Cultural Function And Production Grant Scheme 2026

The Ramanujan Fellowship aims to bring talented Indian scientists and engineers back to India to boost scientific Read More... research by offering them positions and support. Read less

Details

Are you a brilliant Indian scientist or engineer working abroad and looking to contribute to India's research landscape? The Ramanujan Fellowship could be your stepping stone back home.

What Is This Scheme?

The Ramanujan Fellowship, initiated by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), is designed to attract and retain top Indian scientific talent. It provides a unique opportunity for accomplished Indian scientists and engineers, currently based outside India, to take up research positions in Indian institutions. The fellowship is highly selective, focusing on individuals with a proven track record in their fields.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is specifically for exceptional Indian scientists and engineers who are residing abroad and wish to return to India to pursue their research careers. It's an invitation to contribute their expertise to the advancement of science and technology within the country.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The Ramanujan Fellowship plays a crucial role in 'reverse brain drain' by encouraging accomplished Indian researchers to return to India. This infusion of global expertise strengthens India's research capabilities and fosters innovation across various scientific disciplines. Fellows are empowered to conduct cutting-edge research, contribute to institutional growth, and mentor future generations of scientists.

Objective

The Ramanujan Fellowship aims to bring talented Indian scientists and engineers back to India to boost scientific research by offering them positions and support.

Benefits

The grant for specific projects shall be restricted to 75% of the expenditure, subject to a maximum of ₹5.00 lakhs per project as recommended by the Expert Committee.
The Ministry may in exceptional circumstances, increase the assistance to any project of outstanding merit and relevance up to ₹20 Lakhs with the approval of Hon’ble Minister of Culture.

Sources and references

Guideline

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be brilliant Indian scientists and engineers from anywhere in the world, aiming to return to India.
Candidates should be below 40 years of age at the time of application.
A higher degree like a Ph.D. in Science/Engineering, Masters in Engineering or Technology, or MD in Medicine is required, along with adequate professional experience.
Applicants must demonstrate an outstanding track record through research publications and recognitions.
The fellowship is intended for work in new areas and laboratories to enhance research capabilities, distinct from where the doctorate was obtained.
Nominations from Ph.D. guides or from the same institution where the candidate completed their Ph.D. are not accepted.
Candidates must be working abroad at the time of nomination.
The fellowship is strictly for individuals not holding any permanent, tenure-track, or contractual position in any Indian institute or university.

Important Note: If a fellow accepts any permanent, tenure-track, or contractual position in India after selection, they will become ineligible for the fellowship and must relinquish it.

How To Apply

Scientists and technologists working abroad should first identify an Indian institution willing to host them for the fellowship.
The nominee needs to fill out the application form through the official SERB online portal: serbonline.in.
After submission, the nominee's chosen host institution's nominator (usually the head of the institution or an authorized academic personnel) will verify and submit the nomination to SERB through the online portal.
A selection committee specifically appointed for this purpose will make the final selections.

Documents Required

Passport-size Photograph
Proof of Age (e.g., Birth Certificate, Passport)
Details of Educational Qualifications
Details of Awards and Honors (if any)
List of Publications
Details of Patents filed, granted, or commercialized
Nomination Letter (on official letterhead, duly signed and stamped by the nominator)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Nominee
Plagiarism Undertaking
Any other documents as may be required by the SERB

FAQ’s

What is the duration of the Ramanujan Fellowship?

The Ramanujan Fellowship is awarded for a period of five years and is not extendable.

Can I receive salary from an Indian institute and the Ramanujan Fellowship grant at the same time?

No, you can choose to receive either your salary from the host institute or the Ramanujan Fellowship amount. This rule applies differently based on when your fellowship was sanctioned. If your first sanction order was issued on or before December 31, 2018, you could draw research grant and overheads even if you secure a position. However, if your sanction order was issued after December 31, 2018, and you accept a permanent, tenure-track, or contractual position, you must relinquish the Ramanujan Fellowship entirely.

Can a Ramanujan Fellow supervise M.Phil/Ph.D. scholars?

Yes, SERB encourages Ramanujan Fellows to pursue guideship at their host institute. Based on their research experience, they can supervise M.Phil/Ph.D. scholars, which contributes to their academic development.

What is the main goal of the Ramanujan Fellowship?

