AICTE e-Shodh Sindhu Scheme (eSS) 2026
The SERB - POWER Research Grants program aims to boost research by encouraging emerging and established women Read More... scientists to undertake R&D in cutting-edge science and engineering fields through competitive funding. Read less
Details
The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, has launched the SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research) program. This initiative is specifically designed to address gender disparity in science and engineering research funding across Indian academic and R&D institutions. By providing equal access and weighted opportunities, SERB-POWER aims to foster greater diversity in research.
What Is This Scheme?
The SERB - POWER Research Grants program is a key component of the SERB-POWER initiative. It provides a structured platform for women researchers to secure funding for their research and development activities. The goal is to support individual-centric, competitive research proposals in frontier areas of science and engineering, encouraging both emerging and eminent women scientists to lead impactful projects.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is exclusively for women scientists in India who are actively involved in research and development. It targets those holding regular academic or research positions in recognized Indian institutions, including universities, national laboratories, and other R&D centers. Specific categories exist for institutions, distinguishing between top-tier national institutes (Level I) and state/private academic institutions (Level II).
Why This Scheme Is Important
Recognizing the need to promote gender equality in STEM fields, the SERB-POWER Research Grants play a crucial role in empowering women in research. By offering financial support and opportunities, the scheme helps bridge the gap in research funding and encourages women scientists to pursue innovative projects, contributing to the nation's scientific and technological advancement.
Objective
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Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants (Principal Investigator - PI and Co-Principal Investigator(s) - Co-PI) must be Indian citizens.
- Applicants must hold a permanent academic or research position in a recognized Indian academic institution, national laboratory, or R&D institution.
- Level I: Applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, and National Laboratories of Central Government Institutions are eligible.
- Level II: Applicants from State Universities/Colleges and Private Academic Institutions should apply under this category.
- Faculty members recruited through the UGC-Faculty Recharge Program are eligible.
- INSPIRE Faculty, Ramanujan Fellows, and Ramalingaswamy Fellows are eligible if they have at least three and a half years of tenure remaining at the time of application.
- A female Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) from the same institution is mandatory for every project.
- Male Co-PIs are not permitted for POWER Grant Research Schemes.
- An individual who is a PhD guide cannot be a Co-PI.
- Researchers who have already received a POWER Grant are not eligible to apply again for this scheme.
- JC Bose Fellows and PIs who have completed two CRG (Core Research Grant) projects are not eligible.
- A project can have a maximum of two Co-PIs.
Important Notes:
- Women Scientists cannot hold a POWER Fellowship and a POWER Grant simultaneously.
- The POWER Grant will be managed according to SERB-CRG guidelines, with exceptions for sharing non-recurring costs by National Laboratories and Research Institutions (50%).
- For Level II institutions (₹30 lakhs funding limit), the budget for equipment should not exceed ₹14 lakhs.
How To Apply
- Keep an eye on the official SERB website for the announcement of application calls. Announcements are typically made on https://www.serbonline.in and https://serb.gov.in/.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal outlining the proposed R&D activities.
- Submit your application along with the research proposal online through the SERB online portal: https://www.serbonline.in/.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Passport size photograph
- Detailed proposal documents
- Certificates of Educational Qualifications
- Any other documents as specified by SERB during the application process.
FAQ’s
What are the maximum funding amounts available under the SERB POWER Research Grants?
The SERB POWER Grants are available in two levels. Level I offers funding up to ₹60 lakhs for three years, while Level II provides funding up to ₹30 lakhs for three years.
Can a woman scientist receive both a SERB POWER Fellowship and a SERB POWER Research Grant at the same time?
No, women scientists cannot hold both a SERB POWER Fellowship and a SERB POWER Research Grant simultaneously.
Which types of institutions are considered for Level I and Level II grants?
Level I grants are for applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, and National Labs of Central Government Institutions. Level II is for applicants from State Universities/Colleges and Private Academic Institutions.
If I am a Co-Principal Investigator on an ongoing CRG project, can I still apply for a POWER GRANT?
Yes, you can apply for a POWER GRANT even if you are a Co-PI on an ongoing CRG project.
What is the selection process for the SERB POWER Research Grant?
The selection is based on the recommendations from the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) constituted by SERB. Applicants might be invited for a presentation or discussion if needed.
Can I apply for a POWER GRANT if I have an ongoing CRG, SRG, SURE, or SUPRA project?
No, you cannot apply for a POWER GRANT if you have an ongoing CRG, SRG, SURE, or SUPRA project.
Are there specific research areas that SERB prioritizes for funding under the POWER Research Grant?
No, SERB funds all areas of Science and Engineering. The proposal will be considered for funding if it demonstrates novelty and the investigator has the capability to execute the project effectively.
What are the permissible uses for the funds received from the SERB-POWER Research Grant?
The SERB-POWER research grant can be used for equipment, research personnel, consumables, travel, and contingency expenses. Additionally, the implementing institution receives overheads as per SERB norms.
Can Co-Investigators participate in a SERB-POWER Research Grant project, and can the budget be shared if they are from different institutions?
Yes, only female Co-Investigators are allowed. If the proposed work requires complementary expertise, they can be included. A separate budget can indeed be allocated to female Co-Investigators, even if they are from different institutions.
How can I submit an application for the SERB POWER Research Grants?
You can apply by submitting your application and research proposal online through the SERB online portal at https://www.serbonline.in. Application calls will be announced on the official SERB websites.
Is it necessary to obtain permission from SERB if I am away from my institute for over six weeks?
Yes, you must obtain prior permission from SERB if you are away from your institute or university for more than six weeks.
Can I apply for a POWER GRANT if I have an ongoing EMEQ, IRPHA, or MATRIX project?
Yes, you can apply for a POWER GRANT even if you have an ongoing EMEQ, IRPHA, or MATRIX project.
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