The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is offering the VAIBHAV Fellowship Program to foster collaboration between scientists of the Indian Diaspora and Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and public-funded Scientific Institutions. This fellowship supports visits of up to two months per year for a maximum of three years.

Key Dates and Overview

The starting date for applications is April 15, 2025. The closing date for applications is May 30, 2025 (5:00 PM IST). This program aims to leverage the expertise of the Indian Diaspora to enhance research and development in India.

The VAIBHAV Fellowship supports collaboration between scientists of Indian origin working abroad and Indian institutions. Fellows can spend up to two months per year in India for a maximum of three years, fostering long-term connections and knowledge exchange.

The program encourages fellows to share best practices in research, connect Indian students with foreign faculty, and introduce new approaches to research processes. Host institutions are expected to provide necessary facilities and support for the fellow's research activities.

Financial Support

The fellowship provides significant financial support to both the fellow and the host institution. The fellowship amount is INR 4 Lakh per month for a maximum of two months per year. This covers the fellow's stay and research activities in India.

Additional benefits for the fellow include international travel in business class once a year, fully furnished accommodation up to Rs.7500/- per day, and a contingency fund of Rs.1,00,000 per year for research expenditure in India. Domestic travel for academic purposes is also covered.

The host institution receives up to Rs 5.00 lakhs per year for 03 years to facilitate the fellow's research work. This funding covers consumables, accessories, contingency expenses, and institutional overhead as per DST norms. Justification for budgetary support needs to be provided by the host institute.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) currently working abroad. Applicants must hold a Ph.D/M.D/M.S/M.Tech degree from a recognized University and be engaged in active research.

Applicants should have worked in a foreign Institute/University (in regular/tenure employment as a faculty) for at least 5 years or more [Desirable: top-200 QS World University Ranking (subject-wise)]. Alternatively, they can be working in a foreign Industry or Research Laboratories of repute abroad for at least 5 years or more.

Host Indian Institutions must be Higher Educational Institutions / University ranked in top 200 in NIRF overall rankings or having NAAC ‘A+’ grade or above and/or Public funded Scientific Institutes/National Laboratories. Experience of PhD and Post-doctoral fellowship period shall not be counted as experience. The applicant should not be PhD/ Post-doctoral fellow.

• Must be NRI, PIO or OCI

• Hold a Ph.D/M.D/M.S/M.Tech degree

• Have 5+ years of experience as faculty/scientist abroad

Expectations and Deliverables

VAIBHAV fellows are expected to share best practices in research, build long-term connections, and connect Indian students with foreign faculty. They should also introduce new approaches to research processes and futuristic technologies. A report to DST is required within 21 days of completing travel.

Host institutions are expected to provide office/lab facilities, consumables, and access to lab equipment. They should also start a project/technology translation/start-up/incubation aligned with national priorities. The host institution would implement the project within 3 years in consultation with VAIBHAV fellow.

The host Institution would submit the progress report and financial documents to DST at the end of each year and a project completion report at the end of 3rd year. The reports need to be jointly prepared by the host and the VAIBHAV fellow. Host institute will adapt the shared best practices and will build the long-term research connections with the fellow.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the DST e-PMS portal. The host scientist needs to apply on behalf of the Indian Diaspora, as DST will release funds to the host institution. Ensure all required documents are included, such as biodata, publication list, qualification certificates, and consent letters.

The application should be submitted on-line to DST. The applicant can apply online by using the following link https://onlinedst.gov.in/Projectproposalformat.aspx?Id=2317 and should submit completed application with all relevant information through e-PMS portal of the DST. Applications would be received in on-line mode (through ePMS) only.

After submission, applicants will receive a Temporary Project Number (TPN), which should be used in all future correspondence. Multiple applications from the same host/applicant will be rejected. Without consent letter from Head of Institute of Host and applicant, the application shall not be entertained and shall be treated as disqualified.

Research Areas

Proposals are sought in select identified verticals and horizontals of VAIBHAV. These areas include Quantum Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computational Sciences, Data Sciences, Photonics, Energy, Electronics and Semiconductor Technologies, Communication Technologies, Aerospace Technologies, Materials and Processing Technologies, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Health, Medical Sciences and Biomedical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Bio-Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences for SDGs and Management.

The program supports research excellence and contributions to research, training, and mentoring. Applications must address scientific and technical merit, proposed methodology, research accomplishments, international recognitions, and alignment with national priorities.

The review process involves a committee of representatives and external reviewers. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online presentation. The final decision is taken by the Government on the recommendation of the VAIBHAV Apex Committee.