The primary aim of the Ramanujan Fellowship is to attract brilliant Indian scientists and engineers from abroad to return to India and take up scientific research positions, thereby strengthening the country's scientific research base.

How are subsequent grants released to a Ramanujan Fellow?

Grants for subsequent years are released after SERB receives the Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Utilization Certificate (UC) in the prescribed format, along with a work report for that financial year. These documents are required for each financial year.

What is the role of SERB in supporting Ramanujan Fellows?

SERB releases the fellowship grant, research grant, and overhead charges. They also manage the financial year-wise disbursal and release subsequent grants based on progress reports and financial statements. SERB may also be informed about intellectual property (IP) and technology development.

What is the monthly emolument for HRA under the Ramanujan Fellowship?

The fellowship amount of ₹1,35,000 per month is consolidated and includes the House Rent Allowance (HRA) component.

Are the grants received under the Ramanujan Fellowship taxable?

Yes, any grant received under the Ramanujan Fellowship is subject to income tax rules as per Indian IT regulations.

What is the eligibility criteria for applying for the Ramanujan Fellowship?

To be eligible, you must be an Indian scientist or engineer working abroad, under 40 years of age, with a Ph.D. or equivalent higher degree and significant professional experience. You need a proven track record and must not hold any permanent position in India. The fellowship is for work in new areas and institutions other than where you earned your doctorate.

Can an institute nominate an employee who has a temporary job in India for the Ramanujan Fellowship?

No, the Ramanujan Fellowship is strictly for Indian scientists and engineers residing and working abroad who wish to return to India. Individuals already employed in India, even on a temporary basis, are not eligible for nomination.

What is the fellowship amount and research grant provided?

Fellows receive a consolidated monthly amount of ₹1,35,000 (including HRA). Additionally, an annual research grant of ₹7.00 lakh is provided for research expenses, along with ₹60,000 per annum as overhead charges to the host institute.

How can an individual start their Ramanujan Fellowship?

After being informed of the award, the fellow must join the host institute within six months. They need to submit an acceptance letter to the host institute, indicating the tentative start date. The institute then forwards this to SERB for administrative and financial approvals. Once the grant is received by the host institute, the fellow can commence their fellowship.

What is the age limit for the Ramanujan Fellowship?

The age limit for candidates applying for the Ramanujan Fellowship is 40 years.

Can a Ramanujan Fellow change their host institute?

Yes, fellows whose first sanction order was issued on or before December 31, 2018, can transfer their fellowship if they secure a permanent position elsewhere. They must inform SERB and submit necessary documents for host institute change. For fellows sanctioned after December 31, 2018, accepting a permanent position leads to total relinquishment of the fellowship.

Is it possible to nominate an Indian scientist/engineer already working in India under a permanent/temporary position?

No, the Ramanujan Fellowship is specifically designed to encourage 'reverse brain drain'. It's meant for brilliant Indian scientists and engineers who are abroad and wish to return to India for research positions, not for those already working in India.

What is the maximum number of international travels allowed per year under this fellowship?

A Ramanujan Fellow is eligible to avail one international travel per year under the fellowship.

What are the areas covered by the Ramanujan Fellowship?

The Ramanujan Fellowship covers all areas of Science, in the broadest sense of the term.

What is the tenure for the Ramanujan Fellowship?

The tenure for the Ramanujan Fellowship is five years.

Where can a Ramanujan Fellow conduct their research?

Ramanujan Fellows can work in any scientific institution or university in India. However, they cannot work in the same institution where they obtained their doctorate degree.

What payments can be made to project staff hired under the Ramanujan Fellowship?

Payments to project staff employed under the Research Grant should be made as per the latest SERB orders, which are available on the SERB website.

What is the time frame for selected candidates to join the host institute?

Selected candidates must join their designated host institute within six months of receiving the Ramanujan Fellowship Award letter. Failure to do so will result in the automatic cancellation of the award.

Is it possible to apply for a Core Research Grant as a Ramanujan Fellow?

Yes, Ramanujan Fellows are eligible to apply for Core Research Grant proposals.

What is the entitlement of a Ramanujan Fellow at the host institute regarding TA/DA?

A Ramanujan Fellow is considered equivalent to a Scientist-D for purposes like Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA) at their host institute.