Indo-French Postdoctoral Research Programme for Women in Science 2026
The Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) scheme, introduced by the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Read More... helps faculty members from state universities, colleges, and private academic institutions to undertake research at leading public-funded central institutions. Read less
Details
Are you a faculty member in a state university, college, or private academic institution looking to boost your research work? The Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) scheme is here to help!
What Is This Scheme?
Launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, TARE aims to encourage faculty mobility. It allows teachers to conduct research at established public-funded central institutions like IITs, IISc, IISERs, NITs, CSIR labs, and Central Universities. This collaboration is designed to be mutually beneficial, with the researcher continuing their work at both their home institution and the host institution.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is designed for faculty members holding regular academic or research positions in state universities, colleges, and private academic institutions across India. It's a great opportunity for those with a Ph.D. or MS/MD degree who want to enhance their research skills and contribute to scientific advancements.
Why This Scheme Is Important
TARE plays a crucial role in fostering a strong research culture in India. By facilitating the movement of talented faculty to advanced research facilities, it promotes knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the development of cutting-edge research in diverse scientific fields. This ultimately contributes to the nation's scientific and technological progress.
Objective
Benefits
For Indian National:
- Fellowship Euros 2000/- per month along with miscellaneous allowances.
- To and Fro International travel between India and France.
For French National:
- Fellowship ₹90,000/- per month along with miscellaneous allowances.
- To and Fro International travel between France and India.
Sources and references
Who Can Apply?
- You must be an Indian citizen living in India.
- You need to hold a Ph.D. degree in Science/Engineering or an MS/MD degree in Medicine.
- You must have a regular academic or research position in a State University, College, or a private Academic Institution.
- At the time of application, you should not have any other ongoing research projects or be receiving any fellowship.
- The maximum age limit is 45 years when you submit your application.
- Age Relaxation: Candidates from SC/ST/OBC categories, women, and persons with physical challenges get a 5-year age relaxation.
- Your proposed Mentor should be an Associate Professor / Scientist E or hold a higher position.
- A Mentor can guide only one candidate at any given time.
How To Apply
- Online Application: The application process is entirely online. You need to visit the official website of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
- Fill Details: Complete your user profile with your biodata and other required information.
- Submit Proposal: Upload all necessary documents and submit your research proposal.
- Institutional Endorsement: Ensure you have the endorsement letters from both your parent institution's Head and the Host Institution's Head.
- Mentor CV: Include the Curriculum Vitae (CV) of your chosen Mentor.
- Official Link: Applications are accepted through the SERB online portal. Please refer to the official SERB website for the exact application link and detailed guidelines.
Documents You'll Need
- Passport size photograph
- Biodata of the applicant (filled in the user profile)
- Technical details of the research proposal
- Certificate from the Investigator (Applicant)
- Endorsement certificate from the Head of the Parent Institution
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of the Host Institution
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Mentor
- Category certificate (if applicable for age relaxation)
- Age proof certificate
- Joining report (if applicable)
- Mandatory 90 days attendance certificate from the host institute by the end of each financial year
- Plagiarism undertaking
FAQ’s
What does 'regular academic/research position' mean for this scheme?
'Regular' typically means you are appointed against a sanctioned post or a tenure post that is likely to be renewed. Positions like Research Associates, Ad-hoc faculties, Guest Faculty, Visiting Scientists, consultants, Project Fellows, or those with yearly contract renewals are generally not considered eligible. SERB has the final say in determining eligibility.
Can I apply if I'm already a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) on another DST-funded project?
Yes, if you are part of another project as a Co-PI, you can still apply for the TARE scheme.
Do I have to strictly divide the ₹5 lakh grant 50% for my parent institution and 50% for the host institution?
Yes, the research grant of ₹5 lakhs per annum is meant to be shared 50% with your parent institution and 50% with the host institution. This ensures support for research activities at both ends.
Can the research work involve ongoing research without external funding?
The scheme is designed for fresh research work or ongoing research that is not currently supported by any externally funded, individual-centric projects.
What are the management duties of my parent institution for this project?
