The VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 is an initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, aimed at fostering research collaboration between Indian institutions and scientists of Indian origin working abroad. This program facilitates partnerships with universities, higher education institutions, and public research organizations in India. Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology, it allows selected fellows to engage in research for up to two months each year, with a maximum tenure of three years. By encouraging knowledge exchange and global networking, the fellowship strengthens India’s scientific ecosystem, promotes innovation, and enhances the country’s position in advanced research and development.
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About VAIBHAV Fellowship
The Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is designed to strengthen research collaboration between Indian institutions and scientists from the Indian diaspora. This program provides fellows with financial and logistical support, offering Rs. 4,00,000 (approximately USD 5000) per month for a minimum of one month and up to two months annually, for a maximum of three years.
Additionally, it covers international business-class travel, fully furnished accommodation up to Rs. 7500 per day, and a contingency grant of Rs. 1,00,000 per year for research expenses in India. Domestic economy-class travel is also supported for visits to two academic or scientific institutions. The total grant is disbursed to the Indian host institute, which manages the fellowship and extends necessary support, fostering global scientific exchange and innovation.
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Motive of VAIBHAV Fellowship
The VAIBHAV Fellowship aims to enhance global research collaboration and strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem:
- Facilitates engagement of Indian-origin scientists with premier Indian universities and research institutions for innovation.
- Encourages knowledge exchange by enabling fellows to contribute expertise to India’s scientific advancements.
- Provides financial and logistical support to ensure seamless collaboration on cutting-edge research projects.
- Strengthens India’s position in global scientific networks by fostering long-term academic partnerships.
- Supports multidisciplinary research efforts to address national and global scientific and technological challenges.
Key Highlights of VAIBHAV Fellowship
| Name of the Scholarship | VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Science and Technology, India |
| Implementing Body | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Eligibility | Indian-origin scientists working abroad |
| Duration | Up to 2 months per year, 3 years max |
| Fellowship Amount | Rs. 4,00,000 (~USD 5000) per month |
| Travel Support | Business-class international, economy domestic |
| Accommodation | Up to Rs. 7500 per day |
| Research Contingency | Rs. 1,00,000 per year for expenses |
| Host Institution | Indian universities and research organizations |
| Application process | Online |
| Official Website | https://dst.gov.in/ |
Eligibility Criteria
The VAIBHAV Fellowship sets clear eligibility and expectations for applicants and host institutions:
Eligibility for Applicants
- Must be an NRI, PIO, or OCI working abroad with relevant scientific expertise.
- Should hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.S., or M.Tech from a recognized university.
- Requires at least five years of research experience in a reputed institute, industry, or lab.
- Should contribute expertise in research, technology development, and scientific innovation.
- Expected to build strong collaborations and mentor Indian students in global scientific engagement.
- Must submit a report to DST within 21 days of completing each visit.
Eligibility for Host Institutions
- Must be among the top 200 universities in NIRF rankings or have an NAAC ‘A+’ grade.
- Publicly funded scientific institutions and national research laboratories are also eligible hosts.
- Required to provide lab access, equipment, and necessary research support.
- Should collaborate with fellows on projects aligned with India’s national scientific priorities.
Financial Benefits under VAIBHAV Fellowship
The VAIBHAV Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to ensure seamless research collaboration:
Fellowship Amount
- Rs. 4,00,000 (~USD 5000) per month for up to two months annually.
- Maximum fellowship duration of three years.
International Travel Support
- Business-class airfare from the fellow’s parent institute to the host institution in India.
- Provided once per year for the duration of the fellowship.
Accommodation Support
- Fully furnished stay in a guest house or hotel.
- Reimbursement up to Rs. 7500 per day during the visit.
Research Contingency Grant
- Rs. 1,00,000 per year for research-related expenses in India.
Domestic Travel Support
- Economy-class airfare for academic visits within India.
- Covers travel to two Indian academic or scientific institutes per year.
Financial Assistance for Host Institutions
The VAIBHAV Fellowship provides financial assistance to host institutions to support research activities:
Grant Disbursement
- The total eligible grant is released to the Indian host institution.
