AI SummaryBack-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme is a supportive scheme by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) that helps women scholars return to scientific research after career breaks, providing them with monthly financial stipends and annual grants to successfully complete their Ph.D. degrees. Kerala government continues to run this programme through the Women Scientists Division of KSCSTE for the 2026-27 period, with applications invited for the 2025-26 cycle through the KSCSTE online submission portal.
Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme serves as a bridge for women who paused their scientific careers due to family commitments. Launched by KSCSTE in 2010, this Yojana helps you resume your academic journey and successfully finish your Ph.D. research. If you are an unemployed woman of Kerala origin with a postgraduate degree in science or professional courses, this scheme provides the financial support you need to jump back into your work. The fellowship is given for a period of 3 years or until you submit your Ph.D. thesis, whichever comes first.
As you plan your return, please note the important conditions for participation:
- You should find a Scientist Mentor, typically your Research guide, who serves as a regular faculty member with at least five years of service remaining before retirement.
- Your mentor will supervise your project progress and make sure that your institute submits the financial use certificates to KSCSTE on time.
- If you submit your thesis before the fellowship ends, you should inform KSCSTE immediately by providing your Thesis Submission Certificate to close your fellowship tenure.
- This scheme is exclusively for those not receiving stipends or grants from other funding agencies. You should provide an undertaking confirming your status.
- Your chosen institute must provide all required infrastructure, including laboratory access, computer facilities, and library resources.
- If any funds remain unused at the project's end, you should arrange for a refund to the Council via a Demand Draft favoring the Member Secretary, KSCSTE.
- You should acknowledge the support received from KSCSTE in any scientific papers published during your fellowship.
- Prior approval from the Council is required if you intend to collaborate with any foreign individual or industry.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme |
| Launch Year | 2010 |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary States | Kerala |
| Category | Education & Learning, Women and Child |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Science and Technology Department |
| Department Running the Scheme | KSCSTE |
| Application Mode | Online through KSCSTE portal |
| Helpline | 0471-2548402 |
Benefits
This fellowship provides consistent financial support for your research journey. The breakdown of benefits is as follows:
| Period | Fellowship Amount |
| First two years | ₹22,000 per month + 10% HRA |
| Third year | ₹25,000 per month + 10% HRA |
Additionally, you will receive an annual contingent grant of ₹20,000. The fellowship duration is 3 years or until you submit your Ph.D. thesis, whichever comes first.
Eligibility
To apply for this research opportunity, you should meet the following conditions:
- You must be a woman candidate of Kerala origin.
- You should be currently unemployed.
- Your age should not exceed 45 years.
- You must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in your post-graduation.
- You must hold a valid Ph.D. registration in a recognized institution in Kerala (e.g., University Departments or Govt. Aided colleges) across STEAM streams.
- You should have already completed your Ph.D. coursework.
- You must have experienced a career break of at least 6 months during your Ph.D. due to maternity or other valid reasons.
- You should not have reached the 4-year mark from your initial Ph.D. registration date.
- You should not be receiving any other fellowship or financial grant for your Ph.D. work.
Application Process
As of 2026, the application process for the Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship under the Back-to-Lab programme runs through the KSCSTE online portal. Future calls are expected to follow the same online mode as the one used for the 2025-26 cycle. You should watch the official KSCSTE website for the annual call for applications, which usually appears around January. You should follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Back-to-Lab programme page on the KSCSTE website and read the latest notification and revised guidelines carefully.
STEP 2 - Go to the KSCSTE online application portal, register your basic details, and open the application form for the Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship.
STEP 3 - Fill in your personal, educational, and research details, and upload the required supporting files such as the career break certificate, Ph.D. registration order, and mark sheets.
STEP 4 - Submit the application online before the last date. The authorities will then carry out a preliminary screening followed by a peer review. If your proposal succeeds, you will be invited to present it before the Research Advisory Committee.
For queries, you can call 0471-2548402 or email wsd1kscste@gmail.com. The KSCSTE office is at Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695004.
Documents
You should keep the following required documents list ready for your application:
- Identity proof
- Proof of Kerala nativity
- Date of birth certificate
- Mark sheets and certificates for your Post-Graduate degree
- Ph.D. Registration Order
- Course-work completion certificate
- Official sanction letter for leave taken during your Ph.D. study
References
For more information, you may visit the following links:
- Official Back-to-Lab Programme Page
- Revised Guidelines 2025-26
- Revised Terms and Conditions
- KSCSTE Online Application Portal
FAQ's
What is the primary aim of Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme?
This scheme supports women research scholars who have taken a career break, helping them return to their studies to complete their Ph.D.
Who manages this programme?
KSCSTE (Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment) implements this programme through its Women Scientists Division.
When was this programme started?
The programme was launched in 2010 and continues to accept applications through KSCSTE.
Who qualifies for this fellowship?
You qualify if you are a woman of Kerala origin who underwent a career break of at least 6 months during your Ph.D. due to maternity or other valid reasons and is currently unemployed.
What is the age limit?
You should be under 45 years of age.
What educational qualifications do I need?
You need a post-graduation degree with at least 60% marks and a valid Ph.D. registration in a recognized Kerala-based institution.
Can an employed woman apply?
No, you should be unemployed and not receive any other emoluments when you apply.
Can I apply if my Ph.D. is already complete?
No, the fellowship is specifically for those currently pursuing their Ph.D. Women with a completed Ph.D. can look at the separate Back-to-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme.
What is the monthly stipend amount?
You will receive ₹22,000 per month (+ 10% HRA) for the first two years and ₹25,000 per month (+ 10% HRA) for the third year.
Is there any additional grant provided?
Yes, you will receive an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000.
How long does the fellowship last?
It lasts for a duration of 3 years or until you submit your thesis, whichever happens first.
How can I apply online?
You can apply through the KSCSTE online application portal and follow the notification on the official website.
How can I contact the department for assistance?
You can call 0471-2548402 or email wsd1kscste@gmail.com. The Women Scientists Division office is at KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695004.