The Scheme for Young Scientist & Technologist (SYST) programme, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aims to encourage young scientists and technologists. The program supports action research projects that address socio-economic challenges. It focuses on developing affordable and adaptable Science and Technological (S&T) solutions for marginalized communities.

The programme promotes sustainable and inclusive development of society through scientific interventions. Proposals are invited under two components: Component A for employed young scientists and Component B, a special call for unemployed young scientists from the SC/ST category. The goal is to nurture talent and provide resources for impactful research.

Project proposals should align with identified thrust areas such as Veterinary Sciences, Green Technologies, Renewable Energy, Marine Biology, Waste Valorisation, and Occupational Health and Safety. Basic exploratory research and surveys will not be considered. Candidates should submit only one proposal.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must possess a Ph.D. in Basic and Applied Sciences/MD/MS or have submitted their Ph.D. thesis. The age limit is less than 40 years on the last date of application submission. Age relaxation of 5 years is provided for Women, Differently-abled (Divyangjan), SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates.

For Component B, unemployed young scientists must align themselves with Academic (Govt/Pvt) S&T departments or S&T Institutions. The host organization must agree to facilitate smooth project execution and provide necessary infrastructure and facilities. A mentor with expertise in the proposed area of intervention is also required.

The mentor should hold a Permanent/Regular position. The host institution must provide an endorsement ensuring support for the project. The organization should not be blacklisted by any government entity.

Application Process and Submission

Applicants must submit their proposals online through the DST's Electronic Project Management System (e-PMS) portal at http://onlinedst.gov.in. The proposal should be in the prescribed format available on the DST website www.dst.gov.in. The project tenure should not exceed three years.

A Screening Committee will evaluate the received proposals, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a presentation. Ensure all mandatory information is accurately filled in the online application form. Verify all details before final submission, as changes are not possible afterward.

The last date for online proposal submission is 31st March 2025. Upon successful submission, a TPN number will be generated for future reference. No hard copies of the project proposal should be sent to DST.

Funding Details and Guidelines

The budget limit for projects under Component A is Rs. 50 lakhs, while for Component B, it is Rs. 60 lakhs including the fellowship of the Young Scientist. The fellowship amount for unemployed young scientists (SC/ST category) is Rs.67,000/- + HRA per month. Costs for manpower, consumables, travel, training, infrastructure, and overheads will be supported as per DST norms.

Grantee organizations must adhere to extant GFR rules while incurring expenditure and submitting audited accounts. Equipment purchases should be made through the Government e-Market (GeM) portal whenever possible. Subsequent grant releases depend on satisfactory project progress and timely submission of reports.

The Principal Investigator (PI) should not have any ongoing projects under the SYST programme, and no PI can avail the grant from the said programme more than twice. The equipment procured in the project should be handed over to the beneficiaries after completion. The DST reserves the right to terminate the Fellowship at any stage if it is convinced that appropriate progress is not being made or the grant has not been utilized properly.

Contact Information

For any questions or queries related to proposal submission, you can contact the following:

• Dr. Anita Aggarwal (HEAD), email: anita.a@nic.in, Phone: 011-29512324

• Dr. Akanksha Gupta (Scientist), email: akanksha.g@gov.in

Address: Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science & Technology, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016.