SERB Research Scientist Scheme helps former INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows continue their research work for an extra two years when they have not yet secured a regular position. This central government scheme supports talented scientists with a monthly emolument and annual research grants so their career does not stop after the primary fellowship ends.
Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under Ministry of Science and Technology runs this scheme. Applications are accepted throughout the year, so eligible scientists can apply at any time in 2026.
SERB Research Scientist Scheme - Introduction
SERB Research Scientist Scheme offers a dedicated platform for awardees of INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellowships who have completed their five year tenure but are yet to land a permanent position. This scheme makes sure the research journey continues without a break, giving scientists up to two years to find new opportunities.
Programs like INSPIRE Faculty Scheme of Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ramanujan Fellowship of Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) help start a research career, but they do not provide extensions after five years. This support gap can be hard. To bridge this, SERB Board introduced this scheme so scientists can stay active in their field while searching for a stable, permanent role.
As a researcher selected under this program, a scientist is known as a SERB Research Scientist. This title keeps a professional edge and allows meaningful work to continue while navigating the next career steps.
Objective: The main aim is to support and sustain the research careers of INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows for an additional two years after their primary fellowship ends.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | SERB Research Scientist Scheme |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India |
Benefits
As a selected SERB Research Scientist, a person receives financial support to manage living expenses and research activities. The details are as follows:
| Budget Head | Amount |
| Emolument | ₹1,20,000 per month |
| Research Grant | ₹7,00,000 per annum |
| Overheads | ₹1,00,000 per annum |
Note: All amounts mentioned are inclusive of all costs. The emolument is a consolidated amount per month. The research grant can be used for consumables, minor equipment, contingencies, and travel related to the project. There is no funding for manpower support under this scheme, so the research objectives must be handled by the scientist alone.
Additionally, a scientist must avoid accepting other research fellowships from any Government or Non-Governmental source during this tenure. If the scientist plans to be away from the host institute for more than eight weeks, formal consent from SERB is required first.
Leave Policy: A scientist is entitled to leave as per the host institution's rules. Participation in scientific workshops both in India and abroad counts as 'on duty'. Female candidates may avail of maternity leave as per Government of India guidelines.
Eligibility
To apply for this scheme, a scientist should meet the following criteria:
- Must be a former INSPIRE Faculty or Ramanujan Fellow.
- Should have completed, or be very close to completing, the official tenure in those programs.
- Must be 40 years of age or younger at the time of application.
- Can avail of this scheme only once in the career.
Important Reminders: A scientist can choose to work at the current host institution or move to a new one that suits the research goals. However, the scientist should not pick a department or institution where the PhD, M.S., or M.D. degree was earned. The duration of this support is 2 years, which may be extended by one more year based on a performance review, but never beyond a total of three years.
Application Process
Application Procedure:
STEP 1 - Visit the official SERB website or the SERB Online portal to check the latest updates and application format. Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year, either six months before or within six months after the fellowship ends.
STEP 2 - Follow the prescribed format given in the official Annexure I document. Prepare three printed copies of the application on A4 size paper and mail them to:
Dr. Harish Kumar, Scientist F
Science and Engineering Research Board
3rd & 4th floor, Block II, Technology Bhawan,
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110016, India
STEP 3 - Email a soft copy of the full proposal to harishkumar@nic.in. Clearly label the envelope or email subject with: SERB Research Scientist (Specify your area of research).
Selection Procedure: A dedicated Selection Committee will review the application. They may consider past performance reports from the previous fellowship. If necessary, they might invite the scientist for a personal interview to discuss research plans.
Documents
Ensure the following documents are ready for the application:
- Recent passport size photograph
- Detailed bio-data
- Age proof certificate
- Educational qualification certificates
- Copy of the original Award Letter (as an INSPIRE Faculty or Ramanujan Fellow)
- Signed undertaking certificate
- Formal endorsement letter from the host institute
References
View Official Guidelines | Official SERB Portal | SERB Online | DST Website
FAQ's
What is the SERB Research Scientist Scheme?
This is a support program for former INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows who need an extra window of two years to continue their research after their five-year tenure expires while they look for a permanent position.
What is the objective of the Scheme?
The scheme identifies and supports researchers who have finished their fellowships, providing them with a platform to continue their research work for two additional years.
Which agency implements this scheme?
Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Government of India manages this scheme.
Who is eligible to apply for this scientist scheme?
A scientist is eligible if the INSPIRE Faculty or Ramanujan Fellowship has been completed or is about to be completed, and the applicant is 40 years of age or younger.
What research areas are eligible?
The scheme covers Chemical Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
What is the financial support provided?
A consolidated monthly pay of ₹1,20,000 is provided, along with an annual research grant of ₹7,00,000 and ₹1,00,000 for overheads.
Can I receive other fellowships while under this scheme?
No, receiving any other government or non-government research fellowship during the active tenure in this scheme is strictly prohibited.
How many times can I avail of this benefit?
The scheme can be used exactly once in a professional career.
What is the total duration of the support?
The support lasts for 2 years. It may be extended for one more year based on performance, reaching a maximum of three years.
When is the last date to apply?
Applications are accepted throughout the year. A scientist should apply within six months before or after the primary fellowship ends.
How should I submit my application?
Three printed copies should be sent via post to the contact address provided, and a soft copy should also be emailed to the designated Scientist F.
How will the committee evaluate my application?
A specialized Selection Committee evaluates all applications, often reviewing past progress reports. If needed, the scientist will be invited for a personal interview.