AI SummaryDepartment of Science and Technology (DST) runs Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme for young scientists who want to carry out basic research in frontier areas of science and technology. Applications are invited through the annual advertisement released on the official DST website, and the whole process runs online through the DST e-PMS portal.
Selected scientists get a fellowship of ₹25,000 per month on top of their regular salary from the parent institute, along with a research grant of ₹5 lakh for the project. The support continues for a maximum of five years, and the fellowship is scientist specific, not institution specific.
Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme - Introduction
Government of India started Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme to mark the fiftieth year of Independence. Under the scheme, a small number of young scientists with a proven track record get special support to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology. The project must carry a new research idea that can make a real difference to research and development in that field.
The fellowship covers six subject areas: Chemical Sciences, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. Selection is based on the scientist's work and not on the institution, and the scheme is very selective with close academic monitoring.
Fellows get full freedom to carry out their research and flexibility in how they spend the approved amount. The research plan is the main guide, and the project should be able to make an impact on research and development in the chosen area. Scientists can also look at other DST support such as the INSPIRE Fellowship for more research opportunities.
Duration of Fellowship: The fellowship can be held for a period not exceeding five years.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme |
| Launched By | Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Beneficiaries | Young Indian scientists with PhD and a regular position in recognized research institutes |
| Benefit Amount | ₹25,000 per month fellowship plus research grant of ₹5 lakh and SERB project funding |
| Application Mode | Online through the DST e-PMS Portal |
| Official Website | DST Official Website / DST e-PMS Portal |
Benefits
Fellows get a good set of benefits to help them focus fully on their research:
- Monthly fellowship of ₹25,000 in addition to the regular salary from the parent institute for up to 5 years.
- A research grant of ₹5 lakh for the project, as announced by DST, to cover the research needs.
- Selected projects are considered for funding by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) as per SERB norms, covering regular and one-time project expenses.
- Freedom and flexibility in spending the approved amount as per the research plan.
Senior scientists can also check the J.C. Bose Fellowship, which is another scientist specific award, and the SERB POWER Research Grants for extra funding support.
Eligibility
Before applying, make sure the following points are in place:
- Indian national holding a regular position in a recognized Indian academic or research institution.
- PhD in Science, Engineering or Medicine.
- Not drawing a similar fellowship from any other government scheme.
- Active contribution in frontier areas of science, shown through research publications, patents or peer recognition.
- Age between 30 and 40 years.
- Parent organization ready to handle the financial and management responsibilities of the project for the five-year term.
Application Process
Online Application Process
Application for Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme is fully online. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Go to the official DST e-PMS Portal at onlinedst.gov.in and register or log in to your account.
STEP 2 - Find the Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme section in the portal and open the application form.
STEP 3 - Fill in the required details, upload your proposal in the specified format and submit the application online.
Important: There is no need to send a hard copy of the application. The annual advertisement with all details appears on the DST website, so keep checking the official DST page for the current call and last date.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Aadhaar Card as identity proof
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Age verification documents
- Educational qualification certificates
- Proof of current employment
- Verification of professional recognitions, awards or fellowships
- A complete list of publications in SCI and other referred journals
- Any additional documents asked by the portal
Contact Details
Contact Address: Shri Milind Kulkarni (Scientist G), Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110016.
Telephone: 011-26512217
Email: milind[at]nic[dot]in and jacob[at]nic[dot]in
References
For more details, check these official pages:
- Official DST Website - Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme
- India Science, Technology and Innovation Portal
- DST e-PMS Portal
FAQ's
What is the Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme?
It is a scheme started to mark India's 50th year of Independence. It supports young scientists who want to do basic, new research in frontier areas of science and technology with full independence.
Is the scheme still active in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is active. The annual advertisement with all details is released on the DST website, and applications are invited online through the DST e-PMS portal.
Who runs this scheme?
Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, runs it. SERB also supports project funding.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Indian national aged 30 to 40, PhD in Science, Engineering or Medicine, and a regular position in a recognized Indian research organization. A strong record of published research or patents is also required.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
Yes, applicants must be between 30 and 40 years of age.
What financial support is provided?
₹25,000 per month as fellowship amount, a research grant of ₹5 lakh for the project, and access to project funding through SERB norms for five years.
What is the duration of the support?
The fellowship support lasts for a maximum of five years.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the DST e-PMS Portal. There is no offline mode and no need to send a hard copy.
What is the last date to apply?
There is no fixed last date. The last date is announced in the annual advertisement on the DST website, so keep checking the official page.
What is the selection process?
Applications are screened by Subject Committees, followed by presentations to a National Core Committee. An Empowered Committee of Secretaries makes the final selection based on the recommendations.
Can I apply offline?
No, applications are accepted only in online mode.