National Fellowship For OBC Students 2026

The SITARE-Appreciation Grant offers undergraduate students hands-on biotech training and mentorship through residential workshops, with a chance Read More... to receive up to INR 1 lakh for innovative project ideas. Read less

Details

Are you an undergraduate student passionate about biotechnology and looking to turn your innovative ideas into reality? The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has a fantastic opportunity for you!

SITARE-Appreciation Grant: What Is It?

SITARE stands for Students Innovations for Translation & Advancement of Research Explorations. Under its SITARE-Appreciation Grant component, BIRAC organizes residential workshops called the Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS). These workshops are designed to give undergraduate students like you practical training and expert guidance to identify real-world problems in biotechnology. The goal is to encourage young minds to engage in research that can lead to innovative products and technologies addressing unmet needs.

Who Can Benefit?

This scheme is specifically for undergraduate students from any discipline who have innovative ideas in biotechnology. It's a great platform to get your first taste of entrepreneurial research.

Why Is This Scheme Important?

The SITARE-Appreciation Grant plays a crucial role in nurturing grassroots innovations and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students. By providing financial support and mentorship, it empowers young individuals to explore their potential, develop impactful solutions, and contribute to the advancement of biotechnology in India, especially those from Tier II/III cities.

Objective

The SITARE-Appreciation Grant offers undergraduate students hands-on biotech training and mentorship through residential workshops, with a chance to receive up to INR 1 lakh for innovative project ideas.

Benefits

Number of Slots for Fellowship -

The total number of slots for NFOBC under the scheme is 1000 per year. Out of 1000 slots available under this scheme, 750 will be allocated for the subjects under National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and the remaining 250 UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF joint test (for Science streams).

These 1000 slots will be over and above the OBC Students selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government.

Duration of Fellowship -Name of the Course: M.Phil.Maximum Duration (Years): 2Admissibility of JRF (Years): 2Admissibility of SRF (Years): NilName of the Course: Ph.D.Maximum Duration (Years): 5Admissibility of JRF (Years): 2Admissibility of SRF (Years): Remaining 3 yearsName of the Course: M.Phil. + Ph.D.Maximum Duration (Years): 5Admissibility of JRF (Years): 2Admissibility of SRF (Years): Remaining 3 yearsRate of Fellowship -The rates of fellowship for JRF and SRF will be at par with the UGC Fellowship (w.e.f 01.01.2019).Presently these rates are as follows:Fellowship in Science, Humanities, and Social Science@ ₹ 31,000/- p.m. for initial two years (JRF)@ ₹ 35,000/- pm. for remaining tenure (SRF)Fellowship in Engineering & Technology@ ₹ 31,000/- p.m. for initial two years (JRF)@ ₹ 35,000/- pm. for remaining tenure (SRF)Contingency for Humanities & Social Sciences@ ₹ 10,000/- p.a. for initial two years@ ₹ 20,500/- p.a. for remaining tenureContingency for Sciences, Engineering & Technology@ ₹ 12,000/- p.a. for initial two years@ ₹ 25,000/- p.a. for remaining tenureEscorts/Reader assistance (All subjects)@ ₹ 2,000/- p.m. in cases of physically and visually handicapped candidatesHouse Rent AllowanceHRA will be on the UGC pattern and will be payable to those students who are not provided with hostel accommodation. In case hostel accommodation offered by the University/institution is refused, the student will forfeit his claim of HRA, and other facilities such as medical facilities, and leave including maternity leave will be governed as per the guidelines of the UGC in case of their fellowship program.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

Students currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in any field can apply.
You must have a valid identification card issued by your institution or university.
A student can attend only one BIIS workshop. However, SITARE-Appreciation Award Grantees may be eligible for subsequent workshops if recommended by a SITARE Partner or BIRAC.

Special Preference: Students from Tier II/Tier III cities and aspirational districts across India will be given preference.

How to Apply

Keep an eye out for advertisements or announcements from SITARE Partners regarding upcoming workshops. Applications are typically invited online. You can submit your proposals through the official BIRAC website.

Steps to Apply:

Watch for calls for applications which will be announced by SITARE Partners.
Submit your application online via the BIRAC website: www.birac.nic.in.
Your application will be evaluated based on your Statement of Purpose (SoP), originality, clarity of purpose, implementation plan, and potential impact.

Documents You Might Need

A valid ID card from your educational institution.
Aadhaar Card and PAN Card.
Certificates of your educational qualifications.
Proof of residence.
Any other documents that might be relevant to your application.

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the SITARE Scheme?

The SITARE scheme aims to support innovative student projects in biotechnology. Its core idea is to encourage young students to take up research that can lead to new products and technologies for everyday needs.

What kind of support is offered to students selected for the grant?

Selected students get to attend a 3-4 week residential workshop (BIIS) for hands-on training and mentorship. Additionally, 10 students from each workshop receive a grant of up to INR 1 Lakh to help them pursue their innovative ideas further.

Who is responsible for running this scheme?

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is the agency that implements this scheme.

Can I apply if I'm pursuing a Bachelor's degree in any subject?

Yes, absolutely! Students pursuing a Bachelor's program in any discipline are eligible to apply for this scheme.

What is the Biotech Innovation Ignition School (BIIS)?

The BIIS is a national program that provides up to 4 weeks of residential training for undergraduate students. It focuses on giving them practical training, expert interaction, and exposure to bio-incubation centers to foster entrepreneurial journeys and promote ideas with societal impact.

What happens if I've already attended a BIIS workshop?

Generally, you can only attend one BIIS workshop. However, if you've received the SITARE-Appreciation Award Grant, you might be able to attend future workshops if recommended by a SITARE Partner or BIRAC.

How many times a year are these workshops held?

The BIIS workshops are conducted three times a year, usually around February, June, and December.

Will my travel and accommodation be covered during the workshop?

Yes, the scheme covers your Class II rail fare, local travel, hostel accommodation, and all meals. A shuttle service to the project site is also provided.

What criteria are used to select students for the grant?

Selection is based on your Statement of Purpose (SoP). Key factors include the originality of your idea (40%), clarity of your purpose (20%), your implementation plan (15%), and the potential impact of your project (15%).

Do students from smaller cities get any advantage?

Yes, the scheme gives preference to students hailing from Tier II/Tier III cities and aspirational districts within India.

Where can I submit my application?

You need to submit your application online. The application portal is usually available on the BIRAC website, www.birac.nic.in, when a call for applications is announced.

Is there any age limit to apply for this grant?

The scheme is for undergraduate students. While a specific age is not mentioned, eligibility is tied to pursuing a Bachelor's program.