The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will consider proposals under the Travel Support Scheme for financial assistance to Indian scientists/researchers, (residing/working in India) involved in Biotechnology for presenting their research papers in international conferences/ Seminars/ Symposia/ Workshops which are being held outside India relevant to the areas of interest and the projects/ or programs of the Department. The scheme provides up to full reimbursement of the actual return airfare in economy/excursion class to applicants from the nearest airport to the place of work in India to the venue of the conference/ Seminar/ Symposia/ Workshop. The event should be international and sponsored by foreign governments, international organizations or institutions under the aegis of multilateral, regional or bilateral arrangements.The CTEP travel program is open w.e.f. 25.04.2024 for : (a) Indian students and Post doctoral Fellows (b) Teachers, Scientists, Professors, etc., working at Government Universities and Government Institutions (Centre and State)

Guidelines for the travel grant of Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

Eligibility

• Applicants should be active scientists/researchers engaged in research and development and promotion of biotechnology. Scientists below the age of 50 years would be accorded preference.

• Applicants should have a postgraduate degree in science or a bachelor’s degree in engineering/ technology or an equivalent qualification.

• Investigators/co-investigators of DBT-supported projects/programmes, chairmen and expert members of the various task forces, biotechnology research promotion committee, and SACDBT are also eligible to apply.

• Senior scientists/faculties working in positions under pay band-4 will be provided travel support only if they have an oral paper presentation.

• Applicants should not have availed of financial assistance for travel support from the Government of India in the last three financial years.

• Applicants should have an accepted paper for presentation as a single or lead author.

• Applications submitted online (www.dbtctep.gov.in) only will be considered. Proposals submitted physically (hard copy) will not be accepted.

Support

• The scheme provides up to full reimbursement of the actual return airfare in economy/ excursion class by Air India to applicants from the airport nearest to their place of work in India to the venue of the conference/seminar/symposia/workshop.

• The grant is restricted to the following slabs: For America, Australia, Canada, and South Africa—₹ 60,000 o For Europe, China, and Russia—₹ 40,000 o For South Asian Countries—₹ 30,00

Guidelines

• Air tickets must be purchased from authorized travel agents: Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited (BLCL), Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), or Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC).

• If tickets are not purchased from authorized agents, travel grants are capped:

  • America, Australia, Canada, South Africa: ₹60,000

  • Europe, China, and Russia: ₹40,000

  • South Asian Countries: ₹30,000

• Financial advisors or a joint secretary-level officer may grant relaxation in unavoidable circumstances.

• The government of India’s guidelines regarding air travel expenses must be adhered to.

• If other agencies have been applied to for grants, a copy of acceptance or rejection must be included with the Claim Sheet. If a grant was sanctioned but not used, a letter from the sanctioning agency or the Head of the Institution must be provided.

• Successful applicants will be informed two weeks before the conference. No interim correspondence will be entertained.

• Applications must be submitted in advance at least 12 weeks, but not more than 24 weeks.

• Non-senior applicants (below Assistant Professor Level) must indicate prior attendance at national-level conferences.

• Funding is prioritized for established conference series by societies or non-profit organizations over for-profit organizations.

• A maximum PDF file size of 2 MB is allowed for uploads.

• Incomplete applications will be rejected.

• Reimbursement is subject to fund availability and should be submitted within 90 days of the event.

• The Departmental Committee for Promotion & Popularization of Biotechnology meets monthly.

DOCUMENTS TO BE UPLOADED WHILE SUBMITTING THE PROPOSAL

1. Invitation letter from organizers indicating acceptance for oral or poster presentation.

2. Conference/seminar/symposium announcement.

3. Abstract of the accepted paper and its acceptance letter from organizers.

4. No Objection Certificate from co-authors (if any) confirming they are not attending.

5. If not the lead author, a certificate from the lead author explaining the delegation.

6. Certificate of fare estimation from authorized travel agents (Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels & Tours, IRCTC).

7. Letter regarding financial assistance from other agencies.

8. Forwarding letter from the Head of the organization or department.

9. Certificate confirming no travel support from any government organization in the last three financial years.

10. Accepted abstract with details of all co-authors and affiliations.

11. Supervisor’s name and consent (for non-senior applications below Assistant Professor grade).

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED AFTER THE TRIP (TO DBT-CTEP MANAGEMENT CELL)

1. Claim Sheet for reimbursement (Annexure – I).

2. Participation report (Annexure – II) verified by HOD/Supervisor.

3. Copy of air tickets and original boarding passes.

4. Photographs/short video of the presentation.

5. Proof of payment to authorized travel enterprises.

6. Certificate of participation from the conference organizers.

7. Certificate of any awards received.

8. Details of other travel support received.

9. Entitlement certificate for inland travel.

10. Verified bank details of the organization (including account name, bank name, branch address, account number, IFSC, and MICR codes).

For more details, please visit DBT India website

For more international travel support for conferences, exhibitions, courses, etc.., visit CSIR Travel Support for Researchers or SERB International Travel support.