Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence

Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) is a central government scheme that helps faculty members from state universities, colleges and private academic institutions carry out research at leading national institutions for up to three years. Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under Department of Science and Technology offers this scheme, and applications are now received through Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) online portal.

Under this scheme, a faculty member keeps working at the parent institute while collaborating with a mentor at a host institution on mutually agreed terms. It covers life sciences, physical sciences, chemical sciences, engineering sciences, earth and atmospheric sciences and mathematical sciences, including interdisciplinary areas.

SERB now works under Anusandhan National Research Foundation, set up through ANRF Act 2023. TARE proposals for 2026 are submitted on ANRF online system at anrfonline.in.

Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence - Introduction

Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence is made for faculty members working in a regular capacity in state universities, colleges and private academic institutions. It lets them carry out research work in established public funded central institutions such as IITs, IISc, IISERs, NITs and national labs including CSIR, ICAR and ICMR, located preferably near the parent institution. Applicant continues to work at the parent institute while carrying out research with a mentor at the host institute.

Support is provided for a period not exceeding three years. Fellowship and grant amounts are paid as per SERB norms, and the proposal is selected through a peer review process.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme gives clear financial support to boost the research career of a faculty member. Money is paid on top of the regular salary, and the support continues for up to three years.

• Research fellowship of ₹60,000 per year is given in addition to the regular salary, subject to completing at least 90 days of research work per year at the host institution.
• Research grant of ₹5 lakh per annum is given, shared equally (50% each) between the host and parent institutions, along with applicable overheads as per SERB norms.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following conditions to apply for Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence:

• Indian citizen residing in India with a Ph.D. degree in science or engineering, or MS/MD in medicine. M.Tech holders who are still pursuing a Ph.D. are not eligible as per revised rules.
• Must hold a regular academic or research position in a state university, college or private academic institution. Research associates, ad-hoc faculty, guest faculty, visiting scientists and project fellows whose contracts are renewed every year are generally not eligible.
• Should not hold any ongoing research project or fellowship at the time of application. Being a Co-PI on another project is allowed.
• Upper age limit is 45 years at the time of submission, with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST/OBC, physically challenged and women candidates.
• Mentor should be at the level of associate professor, scientist E or higher. Only one candidate can work with a mentor at any given time.

Application Process

Application for TARE is done fully online. Call for proposals is announced through serb.gov.in and ANRF online portal. Follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Go to TARE scheme page on ANRF online portal and read the latest call for proposals and scheme details.

STEP 2 - Register on ANRF online system using new user registration page.

STEP 3 - Log in and fill all mandatory fields in the profile section, including bio-data, photograph and institute address.

STEP 4 - Enter the proposal summary: project title (max 500 characters), abstract (max 3000 characters), keywords (max 6), objectives (max 1500 characters) and expected output and outcome (max 1500 characters).

STEP 5 - Upload all other technical details in a single PDF file not exceeding 10 MB as per the prescribed template and complete the submission. Proposal is then evaluated through peer review as per SERB guidelines.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready and upload them in the prescribed format as per TARE guidelines:

• Passport size photograph and detailed bio-data of the applicant
• Other technical details of the research proposal
• Certificate from the investigator
• Endorsement certificate from the head of the parent institution
• Endorsement letter from the head of the host institution
• Curriculum Vitae of the mentor
• Category certificate (if applicable) and age proof certificate
• Joining report and attendance certificate for the mandatory 90 days period
• Plagiarism undertaking

References

TARE scheme details on ANRF online portal | SERB awards and fellowship page | Official SERB website | TARE proposal submission guidelines

FAQ's

Can I apply if I am a Co-PI in another DST-funded project?

Yes, researchers who are currently Co-PIs on other projects are allowed to apply for this scheme.

Is the 50% funding split mandatory?

Yes, the ₹5 lakh research grant is split equally between the host and parent institutions so that both support the research work. It cannot be given only to the host institution.

What does 'regular' employment mean for eligibility?

Applicants appointed against a sanctioned post or in a tenure post that is likely to be renewed are treated as regular. Research associates, ad-hoc faculty, guest faculty, visiting scientists, consultants, project fellows and faculty whose contract is renewed every year are generally not eligible.

Does the 90-day attendance include holidays?

Yes, the 90 days can include working days, summer and winter vacations, public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, provided the host institution allows it and issues an attendance certificate by the end of the year.

Can my Ph.D. supervisor be my mentor?

No, Ph.D. supervisor cannot be the mentor. However, a different mentor from the same institute where the Ph.D. was awarded is allowed.

Can the grant money be used to hire a project fellow?

No, TARE awardees are expected to carry out the research on their own. Grant is meant for research work of the applicant, not for hiring staff.