Research Associates (Ra)

Research Associates (RA) is a postdoctoral fellowship program of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The scheme supports young Indian researchers who want to carry out advanced research in biotechnology and life sciences at top research institutions and universities across the country.

Department of Biotechnology invited online applications for the DBT-Research Associateship 2025-26 call in April 2026, and the last date was later extended to 27 May 2026. Fresh calls keep coming in regularly, so eligible researchers can apply in the next round if a call is missed.

Research Associates (RA) 2026 - Introduction

Research Associates (RA) program started in 1999 to build a skilled workforce in modern biology and biotechnology. It is managed by the DBT-HRD Project Management Unit at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad. Selected fellows get the chance to work in frontier areas of biotechnology and life sciences under senior scientists as mentors.

The associateship is tenable in top research institutions, universities and non-profit R&D organizations in India. Fellows work full-time on their proposed research, which is expected to lead to new discoveries, patents or benefits for society. The host institution must provide administrative and infrastructural support for the research work.

Applications for DBT-RA are accepted only online through the Common Fellowships Portal at fellowships.gov.in. This portal replaced the older application site, and candidates must submit a single online application along with recommendation letters from their referees.

Key Information

Benefits

Selected fellows get a monthly stipend to manage living expenses and a research contingency grant for research-related costs. House Rent Allowance is paid as per the rules of the host institution. These amounts apply to every candidate selected under the current call.

The fellowship is given for 2 years at first, with annual renewal based on a review of the research progress. In exceptional cases, it can be extended up to 4 years. A candidate can use this fellowship only once in a career.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the DBT-Research Associateship is checked against the rules of each call. Candidates should be Indian citizens and meet the academic and age conditions given below.

• Academic qualification: a Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering, or an M.D./M.S. degree in any area of medicine with research interest in biotechnology and life sciences. Candidates who have submitted their thesis can also apply, but they get a lower fellowship amount until the degree is awarded.
• Age limit: upper age limit is 40 years for male candidates and 45 years for female candidates as on the last date of application.
• Employment: employed candidates, whether permanent or contractual, can apply, but they must give up their job if selected for the fellowship.
• Other rules: the fellowship can be taken only once in a career, candidates cannot work with their Ph.D. guides or co-guides, and the fellowship cannot be used at the same institution where the degree was earned.

Application Process

All applications are submitted online. Follow the steps below to complete the form without mistakes.

STEP 1 - Visit the Common Fellowships Portal at fellowships.gov.in and register with a valid email ID and mobile number.

STEP 2 - Fill the online application form with personal information, academic qualifications, research contribution, referee details, proposed research work, proposed mentor details and host institution details.

STEP 3 - Upload the required documents, including the date of birth certificate, degree certificates and the consent letter of the proposed mentor, in PDF format.

STEP 4 - Send the recommendation link from the portal to the email addresses of the referees. Referees must upload their recommendation letters on the portal before the closing date, as late letters are not accepted.

STEP 5 - Check the details, make sure the form is complete, and submit it online before the deadline. Multiple applications from one candidate lead to disqualification.

Documents

Keep the following self-attested documents in PDF format ready before starting the online application:

• Self-attested copy of the date of birth certificate.
• Self-attested copies of all degree certificates.
• Consent letter from the proposed mentor. The format is available on the Common Fellowships Portal.
• Names and contact details of referees, who will submit recommendation letters online through the portal.

References

For detailed guidelines, official notification and the latest announcements, use these official resources:

• Official call for applications 2025-26
• Notice for extension of application deadline
• DBT-RA official page at Regional Centre for Biotechnology
• Common Fellowships Portal
• Department of Biotechnology official website

FAQ's

What is the Research Associates (RA) program?

Research Associates (RA) is a postdoctoral fellowship of the Department of Biotechnology that supports Indian researchers in biotechnology and life sciences. It started in 1999 and is now managed by the DBT-HRD Project Management Unit at RCB, Faridabad.

Where can I apply for DBT-RA?

Applications are accepted only online through the Common Fellowships Portal at fellowships.gov.in. The portal stays open only during the call period announced by the department.

What is the stipend under this fellowship?

Selected fellows get a monthly stipend of ₹55,000, House Rent Allowance as per the rules of the host institution and a research contingency grant of ₹50,000 per year.

Who is eligible to apply?

Indian citizens with a Ph.D. in Science or Engineering, or an M.D./M.S. degree in medicine, with a good academic record, can apply. The upper age limit is 40 years for male candidates and 45 years for female candidates as on the last date of application.

How long is the fellowship for?

The associateship is given for 2 years initially, with annual renewal based on a review of the research progress. In exceptional cases, it can be extended up to 4 years.

Was the DBT-RA 2025-26 deadline extended?

Yes, the last date for the 2025-26 call, which was 12 May 2026, was extended to 27 May 2026 as per the official notice from RCB.

Can an employed researcher apply?

Yes, employed researchers can apply, but they must give up their current job if they are selected for the fellowship.

Can I apply multiple times?

No, the DBT-RA fellowship can be used only once in a career.