Back-to-lab Post-doctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 - Apply Online for Kerala Women Scientists

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has launched the Back-to-lab Post-doctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 to support women scientists who have taken a career break. The programme offers financial assistance to help qualified women return to scientific research after family or personal commitments.

Back-to-lab Post-doctoral Fellowship Programme - Introduction

The Back-to-lab Post-doctoral Fellowship Programme by the Women Scientists Division creates a pathway for talented women to resume their scientific careers. If you have experienced a career break of at least one year due to personal or family commitments, this scheme offers you a vital opportunity to return to active research. It spans a duration of 2 years and targets unemployed women who are permanent residents of Kerala and hold a PhD in Science or Engineering.

This scheme aims to bridge the gender gap in higher academics and professional scientific circles. By fostering a supportive environment, it helps you utilize your expertise effectively, contributing significantly to social progress and scientific advancement. It is designed to nurture your research potential through professional mentorship and financial empowerment.

You should observe the following guidelines for successful project implementation:

• You should carry out your work under the guidance of a scientist mentor who is a permanent faculty member with at least 5 years of service remaining before retirement. Your mentor will monitor your progress and ensure all financial reports are submitted to KSCSTE on time.
• You should not be receiving any other stipend or financial aid from state or central agencies while participating in this programme. You should submit an undertaking to confirm this status.
• Your host institution should provide necessary infrastructure including labs, internet, and utilities.
• You should refund any unutilized grant money to the council via a demand draft favouring the member secretary, KSCSTE.
• You should acknowledge KSCSTE support in all your published research papers.
• You should obtain prior approval from the council before collaborating with any foreign entities or individuals.

Key Information

Benefits

This programme provides comprehensive financial support to ensure your research work proceeds without hurdles. The fellowship structure has been revised for 2025-26 cycle:

You may avail of this assistance for a maximum duration of 2 years. The grant is released to the Head of Institution through National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT).

Eligibility

To apply, you should meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. You must be a woman and a permanent resident of Kerala.
2. You should be currently unemployed and on a career break of at least one year due to family or personal reasons.
3. You should not be receiving any other form of salary, stipend, or financial assistance from any state or central agency at the time of application.
4. You must hold a PhD in Science or Engineering.
5. You should have scored at least 60% marks in your post-graduation.
6. Your age should be under 40 years as on 1st January 2026 (relaxable by 3 years for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST candidates).
7. You should have published at least one research paper in an SCI journal or secured a patent.
8. You must choose a research centre that is different from your PhD institution. The centre must be a government-recognized R&D institution, university department, or a premier national institute like IIT, IISER, or IISc. Private institutions are also eligible if they meet the revised requirements effective November 2025.
9. You should not have previously availed a KSCSTE Back-to-lab fellowship for your PhD or completed a postdoctoral fellowship from any other source.

Application Process

You should complete your online application process through the dedicated portal. First, prepare your documents and then visit the official website at https://submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in/.

STEP 1 - Visit the official KSCSTE portal at submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in and navigate to the Back-to-lab Post-doctoral Fellowship section.

STEP 2 - Fill out the online application form with your personal details, educational qualifications, and research proposal.

STEP 3 - Upload all required documents including PhD certificate, mark sheets, career break certificate, research proposal, and biodata of both you and your scientist mentor.

STEP 4 - Submit the application before the last date. Keep track of notifications on the official website for further updates.

Scrutiny of the Application

The council conducts a preliminary check to verify your basic eligibility and document accuracy.

Peer Review

Five subject experts evaluate your research proposal. Only those proposals that score high grades are moved to the next stage.

Presentation before Expert Committee

If your proposal passes the review, the research advisory committee will invite you for a presentation. Once recommended, you will be notified to execute an agreement for the project.

Support and Contact

For any help regarding your online application or scheme guidelines, you may contact Dr. Jaya Jacob, Scientist-in-Charge (KSCSTE-BLP), Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004, Kerala. You can reach them at phone number 0471-2548402 or send an email to wsd1kscste@gmail.com or jaya.kscste@kerala.gov.in.

Documents

Please keep the following documents ready for your application:

• Valid identity proof and current photograph.
• Proof of date of birth and reservation category certificate if applicable.
• Proof of permanent residency in Kerala.
• Clear copies of your post-graduation mark sheet and certificate, and your PhD certificate.
• Research experience and work certificates.
• Reprints of up to 2 latest SCI-indexed research publications.
• A formal certificate confirming your career break in the prescribed format.
• Updated bio-data for both yourself and your scientist mentor (within 2 pages each).
• Signed declaration, mentor consent form, and host institution endorsement letter in the prescribed formats.
• Research proposal in the technical information format.
• List of publications in the prescribed format.

Important Updates for 2025-26

The KSCSTE has released revised guidelines effective November 2025. Private organizations wishing to host KSCSTE Back-to-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellows must now meet specific requirements including registration as society/trust, accreditation by agencies like DSIR/NABH/NABL/UGC/AICTE/NBA/NAAC, NIRF ranking below 300, and having at least two ongoing research projects. All details are available in the new guidelines document.

It is mandatory that all Post-Doctoral Fellows participate in the Kerala Science Congress at least once during the fellowship tenure. Proof of participation should be submitted along with project completion documents.

References

For further details, visit the following links:

• Official Website
• Revised Guidelines 2025-26
• Notification 2025-26
• Revised Terms & Conditions 2025-26

FAQ's

What is the main objective of this programme?

The programme supports women who have taken a break in their career of at least one year by facilitating their return to scientific research through a postdoctoral fellowship.

Who acts as the implementing agency?

The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) implements this programme under the Women Scientists Division.

Am I eligible if I am currently working?

No, you must be unemployed and not on any payroll or receiving other stipends at the time of your application.

What is the maximum age limit?

The standard age limit is 40 years as on 1st January 2026, with a 3 year relaxation for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST candidates.

What is the required qualification?

You should hold a PhD in Science or Engineering and have achieved at least 60% marks in your post-graduation.

How do I receive the benefits?

Successful candidates receive a monthly fellowship of ₹60,000 consolidated and an annual contingency grant of ₹75,000. The grant is transferred to the Head of Institution through NEFT.

Can private institutions host fellows?

Yes, private organizations are eligible as prospective R&D centres if they meet the revised requirements effective November 2025, including registration, accreditation, and ongoing research projects.

Is participation in Kerala Science Congress mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory that all Post-Doctoral Fellows participate in the Kerala Science Congress at least once during the fellowship tenure.