident through publications, recognitions, etc.).

5. Returning Scientists Eligibility

• Candidates already returned to India within one year of the application deadline (two years for women) can apply.

• However, if they secure a permanent position in India within this period, they are NOT eligible.

⚠ Important:

• If a candidate secures a permanent position in India after submitting the application but before the fellowship starts, they will not receive the fellowship grant.

• However, the research grant component can still be availed to complete the project.

Fellowship Details

Duration of Fellowship

• The fellowship is for three years.

• In exceptional cases, it can be extended for an additional two years based on a fresh performance review.

Nature of Support

• Fellows can apply for additional research grants through extramural funding (DBT, DST, ICMR, etc.) provided a regular faculty member is a Co-PI.

• If a fellow joins a permanent position in India, the fellowship grant stops, but the research grant can continue.

• During the extension period (4th & 5th year, if approved), the fellow continues to receive:

  • Fellowship

  • Research Grant

  • Institutional Overhead

Selection of Host Institution

• Candidates can choose any recognized S&T institution in India, including universities, academic institutions, and national laboratories.

• The host institute must provide necessary R&D, administrative, and infrastructure support.

• Applications must be forwarded by the competent authority of the host institution.

• A candidate can apply through only ONE host institution, but institutions can nominate multiple candidates.

How to Apply?

Application Mode: ONLINE ONLY

• Candidates must apply online at the National Fellowship Portal:
  🔗 https://fellowships.gov.in/

• Direct link to register for RRF 2024-25:
  🔗 https://fellowships.gov.in/rrf-registration-2024-25/generate

Application Process

1️⃣ Register on the online portal.
2️⃣ Fill in all details, including:

• Personal Information

• Academic Qualifications

• Post-Doctoral Experience

• Work Experience

• Research Contributions

• Referee Details

• Proposed Research Work

• Host Institution Details
  3️⃣ Upload the required documents (see below).
  4️⃣ Submit the application before the deadline.

Documents Required

📌 Mandatory documents to upload:

• ✅ Date of Birth Proof

• ✅ Copy of Passport (if applicable)

• ✅ Ph.D./M.D./M.Tech. Degree Certificate

• ✅ List of Research Contributions

• ✅ Reprints of 5 Best Research Papers (first page only)

• ✅ Research Proposal (detailed)

• ✅ Certificate from Host Institution (mandatory)

• ✅ Letters of Recommendation

• ✅ Undertaking/Statement from Current Employer (if applicable)

⚠ Important Notes:

• Host Institution Certificate is compulsory; applications without it will be rejected.

• Only online applications will be accepted.

• Original documents must be kept ready for verification if selected.