E-YUVA Scheme: BIRAC’s E-YUVA Fellows (for under graduate students) 2026
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme, launched in February 2011 by the Ministry of New & Renewable Read More... Energy, aims to support top scientists and engineers in solar energy research. Read less
Details
India is committed to harnessing solar energy for a sustainable future. The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme is a key initiative by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to boost cutting-edge research in this vital sector.
What Is This Scheme?
Launched in February 2011, this programme provides a platform for brilliant Indian scientists and engineers to work on advanced solar energy science, engineering, and technology. It encourages innovation in science, technology, and product development by collaborating with prestigious institutions across India and abroad.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This fellowship is designed for accomplished Indian scientists, engineers, and researchers who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of solar energy. It's for those who want to use and enhance available resources to tackle complex challenges in solar energy utilization for various purposes, including power generation.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The programme creates a community of dedicated researchers focused on the forefront of solar energy. By fostering intellectual curiosity and top-quality scholarship, it aims to find practical solutions to the nation's energy security challenges. It ensures that research aligns with the Government of India's agenda, leading to tangible improvements in solar technology and its application in the energy sector.
Objective
Benefits
BIRAC’s E-YUVA Fellows will receive a quarterly stipend and annual research grant as mentioned below:
- Quarterly Stipend: INR 7,500/- per quarter per student of the team
- Annual research grant: INR 2,50,000/- per team
- EYCs, EYC knowledge partners, and BIRAC provide continuous mentoring support to fellows, including but not limited to Technical Mentoring, IP Support, Legal Support, Networking and Outreach, Training, Regulatory Advice, Business Mentoring, and Fundraising.
Note 01:Stipend is released quarterly to the student’s account, subject to the Mentor’s approval.
Note 02:The annual research grant is released in two installments (1st installment: 75%; 2nd installment: 25%) to the Institute’s account and is managed by the mentor/guide.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be Indian citizens or of Indian origin.
- The fellowship is open to all scientists working in solar energy sciences, engineering, and technology. This includes those employed by the Government of India, State Governments, or public institutions, as well as independent researchers working on impactful solar energy proposals.
- Candidates must hold a doctorate or equivalent degree in solar sciences or solar engineering. They should have an excellent research record and proven leadership skills in solar energy, with at least ten years of experience (including PhD research period).
- M.Tech. or M.S. degree holders with significant published work and relevant lab/industry experience may be considered in special cases, subject to the Fellowship Management Committee's approval of their proposal.
- A strong academic background and R&D experience in solar energy or related fields are required.
- There is no age limit for applicants.
Note: The Fellowship Management Committee reserves the right to adjust these eligibility criteria. All applicants must submit a comprehensive research proposal for consideration.
How To Apply
Applications are invited through open advertisements for talented scientists with proven records in any field of solar science or engineering. Interested candidates should follow the instructions provided in the application guidelines for filling up the proforma. The application process is typically offline.
Documents Required
- Proof of Identity
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Experience Certificate in R&D
- Research and Development (R&D) Proposal
- Details of awards or recognition received in the subject area (national/international)
- Details of films or audio-visuals produced (if applicable)
- Details of scientific/technical papers published in the relevant subject area
- Any other relevant documents
FAQ’s
What is the main goal of the National Solar Science Fellowship Programme?
The programme aims to provide a platform for top scientists and engineers in solar energy research. It helps them utilize and expand resources at selected institutions in India and abroad to solve complex problems related to solar energy use, including power generation.
Which government department is running this fellowship?
The fellowship is an initiative of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the Government of India.
When did this fellowship programme start?
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme was launched in February 2011.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
The programme is open to all scientists in solar energy science, engineering, and technology. This includes those working in government or public institutions, as well as independent researchers keen on pursuing research beneficial to the Government of India.
Can individuals from any background apply?
Yes, the scheme is open to all eligible applicants regardless of their category.
What are the minimum educational requirements for applicants?
Applicants should generally hold a PhD or equivalent degree. However, M.Tech. or M.S. degree holders with strong published work and practical experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Fellowship Management Committee.
Will candidates with an M.Tech. or M.S. degree be considered?
Yes, M.Tech. or M.S. degree holders with good published work and lab/industry experience can be considered as a special case, provided the Fellowship Management Committee finds their proposal worthy.
Is prior academic and R&D experience in solar energy necessary?
Yes, applicants must have a suitable academic background and R&D experience in solar energy or related fields directly or indirectly involved in solar sciences, engineering, and technology.
Is there an age limit to apply for this fellowship?
No, there is no age bar for candidates applying to this programme.
What financial support does the fellowship provide?
Selected Fellows receive an annual grant of up to ₹32.00 lakhs, which covers emoluments (up to ₹12.00 lakhs), contingencies (up to ₹5.00 lakhs), and a research grant (up to ₹15.00 lakhs). This amount is adjusted based on the fellowship duration.
How many fellowships are awarded at any given time?
The total number of active fellowships at any point is capped at 10.
What is the typical duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship is initially for two years and can be extended for up to three more years on a yearly basis, depending on the progress of the Fellow's work.
How does one apply for this fellowship?
Eligible candidates are usually invited through open advertisements. Applications need to be submitted offline, following the specific instructions and proforma provided in the guidelines.
How should I submit my application offline?
Applications from talented scientists with proven track records in solar science or engineering are invited via open advertisement. You should fill out the application proforma as per the instructions given in the Guidelines for offline submission.
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