AI SummaryChief Minister Career Advancement in Biotechnology is a Kerala state fellowship for young faculty and scientists working in the biotechnology sector. Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) runs this scheme under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) to support national and international collaborative research training.
The scheme gives scientists a chance to work in modern laboratories and learn advanced biotechnological techniques. It helps build long-term research partnerships with experts in India and abroad. For 2026, the programme continues to accept applications whenever a call is officially announced on the KSCSTE website.
Chief Minister Career Advancement in Biotechnology - Introduction
Chief Minister Career Advancement in Biotechnology provides research training to scientists and faculty members working in Kerala. Through this scheme, a researcher gets exposure to modern techniques by joining a good national or international institution for a fixed period.
The fellowship helps a scientist build connections with well-known experts. For example, if a researcher in Kerala wants to study advanced genomic methods at a leading laboratory in Germany, this fellowship can help bridge the gap between current research and global standards.
Fellowship Duration
When research is done at a host institution outside India, the period lasts from 3 to 6 months. If the host institution is inside India, the fellowship can be taken for 3 to 12 months.
Host Institution
A consent letter from the chosen host scientist or faculty member is required. This letter should clearly state that the host is willing to take the applicant and will provide all the facilities needed for the research.
Key Information
Scheme Name: Chief Minister Career Advancement in Biotechnology | Level: State | Scheme For: Individual | Beneficiary State: Kerala | Category: Education & Learning | Benefit Type: Cash | DBT Scheme: No | Nodal Department: Science and Technology Department | Implementing Agency: Kerala Biotechnology Commission, KSCSTE
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Minister Career Advancement in Biotechnology (CM-CAB) |
| State | Kerala |
| Beneficiaries | Young faculty and scientists in biotechnology |
| Foreign Host Fellowship | USD 1,500 per month (paid in equivalent Indian currency) |
| In-India Host Fellowship | ₹50,000 per month |
| Contingency Grant | Up to ₹50,000 |
| Application Mode | Offline through prescribed format when call is announced |
| Official Website | kscsteold.kerala.gov.in |
Terms and Conditions
A selected fellow has to follow some administrative rules to stay eligible. These rules keep the scheme clear and help the commission track the research work.
- Send a progress report to the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment or Kerala Bio-Technology Commission (KSCSTE/KBC) every six months, with remarks from the host mentor.
- Provide a detailed consolidated report of the research and audited expenditure statements to the KSCSTE/KBC once the fellowship period ends.
- Get prior approval from the KSCSTE/KBC before discontinuing the fellowship. Resignation must go through the Mentor Scientist and Head of Institution with valid reasons, and a refund of the total expenditure may be required for early exit.
- Inform the KSCSTE/KBC about any professional achievements, patents, or research papers published during the tenure.
- Always acknowledge KSCSTE/KBC support in all patents or publications that come out of the work.
Benefits
This scheme gives financial support so that a researcher can focus fully on training. The benefit amounts are given in the table below.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Foreign Host Fellowship | USD 1,500 per month (paid in equivalent Indian currency) |
| In-India Host Fellowship | ₹50,000 per month |
| Contingency Grant | Up to ₹50,000 for travel, insurance, and visa fees |
Eligibility
To apply for this fellowship, a candidate should meet the following conditions:
- Be a permanent employee working as a scientist or faculty member in an academic or research institute located in Kerala.
- Have the employer or head of the institution officially sponsor the application and commit to deputing the candidate for the full research training period.
- Hold a Ph.D. degree in a biotechnology-related subject.
- Show a strong record of independent research through publications in peer-reviewed, indexed journals and held patents.
- Be under 37 years of age, with a 5-year relaxation for women candidates and applicants from the SC/ST communities.
Important note: The parent institution is responsible for paying the salary and allowances during the fellowship period.
Application Process
Application Steps
STEP 1 - Prepare the application in the prescribed format only when the call for applications is officially announced on the KSCSTE website.
STEP 2 - The commission screens the application for eligibility and carries out a peer review. Shortlisted candidates are called for a discussion with an expert committee. Selection depends on the scientific merit of the proposal, research experience, publication history, and the host institute's infrastructure.
STEP 3 - Once selected, the candidate signs an agreement accepting the terms of the programme and joins the host institution within three months.
Contact Details
The Scientist-in-charge, Kerala Bio-Technology Commission, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004. Phone: (0471) 2548406, 2548254. Email: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in
Documents
The following documents should be kept ready for the application:
- Copy of identity proof
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of date of birth
- Community certificate (if claiming age relaxation)
- Educational degree certificates
- Detailed research project proposal
- Experience certificate
- List of publications and patents
- Formal consent letter from the host faculty or scientist
- Any other supporting documents asked in the notification
References
Kerala Biotechnology Commission Programmes
FAQ's
What is the main aim of this programme?
Chief Minister Career Advancement in Biotechnology gives researchers a chance to gain advanced biotechnological skills through collaborative training at good institutions in India and abroad.
Who manages this programme?
Kerala Biotechnology Commission (KBC) under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) manages this scheme.
Can a non-permanent employee apply?
No, the scheme strictly requires a permanent employee of an academic or research institution within Kerala.
What if a woman candidate applies?
A woman candidate gets an age relaxation of up to 5 years, making the upper age limit 42 years.
What is the minimum qualification?
A Ph.D. in a biotechnology-related subject is required.
How is the fellowship paid for work abroad?
The fellow receives USD 1,500 per month, paid in the equivalent Indian currency.
What is the contingency grant for?
It covers actual expenses for visa fees, insurance, and local travel, capped at ₹50,000.
How soon must the fellow join the host institution?
The fellow should join within three months of the final selection.