The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has announced the SERB POWER Fellowship 2025, Aimed at recognizing and supporting outstanding women researchers in India . Open to women holding a PhD in any field of science or engineering, this fellowship is intended for those working in academic institutions or R&D laboratories across the country. The initiative focuses on empowering women scientists and promoting gender equity in research. Selected fellows will receive an additional fellowship amount of up to Rs. 15,000 per month, along with a research grant to support their ongoing work. The program reflects SERB’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in the national research ecosystem.
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About SERB POWER Fellowship
The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) is a statutory body set up by the Government of India through the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008. It was created to promote and Support basic research in science and engineering across the country . SERB provides financial help to individuals, academic institutions, R&D laboratories, and other organizations involved in research. one of its main goals is to build strong systems that match global standards in Funding and managing research. With both financial and administrative powers, the Board can take faster decisions, helping meet the real needs of scientists and the science and technology sector more Efficiently. SERB focuses on encouraging research in emerging and important areas of science and engineering.
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Key Highlights of SERB POWER Fellowship 2025
| Name of the Fellowship | SERB POWER Fellowship 2025 |
| Launched By | Science and Engineering Research Board |
| Objective | To support and empower women researchers |
| Target Group | Women scientists with strong research |
| Age Limit | Between 35 to 55 years only |
| Citizenship | Must be an Indian citizen |
| Fellowship Amount | Rs. 15,000 per month extra |
| Research Grant | Rs. 10 lakh per year |
| Fellowship Duration | Fixed for 3 years only |
| Application Mode | Online nominations only allowed |
| Accepted By | Heads or Academy Fellows only |
| Application Period | Open all year, no deadline |
| Selection Frequency | Two times in a year |
| Selection Committee | Experts evaluate nominations twice a year |
| Official Website | https://serb.gov.in/ |
Objective of SERB POWER Fellowship
The objective of the SERB POWER Fellowship is:
- To identify and support excellent women researchers in science and engineering.
- To provide extra research funding and recognition to deserving women scientists.
- To strengthen the participation of women in the research and academic space.
- To promote gender equality in science through focused support and encouragement.
Nature and Duration of Support
Here is the support provided under the SERB POWER Fellowship:
- Rs. 15,000 per month will be given as fellowship, along with regular salary.
- Rs. 10 lakh per year will be provided as Research grant.
- The grant can be used for minor equipment, project staff, materials, travel within India, and other research needs.
- Host institutes will also receive Overhead support.
- The fellowship is given for a fixed period of 3 years and cannot be extended.
- A researcher selected once cannot be nominated again for this fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the SERB POWER Fellowship are as follows:
- Nominee must be an Indian citizen.
- Age of the Nominee should be between 35 and 55 years.
- Nominee should be working in an Indian institution.
- Must be an active scientist with a strong track record in research.
- Should be in regular service during the Entire fellowship period.
- Must not be receiving any other government fellowship during the fellowship tenure.
Important Dates
- Applications for the SERB POWER Fellowship are accepted all year round.
Application Fees
- There is no application fee for fellowship 2025.
Benefits & Features of SERB POWER Fellowship
Here we have provided the key benefits and features of the SERB POWER Fellowship, which are as follows:
- Provides Rs. 15,000 per month in addition to the regular salary.
- Offers a research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per year.
- Supports expenses like manpower, minor equipment, consumables, and travel.
- Fellowship is fixed for a duration of three years.
- Host institutions receive overhead support.
- Aims to recognize and empower women scientists in India.
- Encourages more women to take up leadership roles in research.
- Open to women researchers working in Indian academic or R&D institutions.
- Cannot be combined with any other government fellowship during the tenure.
Selection Process
The selection process for the SERB POWER Fellowship includes these steps:
- Applications are invited throughout the year and are carefully received by the system.
- The submitted research profile is being reviewed by a group of assigned experts.
- The overall performance in research has been considered for initial shortlisting.
- Previous achievements and research output is also being looked into seriously.
- The evaluation is being carried out by a committee with proper experience.
- After the review, a list of shortlisted candidates are being prepared.
- Final selection is done by the approval of SERB board members.
- The result is being communicated officially to the selected applicants.
Required Documents
These following documents are required while applying for the SERB POWER Fellowship:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Date of Birth proof
- Service certificate or appointment letter
- List of significant research publications
- Endorsement from head Of the Institution
- Declaration of no other government fellowship
SERB POWER Fellowship 2025 Apply Online
To apply online for the SERB POWER Fellowship, please follow these below mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of Anusandhan National Research Foundation to begin the nomination process.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the option labeled “SERB POWER” to proceed.
Step 3: Once redirected, click on the “SERB – POWER Fellowship” option to access detailed information and the nomination link.
Step 4: Applications for the fellowship are not submitted directly, but nominations are invited instead, which must be sent on behalf of the candidates.
Step 5: These nominations should be forwarded strictly by the Heads of Institutions where the nominee is working or by Fellows of any of the recognized National Academies.
Step 6: The entire nomination process must be completed through the official online platform available at www.serbonline.in, and no offline applications will be accepted.
Step 7: The nomination portal remains open throughout the year, allowing institutions to submit nominations at any time.
Step 8: Once submitted, all applications are collected and saved for review during the selection period.
Step 9: A special Search-cum-Selection Committee is constituted by SERB specifically to evaluate and review the nominations.
Step 10: The selection of POWER Fellows is carried out two times every year, based on the committee’s recommendations.
Step 11: After evaluation, the final list of selected fellows is prepared and officially communicated to the respective institutions or individuals.
Contact Details
Science and Engineering Research Board
Address:
3rd & 4th Floor, Block II, Technology Bhawan,
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110 016
For General Enquiries and extensions of specific program offices
Telephone:
011-2655 2199
FAQs
What is the eligibility for the SERB POWER Fellowship?
The fellowship is for women researchers aged 35-55 years, holding a PhD in any field of science or engineering, and working in Indian institutions.
How can one apply for the SERB POWER Fellowship?
Applications are submitted through online nominations, which must be sent by the Heads of Institutions or Fellows of National Academies, via the official website of SERB.
What is the fellowship amount for the SERB POWER Fellowship?
The fellowship provides Rs. 15,000 per month, in addition to the regular income of the selected candidate, along with a research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per year.
How long is the SERB POWER Fellowship awarded for?
The fellowship is awarded for a fixed duration of three years, with no possibility of extension.
How many times a year are fellows selected?
Selection of POWER Fellows takes place twice a year by a specially formed Search-cum-Selection Committee.
Who nominates the candidates for the fellowship?
Candidates must be nominated by the Heads of Institutions or Fellows of National Academies, not apply directly.