Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme for Women Scientists
Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme for Women Scientists is a flagship scheme by the Department of Biotechnology designed to empower unemployed female researchers in India by providing their first independent research funding to re-enter the scientific workforce.
Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme for Women Scientists - Introduction
Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme for Women Scientists helps bridge the career gap for talented female researchers across India. As a special initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), ministry of science & technology, this scheme provides a vital launch pad for women looking to re-enter mainstream research.
This scheme specifically targets unemployed female scientists, offering them their first sanctioned extramural research funding. It aims to establish a firm foothold for women in the scientific profession. The program is currently managed by the Processing and Management Unit (PMU) at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme for Women Scientists |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Processing and Management Unit (PMU) at ICGEB, New Delhi |
Benefits
The project spans a total of three years. You should join your host institution within 45 days of the sanction order issuance to avoid withdrawal of the grant. The funding is bifurcated into two categories based on your qualifications:
| Category | Qualification | Total Research Grant | Monthly Fellowship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category-I | Ph.D/MD/MDS/M.V.Sc in Life Sciences | Up to ₹ 60,00,000 | ₹ 68,000 |
| Category-II | M.Tech/MPharma or equivalent | Up to ₹ 40,00,000 | ₹ 50,000 |
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you are a woman scientist, aged 55 years or below, and currently unemployed in terms of regular or permanent roles. You must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or allied areas, or an M.Tech/MPharma degree depending on the category. If you are already receiving an extramural research grant as a principal investigator or have a permanent job, you may not apply. Research areas include animal, marine, medical, plant, agricultural, and environmental biotechnology.
For example, if Priya has recently completed her Ph.D. in Life Sciences and is currently looking for research opportunities without any permanent funding or employment, she fits the criteria for Category-I.
Your host institution must support your application, and your mentor must be a permanent faculty member at the institute with at least five years of service left and a strong history of managing extramural research projects.
Exclusions
- You are not eligible if you are currently registered for a Ph.D. and receiving a fellowship.
- If you hold a permanent or regular employment, you cannot apply.
- Candidates who have already received government-funded extramural research grants as a principal investigator are ineligible.
Application Process
You should submit your application exclusively through the official online portal when the advertisement is live on the DBT or PMU websites. The application process consists of two parts: Part A for your general details and Part B for the research proposal, budget, and regulatory information.
An expert committee will screen applications based on scientific merit, novelty, and the infrastructure of your chosen host institution. If shortlisted, you will undergo a peer review and present your project proposal to the committee. Once they grant technical approval, you will receive a formal sanction order.
Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Valid government-issued identity proof and address proof
- Detailed research proposal and mentor profile
- Caste certificate, if applicable (SC/ST/OBC)
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- Birth certificate or age proof
- Educational degree certificates and marksheets
- Proof of national-level examination scores (e.g., NET, GATE)
- Documentary evidence of achievements like patents, dissertations, and publications
- Signed declaration form
References
View Official Guidelines | Call for Letter of Intent | Letter of Intent Template
FAQ's
What is the full name of the BioCARe scheme?
The full name of this scheme is Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation Programme for Women Scientists.
Who is the implementing agency?
The programme is managed by the Processing and Management Unit (PMU) established at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.
What is the upper age limit for applicants?
You must be 55 years of age or younger as of the last date of application submission.
Can I apply if I am already in a permanent job?
No, candidates in regular or permanent employment are not eligible to apply.
What happens if I hold a Ph.D. registration while applying?
Candidates currently registered for a Ph.D. and receiving a fellowship are not eligible for this programme.