Your parent institution will handle all project implementation tasks. This includes managing purchases, preparing Utilization Certificates (UC) and Equivalence Statements (ES), and ensuring you are relieved to conduct research at the host institute, similar to how they manage any other funded project.
If my application is selected, do I need to be physically present at the host institute for 90 days every year?
Yes, a minimum of 90 days of research work per year at the host institution is mandatory to receive the fellowship money. This period includes working days, vacations, public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as long as the host institute permits you to work and issues an attendance certificate.
Can I choose any central institution as my host institute for TARE?
Only specific types of central institutions are eligible. These include IITs, IISc, IISERs, National Institutions (like NITs, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR labs), and Central Universities. For example, Panjab University, if it doesn't fit these categories, might not be eligible as a host institute.
What is the maximum distance allowed between my parent and host institution?
There is no fixed limit on the distance. You will need to provide a strong justification for choosing a particular institute, regardless of the distance. The selection committee will evaluate these reasons. It is advisable to find a mentor with expertise closer to your parent institution, and preference may be given to proposals with shorter distances.
Can my Ph.D. supervisor act as a mentor for the TARE project?
No, your Ph.D. supervisor cannot be your mentor for the TARE project. However, you are permitted to work with a different mentor from the same institute where you completed your Ph.D.
How many applications can one mentor guide?
A mentor can forward any number of applications, but only one candidate will ultimately be selected to work with that mentor, based on the merit of the proposal.
Does the mentor's research area need to perfectly match my own?
The core idea of TARE is collaboration. The mentor's expertise should complement your research work to help execute the project effectively. So, while a close match is beneficial, the mentor's expertise should align with the project's requirements.
If I fulfill the 90 days attendance requirement but not the fellowship amount, will the project grant still be provided?
No. The scheme emphasizes collaborative work and training. Therefore, fulfilling the minimum 90 days of research work annually at the host institution is a mandatory requirement for the project funding, including the fellowship component.
Is there any age relaxation beyond the standard 5 years for specific categories?
The upper age limit is 45 years, with a relaxation of 5 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, women, and individuals with physical challenges. No further age relaxation is provided beyond these specified categories.
Can I use the TARE grant money to hire a project assistant or fellow?
No, the TARE award is intended for the principal investigator (PI) to conduct research personally. You cannot use the funds to hire a project fellow or any other personnel.
What if I attend for less than 90 days in a year? Will I still get the scholarship?
It is essential to complete the minimum 90 days of research work per year at the host institution to be eligible for the scholarship amount of ₹60,000 per year. Failing to meet this attendance requirement means you will not receive the fellowship.
Am I eligible if I have completed my M.Tech. and am currently pursuing my Ph.D.?
No, under the revised eligibility guidelines, only candidates who already hold a Ph.D. degree in Science/Engineering or an MS/MD degree in Medicine are eligible to apply for the TARE project.
Are there any restrictions on publishing research findings from the TARE project?
While there are no specific clauses that bind you to publish in certain journals or conferences, it is expected that you will produce joint publications with your mentor based on the project's outcomes. It is mandatory to acknowledge SERB funding in all such publications.
If I get selected for TARE, can I apply for other extramural grants later?
You are eligible to apply for other extramural grants later. However, you must not hold any ongoing research projects or fellowship at the time of submitting your TARE application. Also, you cannot avail of any other project from DST/SERB until you complete your TARE project.
Can I apply from any central institute, like Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET)?
You can apply from any central institution that has the necessary research and development infrastructure relevant to your proposed research work.
Will applications from regions with fewer central institutions receive preferential treatment?
No, the selection for the TARE scheme is purely competitive, based on the scientific merit of the research proposal. Regional availability of institutions is not a criterion for preference.
Does the affiliation year of an institute matter for eligibility?
The age or affiliation year of an institute is not a deciding factor, as long as it is recognized and affiliated by competent authorities like UGC, AICTE, MCI, or other government organizations.
Does being involved in any funded project make me ineligible?
Yes, if you are currently holding any funded projects, you are not eligible to apply for the TARE scheme.
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