Hi folks, I’ve been hearing about the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 (Vibrant India-Global Collaboration for Advancing Science and Technology), but I’m not sure what it involves. From what I understand, it’s a fellowship designed to promote collaboration between Indian researchers and the global scientific community on innovative projects. However, I’m unclear whether it’s open to all scientific fields or just specific areas like AI, energy, healthcare, etc. Is this fellowship exclusively for PhD holders, or can postdocs, scientists, or even students apply?
Additionally, how do we go about applying before the deadline? Is there an official website or portal for submitting applications? Are there any essential documents needed, such as research proposals, CVs, or recommendation letters? Most importantly, what is the submission deadline? If anyone has more information or knows someone who has applied before, pls share your insights.
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The Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship 2025 is a program initiated by the Indian government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) to promote collaboration between Indian researchers living abroad and Indian academic and scientific institutions.
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to participate in impactful research in India, thus aiding the country’s scientific and technological progress.
Key Features of the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025
Fellowship Amount => Recipients will receive a monthly stipend of ₹4,00,000 (around USD 5,000) for a period ranging from a minimum of one month to a maximum of two months each year, with the possibility of extension for up to three years.
Additional Benefits:
- International Travel: Business class airfare from the fellow’s current institution to the host institution in India, provided once a year.
- Accommodation: Fully furnished housing support of up to ₹7,500 per day.
- Domestic Travel: Economy class travel allowance for visits to a maximum of two Indian academic or scientific institutions each year.
- Research Contingency Grant: ₹1,00,000 annually for research-related expenses incurred in India.
- Institutional Support: Up to ₹5,00,000 per year for three years to cover consumables, contingencies, and institutional overheads.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be NRIs, PIOs, or OCIs currently living abroad.
- They should hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.S., or M.Tech degree.
- A minimum of five years of research experience in a recognized academic or scientific institution is required.
Application Process:
- Identify a Host Institution in India: Collaborate with an Indian Higher Educational Institution (HEI), university, or publicly funded scientific institution that ranks within the top 200 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or has a NAAC ‘A+’ grade or higher.
- Prepare Application Materials: Collect all necessary documents, such as your research proposal, curriculum vitae, and a letter of consent from the host institution.
- Submit Application: Applications must be submitted via the DST’s Electronic Project Management System (e-PMS) portal.
Application Deadlines:
The VAIBHAV Fellowship has two application cycles each year, with deadlines on January 31 and July 31. Make sure to submit your application before these dates to be eligible for the corresponding cycle.
For comprehensive guidelines and the application format, please visit the official DST website or check the specific call for proposals related to the VAIBHAV Fellowship. This fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for the Indian scientific community abroad to engage with India’s research environment while promoting international collaboration.