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The SERB POWER Fellowship is designed to recognise and support outstanding women researchers holding PhD degrees in Read More... science and engineering, working in Indian academic and R&D institutions. Read less

Details

The Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, through the SERB - POWER (Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research) Fellowship, is actively working to bridge the gender gap in science and engineering research funding. This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities and enhance diversity in research for women scientists across India's academic institutions and R&D laboratories.

What Is This Scheme?

The SERB POWER Fellowship is a dedicated program to identify and reward exceptional women researchers who have completed their PhDs in any field of science and engineering. It supports their independent research endeavors within Indian academic institutions and R&D centers.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is for brilliant women scientists and innovators who are actively engaged in research. They must hold a PhD in science or engineering, be employed regularly in an Indian academic institution or R&D laboratory, and have a strong track record of research achievements.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme is crucial for fostering a more inclusive research environment in India. By providing targeted support, it empowers women scientists to pursue groundbreaking research, contribute to scientific advancements, and overcome existing disparities in research funding. It ensures that talented women researchers have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Objective

The SERB POWER Fellowship is designed to recognise and support outstanding women researchers holding PhD degrees in science and engineering, working in Indian academic and R&D institutions.

Benefits

100% of Project cost excluding/except Hard Interventions.
90% of Hard Intervention is eligible for the North Eastern Region, UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Hill States, and 75% of Hard Intervention for Others.

#Project InterventionScheme FundingFinancial LimitFinancial LimitImplementing Agency ShareACluster InterventionsA1Soft Interventions including skill training, capacity building, and design development100%Subject to a maximum of 33% of A (Total cost of Cluster Interventions both hard and soft interventions) or ₹25.00 lakh, whichever is less.Maximum ₹8 crores per project (A+B+C)NilA2Hard Interventions including CFCs, RMBs, training Centres, etc.*75%Maximum ₹8 crores per project (A+B+C)25% of Project CostBCost of Technical Agency100%8% of A1+A2 (Total cost of Cluster Interventions both hard and soft interventions)Maximum ₹8 crores per project (A+B+C)NilC**Cost of IA/SPV including CDE100%Maximum ₹20.00 lakh per project.Maximum ₹8 crores per project (A+B+C)Nil* 90%:10% in the case of the North Eastern Region (NER), UT of J&K and hill states.

** This may include remuneration of Cluster Development Executive (CDE) and other expenses incidental to the entire 3-year project implementation.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an active woman scientist with a proven record of excellent research as an independent investigator.
You should be an outstanding woman researcher or innovator working in an Indian academic institution or R&D laboratory, holding a PhD in any branch of science or engineering.
You must be in regular service throughout the entire duration of the fellowship.
You need to be an Indian citizen aged between 35 and 55 years, and currently working in an institution located in India.
You should not be receiving any other fellowship from government sources while availing this fellowship.

How To Apply

First, you need to fill out the application form on the online portal.
After submitting your form, you will receive an email from SERB containing a link.
Your nominator (Head of Institution or Fellow of National Academy) will then click on the provided link to review the application details.
Once the nominator verifies the details, they will forward your nomination to SERB.

You can apply through the online portal at www.serbonline.in. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Documents Required

Candidate's identity proof
Passport-sized photograph
Proof of age
Certificates of educational qualifications
Details of professional awards, recognition, or fellowships received
Bank account details (Account Number, Bank Name, Branch Name, and IFSC Code)
Any other documents as specifically requested

FAQ’s

Can I apply for the SERB POWER Fellowship if I'm already receiving another government fellowship?

No, you can only avail one fellowship at a time from government sources. If you are already receiving another government fellowship, you are not eligible for the SERB POWER Fellowship.

What is the duration of the SERB POWER Fellowship, and can it be extended?

The SERB POWER Fellowship is granted for a fixed period of three years. There is no provision for extending this duration.

What are the age criteria for applicants of the SERB POWER Fellowship?

Applicants must be between 35 and 55 years of age at the time of submitting their proposal.

Who can submit nominations for the SERB POWER Fellowship?

Nominations can be put forward by the Heads of Institutions or by Fellows of National academies.

What kind of financial support does a SERB POWER Fellow receive?

A SERB POWER Fellow receives a monthly fellowship of ₹15,000, an annual research grant of ₹10 Lakhs, and overheads for their host institute.

Is the fellowship amount received under SERB POWER Fellowship taxable?

Yes, the fellowship amount received under the SERB POWER Fellowship is subject to income tax as per the prevailing Income Tax rules.

Can a SERB POWER Fellow change their host institute during the fellowship period?

Yes, a SERB POWER Fellow can change their host institute. However, they must obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the current and new institutes. Additionally, they need to submit final financial papers showing any unspent grant balance from the old institute, an undertaking certificate, and the appointment letter from the new institute indicating the joining date and appointment duration.

What is the selection process for the SERB POWER Fellowship?

A specially formed Search-cum-Selection Committee will make the selection of POWER Fellows twice a year.

Can the research grant under SERB POWER Fellowship be used for international travel?

No, the research grant provided under the SERB POWER Fellowship cannot be used for international travel expenses.

How often can someone receive the SERB POWER Fellowship?

Each successful POWER Fellow can avail the fellowship only once. They cannot be nominated or receive it a second time.

Are there specific areas of science covered by the SERB POWER Fellowship?

The fellowship covers all areas of Science in the broadest sense, offering broad scope for researchers.

If I am away from my institution for more than 6 weeks, do I need SERB's permission?

Yes, if you are away from your institute or university for more than 6 weeks, you must obtain prior permission from SERB.

How does a SERB POWER Fellow get their grant for subsequent years?

For the grant to be released in subsequent years, the fellow must submit two hard copies of the Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Utilization Certificate (UC) in the format available on the website. These should be submitted financial year-wise (April 1st to March 31st). For the first year, the submission covers from the Date of Start (DOS) to March 31st.

Can I use the research grant for travel expenses to attend a conference?

Travel expenses for foreign assignments are not covered by the research grant under the SERB POWER Fellowship.

What is the application deadline for the SERB POWER Fellowship?

Nominations for the SERB POWER Fellowship are accepted continuously throughout the year via the online portal. There is no specific last date for application acceptance.

Am I eligible to receive the fellowship amount and research grant if I visit abroad for more than 8 weeks?

If you visit abroad for more than 8 weeks, you will not be eligible to receive the fellowship amount or the research grant and overhead charges during your visit, especially if no student is drawing a fellowship or salary from the project during that time.

What are the eligible expenses for the ₹10 lakh research grant?

The ₹10 lakh annual research grant can be utilized for purchasing minor equipment, supporting research personnel, covering consumables, managing contingencies, and for domestic travel related to research activities.

If I plan to visit abroad for collaboration work, can I get an extension after the project ends?

No, the SERB POWER Fellowship does not offer any kind of extension for visits abroad, even if they are part of collaboration work after the project completion.