AI SummaryYoung Investigators Programme in Biotechnology (YIPB) is a state-level research support scheme of Kerala that gives quick money help to young researchers. Through this scheme, scientists can push forward new ideas in the fast growing areas of biotechnology, with research grants of up to ₹30 lakh for a period of three years.
Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC), working under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), runs this scheme for the state. Applications are invited through advertisement from time to time, and the selection happens after peer review and evaluation by an expert committee.
Young Investigators Programme in Biotechnology - Introduction
YIPB acts as a dedicated support system for young scientists who want to try out breakthrough ideas in the frontier areas of biotechnology. Proposals can be submitted in any branch of biotechnology, including medical, agriculture, veterinary, environment, marine, industrial or bio-resource areas.
Young researchers without a permanent position, such as post-doctoral students or research associates, need to work with a senior faculty member holding a permanent post, who then serves as the co-principal investigator. The scheme provides money for the main needs of a project, including manpower, equipment, travel, consumables and minor equipment.
Principal investigators who already hold a regular position can apply specifically for manpower support. The total project support is capped at ₹30 lakh, and this does not include the overhead charges, which are paid at 10% of the project cost subject to an upper limit of ₹1 lakh.
| Item | Grant Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum Research Grant | ₹30 Lakh |
| Grant Duration | 3 Years |
| Monthly Fellowship (no other fellowship) | ₹45,000 + 10% HRA |
| Overhead Charges | 10% (up to ₹1 Lakh) |
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Young Investigators Programme in Biotechnology |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Implementing Agency | Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KSCSTE) |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
Benefits
This programme gives strong money support for the research journey of young scientists. The support includes a salary-like monthly fellowship for those who do not hold any other fellowship or salary.
- Young scientists who do not currently hold a fellowship or salary get a monthly fellowship of ₹45,000 plus 10% HRA, along with extra money for travel, contingency, consumables and minor equipment.
- Principal investigators who already hold a regular position can ask for manpower support under the project.
- The total project grant can go up to ₹30 lakh for a period of up to three years. Overhead charges are given at 10% of the project cost, capped at ₹1 lakh.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, an applicant needs to meet the following basic criteria set by the implementing agency.
- Must hold a Ph.D. in any branch of Life Sciences.
- Must have at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in Biotechnology.
- Must be under the age of 40 years.
Note: There is a five-year age relaxation for applicants belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, women, and people with physical disabilities.
Application Process
Applications for YIPB are invited through public advertisement. When the call for proposals is open, applications are submitted online through the official KSCSTE submission portal. Applicants should keep checking the KSCSTE website for the annual notifications and call dates.
STEP 1 - Go to the official YIPB programme page and read the latest notification and scheme guidelines carefully.
STEP 2 - Prepare the required documents, including the endorsement from the implementing institution, certificates of the investigators and the self-appraisal form. Use the updated Endorsement Form linked on the official page.
STEP 3 - Submit the proposal online through the submission portal before the last date given in the advertisement.
Selection Procedure
Selection follows a strict two-stage process, so only the best proposals move forward.
- Pre-proposal Stage: The applicant submits the initial project idea. Experts review these ideas on clear criteria, and only the top 50% of proposals scoring above 60% move to the next stage.
- Detailed Proposal Stage: Shortlisted candidates submit full proposals, which go through national-level peer review. Finally, the applicant may be called to present the research before the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) for the final decision.
Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the online application.
- Valid identity proof.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Educational qualification certificates.
- Community certificate for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC).
- Disability certificate, if applicable.
- Relevant experience certificates.
- Duly filled Endorsement Form from the implementing institution.
References
Official Programme Website | Scheme Guidelines | Terms and Conditions | Project Completion Report Format
FAQ's
What is Young Investigators Programme in Biotechnology?
It is a research grant scheme of Kerala that helps young scientists pursue new ideas in biotechnology, with funding of up to ₹30 lakh for three years.
Who runs this scheme?
Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC), working under KSCSTE, runs this scheme for the state.
What is the age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be under 40 years of age, with five years of relaxation for reserved categories and women.
How much funding can be received?
Funding of up to ₹30 lakh is given for a maximum of three years, plus a monthly fellowship of ₹45,000 with 10% HRA for those who do not hold another fellowship.
Can the application be done offline?
No. All applications must be submitted online through the official KSCSTE submission portal when the call is open.
Where can one get help?
Contact the Scientist-in-Charge, Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, by phone at 0471-2548406 or 2548254, or email kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in.