Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship

Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship is a central scheme of Department of Biotechnology under Ministry of Science and Technology. It is made for Indian nationals working overseas in life sciences and biotechnology who want to come back and take up research positions in India. Scheme offers a monthly fellowship of ₹1,00,000 along with an annual research grant of ₹13,00,000.

Applications for the 2024-25 session are accepted online through the common fellowship portal. This is a continuing scheme of DBT, and the department released a public notice in June 2026 about the change in nomenclature of its schemes. Interested Indian researchers working abroad can apply when the call for applications is open.

Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship - Introduction

Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship is run by the Department of Biotechnology to support talented Indian professionals who are building their careers overseas in fields like biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, agriculture, and bio-engineering. The scheme gives these professionals a chance to continue their research work in recognized institutions across India.

As a fellow, a candidate receives support to carry out high quality research. The work can be done at any university, academic institution, or national laboratory in India that has the required infrastructure. Career growth remains a top priority, and fellows get to collaborate with talented peers. A fellow can also access additional research grants through other government science and technology agencies to take the project goals further.

Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellows can change their host institute only once during the tenure of the fellowship. The DBT programme is managed by the DBT-HRD Project and Management Unit at Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad.

Key Information

Benefits

Scheme offers comprehensive financial support to keep research productive. The main benefits under Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship are:

The research grant can be used for essential expenses like lab consumables, minor equipment, project staff salaries, and domestic travel. The duration of the fellowship is three years, with a possibility of a two-year extension based on performance. Every year, up to 75 researchers receive this fellowship.

Eligibility

To apply, a candidate should meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be an Indian national working in fields like life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, agriculture, or bio-energy.
• A Ph.D. or MD degree, or an equivalent qualification, is required.
• At least three years of post-doctoral research experience in overseas laboratories is needed.
• The age of the applicant should be 45 years or less.
• If the applicant has already returned to India, it must have been less than one year (two years for women) from the closing date of the advertisement, and the person must not hold a permanent position in India.

Application Process

The online application for Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship is submitted through the common fellowship portal and application form link on the official website. Keep an eye on announcements in national newspapers, scientific journals, and the RCB website for the next call for applications.

STEP 1 - Go to the official fellowship portal at fellowships.gov.in and open the Ramalingaswami Re-Entry Fellowship application page.

STEP 2 - Fill in the online application form with accurate details about academic qualifications, research contributions, and the proposed host institution.

STEP 3 - Make the application is forwarded by the competent authority of the host institute, as this step is needed for a valid submission.

STEP 4 - Submit the application online along with the required documents before the closing date and keep a copy of the acknowledgement.

Only online applications are accepted. For any queries, contact the DBT-HRD unit at rrf.dbt@rcb.res.in or call 0129 - 2848538/539.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready for the application:

• Proof of Date of Birth
• Copy of Passport
• Doctoral Degree Certificate
• Detailed report of research contributions
• Reprints of the best 5 research publications
• Research proposal in the prescribed format
• Certificate from the host institute
• Letters of recommendation
• Undertaking or statement from the current employer, if applicable

References

• Guidelines 2024-25
• Regional Centre for Biotechnology - Official Page
• Detailed Advertisement
• Public Notice on Nomenclature Change
• Fellowship Portal

FAQ's

Who is eligible to apply?

Indian nationals working overseas as post-doctoral fellows or scientists in life sciences, biotechnology, or allied health fields are eligible.

Are Overseas Citizens of India eligible to apply?

No, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cannot apply.

How many years of post-doctoral experience is needed?

A minimum of three years of post-doctoral experience in laboratories outside India is required.

Can an applicant apply after returning to India?

Yes, provided it has been less than one year (two years for women) from the date of the advertisement, and the person does not hold a permanent position in India.

Is the fellowship amount taxable?

Yes, the fellowship is taxable according to Government of India rules.