- The institution manages the fellowship amount and extends necessary research support.
Institutional Financial Support
- Up to Rs. 5 Lakhs per year for three years as per DST norms.
- Funding is allocated to facilitate the fellow’s research activities.
Covered Expenses
- Consumables and Accessories – Essential materials required for research projects.
- Contingency – Additional funding for unforeseen research-related expenses.
- Institutional Overhead – Administrative and operational costs incurred by the host institution.
Duration of the Scholarship
The VAIBHAV Fellowship offers a flexible duration to support collaborative research efforts:
- Minimum tenure of one month per year for selected fellows.
- Maximum stay of up to two months per year at the host institution.
- Fellowship tenure extends for a maximum period of three years.
- Fellows can visit India annually within the stipulated duration.
Benefits of the VAIBHAV Fellowship
The VAIBHAV Fellowship provides multiple benefits to enhance research collaboration and global scientific engagement:
- Offers financial support, including fellowship amount, travel expenses, accommodation, and research contingency grants.
- Enables Indian-origin scientists to collaborate with top Indian institutions on innovative research projects.
- Strengthens India’s scientific ecosystem by fostering knowledge exchange and long-term academic partnerships.
- Provides access to advanced research facilities, labs, and necessary resources at host institutions.
- Encourages mentorship opportunities for Indian students, promoting global exposure and research excellence.
Salient Features
The VAIBHAV Fellowship offers unique features to promote international scientific collaboration and research excellence:
- Supports Indian-origin scientists working abroad in partnering with top Indian institutions for research projects.
- Provides a generous fellowship amount, travel grants, accommodation, and research contingency for seamless collaboration.
- Allows fellows to engage in research for up to two months annually over three years.
- Grants host institutions financial assistance to facilitate research activities and provide necessary resources.
- Strengthens global scientific networks by encouraging knowledge exchange, mentorship, and long-term academic partnerships.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide specific documents to complete their VAIBHAV Fellowship application process:
- Statement of Purpose
- Detailed Bio-Data (Prescribed Format, Two Pages)
- List of Recent Publications (Last Three Years with Impact Factors)
- Copy of Valid Passport
- Certificate of Highest Academic Qualification
- Experience Certificate and Undertaking (Prescribed Format)
- No-Objection Certificate from Current Institution
- Consent Letter from Host Institution
- Host Scientist/Faculty CV (Two Pages) and Recent Publications (Last Three Years with Impact Factors)
How to Apply for VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 Online?
To apply for the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025, follow these steps for a smooth application process:
Step 1: Submit your online application through the Department of Science and Technology (DST) portal.
Step 2: Download the required proposal formats from the official DST website or the provided link.
Step 3: Register on the portal using an active email address to initiate your application process.
Step 4: Confirm registration via email, set your password, and receive a unique ID for login.
Step 5: Complete the application form and upload all necessary documents through the e-PMS portal.
Step 6: Include consent letters from yourself and the host institution’s head to avoid disqualification.
Step 7: After submission, note the Temporary Project Number (TPN) for future reference and communication.
Step 8: Regularly check the DST website for updates and important announcements regarding your application.
Contact Details
Department of Science & Technology,
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi-110 016
Distance from the Airport: 15-16 km…
Distance from New Delhi Railway Station: 16-17 km.
Located in an Institutional Area near the Qutab Hotel.
Telephone:
+91 11 26590215
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
Indian-origin scientists (NRIs, PIOs, OCIs) working abroad with a Ph.D., M.D., M.S., or M.Tech and at least five years of research experience.
What financial benefits are provided under the fellowship?
Rs. 4,00,000 (~USD 5000) per month, international and domestic travel support, accommodation, and a research contingency grant.
How can I apply for the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
Applications must be submitted online through the DST portal, following the prescribed guidelines.
Who will disburse the fellowship amount?
The total grant is released to the Indian host institution, which provides the fellowship amount and support.
Can I collaborate with multiple Indian institutions?
Yes, fellows can visit up to two Indian academic or scientific institutions for research purposes.