The SERB International Travel Grant Support (ITS) Scheme provides financial assistance to Indian researchers presenting a research paper at an international scientific event (conference, seminar, workshop, etc.) held abroad.

In addition, support is also provided to young scientists (age limit below 35 years as of the event date) for attending training programmes, short-term schools, and workshops. Economy class airfare by the shortest route, airport tax and visa fees are provided under the scheme.

A registration fee as per actual or Rs. 50,000/-, whichever is less, will be provided to young scientists (aged < 35 on the date of the event's start) in addition to the above support. Applications can be submitted 60–90 days before the event's start date.

The system will not accept applications submitted early or late. However, applicants who have already submitted a proposal will not be eligible to apply again within the next 90 days from the first application's submission date.

Scope of the SERB International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme:

The ITS SERB scheme is to provide financial assistance for presenting an original research paper, chairing a session, or delivering a keynote address in an international scientific event held abroad (conference, symposium, etc.).

This scheme also supports young researchers (Aged <35 years on the date of the start of the event) for attending workshops, short-term training programs, and schools being organized outside India.

Eligibility of the SERB International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme:

• The applicant should be an active Indian researcher engaged in R&D work at recognized academic institutions or research laboratories in India.

• The applicant should have an invitation to present an original scientific paper. A similar invitation is required in the case of young scientists attending training programmes such as short-term courses, summer/winter schools, workshops, etc.

• The applicant should not have received financial assistance under this scheme during the last three years.

• The scientific event should be international. Invitations of a personal nature, such as for carrying out post-doctoral work, informal training programmes/courses, internships, observerships, etc., will not be eligible for support.

• The applicant must have obtained a Master's degree in science or a Bachelor's degree in professional courses from a recognized university by the time of application submission.

Nature of Support:

This scheme provides to & from economic class airfare by the shortest route, airport tax, and visa fees for attending the specific event. A registration fee as per actual or Rs. 50,000/-, whichever is less, will be provided to young scientists (aged < 35 on the date of the event's start) in addition to the above support. Within the scheme's parameters, the applicant receives reimbursement for their expenses. However, Taxi fare will not be reimbursed.

Documents required :

• An endorsement letter duly signed and stamped by the competent authority of the institute.

• A copy of a letter of acceptance of the presenting paper (oral/poster) by the organizers.

• A copy of the abstract of the paper to be presented. Please include the names of all the authors, authors' affiliated institutions, and the full address and title of the abstract.

• Biodata with the complete list of scientific/technical publications and patents, if any.

  Application Stage:

• Endorsement by the Head of the Institution Download Template

• Certificate by the Applicant, including Event Benefits Download Template

• Bio-data of the Applicant

• Acceptance Letter from the Organizer

• Abstract(s) of the paper(s) to be presented

• Event Details

• Date of Birth Certificate

• Event Benefits

• Financial Support from Other Sources

  Claim Reimbursement Stage:

• Claim Form (to be generated from the online system while submitting claim details)

• Bank Account Details Download Template

• Air/Rail/Bus/Other tickets

• Cash Receipt of Air Ticket

• Original Boarding Passes

• Visa Charges Receipt

• Registration Receipt

• Participation Certificate

• Certificate(s) for amount received from other sources, if any

• Best Available Fare Certificate ( from authorized agent only)

• Any other(Miscellaneous Upload)

Terms & Conditions of ITS grant:

• Travel grant should be used only to attend the scientific event for which the ANRF (formerly SERB) accorded its approval for financial support.

• The Institute/Applicant should submit the claim bills and other necessary documents online and offline within 90 days of the event's last day.

• The host institute/Applicant shall ensure that the fund released is used exclusively and appropriately for which it has been sanctioned.

• If the applicant to whom the travel grant has been awarded leaves the institution, the Institute and the applicant should inform ANRF (formerly SERB) immediately, and the grant released, if any, should be refunded back by the Institute to ANRF (formerly SERB) immediately through DD drawn in favour of "Fund for Science and Engineering Research".

• If the research results are to be legally protected, they should not be presented internationally without action being taken to secure legal protection for the research results.

• If any candidate is found to have furnished incorrect/misleading information at any stage, his/her candidature will be cancelled, and no reimbursement will be made. The candidate will also be debarred for next three years for availing support under this scheme.

How to apply online:

• For successful online submission of the application, the following points may be noted:

• Applicant (s) should first register on the online website: SERB its login

• After logging in, kindly go to Menu --> Proposal Submission --> Form Submission --> Select scheme and start filling out the form online.

• The researchers must apply online through the portal between 60-90 days in advance prior to the start date of the event. The system will not accept applications submitted early or late.

• Application submitted through any other mode will not be considered.

Complete guidelines for Principal Investigator for ANRF (formerly SERB) - online system

Contact Person:

The contact details of Programme Officers are given below: Dr. K.K Magesh Kumar, Scientist 'E' Anusandhan National Research Foundation 3rd & 4th Floor, Block II, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016 Telephone: 011-26552114, 26552151 Email: ms.its@anrf.gov.in

For more information on international travel support for Indian researchers at conferences, exhibitions, courses, etc.., visit the DBT Travel Research Grant or CSIR Travel Grant for International Research Events