SERB - POWER Fellowship

SERB - POWER Fellowship supports outstanding women researchers working in Indian academic and research institutions. The scheme, run by the Science and Engineering Research Board under the Ministry of Science and Technology, offers a monthly fellowship of ₹15,000 along with a research grant of ₹10 lakh per year to women scientists holding a Ph.D. In 2026, the power fellowship continues under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) framework, and nominations are accepted online throughout the year.

SERB - POWER Fellowship - Introduction

Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research, or SERB - POWER, is a central government scheme started to reduce the gender gap in science and engineering research funding. It gives women scientists equal access to research support so they can grow as independent investigators in Indian academic institutions, universities, and R&D laboratories.

The fellowship rewards high-impact research and innovation. Whether the nominee works in a university, an institute of national importance, or a government laboratory, this support helps her take her research to a better level and adds to the national science effort.

In 2026, the scheme is managed under the ANRF or Anusandhan National Research Foundation framework. The nomination-based process, fellowship amount, and research grant rules stay the same as before.

Objectives

The main aim is to find and appreciate excellent women researchers in India who hold a Ph.D. in science and engineering. The scheme also works to build an inclusive research environment where women scientists get fair and regular funding.

Key Information

Benefits

A selected fellow gets the following financial support:

The research grant can be used for these expenses:

• Minor equipment required for the research project
• Research personnel hired to support the project work
• Consumables and contingencies needed during the project
• Domestic travel for research-related work within India

The research grant cannot be used for international travel or foreign assignments. Overheads are separately given to the host institute to support research infrastructure.

Eligibility

To qualify for this fellowship, the nominee should meet these conditions:

1. Be an active woman scientist with a very good record of research performance as an independent investigator or innovator.
2. Be a researcher working in an Indian academic institution or R&D laboratory.
3. Hold a Ph.D. degree in any branch of science and engineering.
4. Be in regular service throughout the fellowship period.
5. Be an Indian citizen between 35 and 55 years of age at the time of proposal submission.
6. Not receive any other fellowship from government sources during the tenure.

A woman scientist cannot hold the SERB - POWER Fellowship and the SERB - POWER Research Grant at the same time.

Duration of Fellowship

The fellowship lasts for a fixed tenure of three years. It cannot be extended, and a successful POWER Fellow cannot be nominated a second time. The fellowship is available only once in a lifetime.

Application Process

Nomination and Online Application

The selection process works through nominations, not direct applications. An eligible researcher should ask the Head of her Institution or a Fellow of a National Academy to nominate her.

STEP 1 - Fill the application form on the official SERB / ANRF Online Portal. After submission, the system sends an email with a unique link to the nominator.

STEP 2 - The nominator opens the link received in the email, verifies the details of the applicant, and forwards the nomination to SERB for processing.

Selection Schedule - Nominations are accepted throughout the year on the online portal, with no fixed last date. A specially constituted Search-cum-Selection Committee selects fellows twice a year.

For queries, contact serb-power@serb.gov.in.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready for the online application:

• Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card or passport
• Passport size photograph in the format required by the portal
• Documentary proof of age
• Educational qualification certificates including Ph.D. degree
• Proof of awards, fellowships, or recognition received earlier
• Bank details with account number, bank name, branch, and IFSC code
• Relevant research publications or documents asked by the portal

References

Official SERB - POWER Fellowship Page

SERB / ANRF Application and Guidelines

SERB Awards and Fellowship Guidelines

FAQ's

Who is eligible for SERB Power Fellowship?

Outstanding women researchers and innovators working in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories who hold a Ph.D. in any branch of science and engineering are eligible. The nominee should have a good record as an independent investigator and be in regular service.

Is there an age limit for this fellowship?

Yes, the nominee should be between 35 and 55 years of age at the time of proposal submission.

Can I hold another fellowship while receiving this one?

No, a woman scientist can receive only one government-funded fellowship at a time. She also cannot hold the SERB - POWER Fellowship and the SERB - POWER Research Grant together.

Is the fellowship amount taxable?

Yes, the financial support received under the SERB - POWER Fellowship is taxable as per current income tax rules.

What areas of research are covered?

All areas of science and engineering are covered under this fellowship.

Can I change my host institute?

Yes, a fellow can change the host institute during implementation. She has to provide No Objection Certificates from both institutions, final financial papers showing the unspent grant balance, and the appointment letter from the new institute.

Can I use the grant for international travel?

No, the research grant cannot be used for international travel or foreign assignments.

What do I do if I plan to stay abroad for more than 6 weeks?

You must take formal permission from SERB if you plan to be away from your institute for more than 6 weeks.