Shikshashree Scheme 2026

The 'Back-to-Lab' initiative by the Women Scientists Division supports women researchers with a career break, offering a Read More... post-doctoral fellowship to help them restart their scientific careers. Read less

Details

Many talented women scientists in India face career breaks due to personal or family commitments. Recognizing this, the 'Back-to-Lab' programme by the Women Scientists Division of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) is designed to help them return to the world of research.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Back-to-Lab' Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme is a special initiative aimed at women who have taken a break from their scientific careers. It provides them with a fellowship to resume their research work, encouraging their re-entry into the scientific field.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This programme is specifically for women who hold a PhD in Science or Engineering. They must be permanent residents of Kerala and currently unemployed, likely due to a career break for family reasons. The goal is to bring back experienced women into active scientific research.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme plays a crucial role in retaining valuable human resources in science. By supporting women who had to step away from their careers, it helps address the under-representation of women in higher education and research. It's a step towards ensuring that talented minds, regardless of career pauses, can continue to contribute to scientific advancements.

Objective

The 'Back-to-Lab' initiative by the Women Scientists Division supports women researchers with a career break, offering a post-doctoral fellowship to help them restart their scientific careers.

Benefits

1. Under this scheme, eligible students shall be provided financial assistance through Bank Account only:ClassRate (Per Annum)V₹750/-VI₹750/-VII₹750/-VIII₹800/-2. To improve participation of students in Pre-matric stages and minimize the incidence of drop-out especially in the case of girl students.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be women.
You need to be a permanent resident of Kerala.
Must be unemployed at the time of application and have experienced a career break due to family commitments.
Should not be receiving any salary or stipend from any source when applying.
Individuals who have previously received the KSCSTE 'Back-to-Lab' fellowship for their PhD are not eligible.
Age Limit: 40 years as of the application date. This is relaxed by 3 years for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST candidates.
Must have a PhD degree in any Science or Engineering subject.
A minimum of 60% marks in your Post-Graduation is required.
The research must be conducted in a recognized R&D institution (national/state level) or university department in Kerala. Premier national institutions like IISER, IIT, IISc. outside the state are also considered. Your PhD research centre cannot be the same as the proposed post-doctoral research centre.
You should have at least one research paper published in a SCI Journal or hold a patent.
Candidates who have already received one post-doctoral fellowship (from KSCSTE or elsewhere) are not eligible to apply.

How To Apply

Eligible candidates are required to apply online through the KSCSTE web portal.
Visit the application portal at: www.submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in
Fill out the application form carefully and upload all necessary documents.

Documents Required

Applicant's identity proof.
Applicant's photograph.
Proof of Date of Birth (Submit proof of category for age relaxation claims).
Proof of permanent residency in Kerala.
Post-Graduation mark sheets and certificate.
PhD degree certificate.
Work and Research Experience certificates.
Reprints of up to two latest full-length research publications in SCI indexed journals.
Certificate confirming a break in career (for 'Back-to-lab' applicants).
Biodata of the Applicant (including publication list, not exceeding 2 pages).
Biodata of the Scientist Mentor (not exceeding 2 pages).
Declaration from the Applicant.
Consent from the Scientist Mentor.
Endorsement from the Head of the Host Institution.

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the 'Back-to-Lab' programme?

The primary aim of this programme is to help women scientists who have taken a career break to re-enter the field of scientific research by providing them with a post-doctoral fellowship.

Which government body runs this fellowship?

This fellowship is implemented by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).

Who is the ideal candidate for this fellowship?

Women holding a PhD in Science or Engineering who are currently unemployed and have paused their careers due to family reasons are encouraged to apply.

What is the maximum age limit to apply?

The age limit for applicants is 40 years. However, candidates from OBC categories can apply up to 43 years, and SC/ST candidates up to 45 years.

Are there any age relaxations available?

Yes, age relaxation is provided: 3 years for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and 5 years for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

What are the educational qualifications needed?

Applicants must possess a PhD degree in Science or Engineering subjects.

What is the minimum percentage required in Post-Graduation?

You need to have secured at least 60% marks in your Post-Graduation to be eligible.

Can I apply if I am currently employed?

No, you cannot apply if you are currently employed on a permanent or temporary basis or receiving any kind of emoluments from any source.

How much stipend will a selected fellow receive?

Selected fellows will receive a monthly post-doctoral fellowship of ₹45,000/- plus 10% HRA.

What is the amount of the annual contingency grant?

An annual contingency grant of ₹75,000/- is provided to support research activities.

For how long is the fellowship awarded?

The fellowship is tenable for a maximum period of 2 years.

Which specific science subjects are covered by this programme?

The programme covers a range of subjects including Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical, Chemical & Mathematical sciences.

How should one apply for this fellowship?

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their applications online via the KSCSTE web portal. The application link is available on their official website.

Where can I find contact information for queries?

You can contact the Head, Women Scientists Division at the Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment. The address is Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom (P.O), Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004. You can also reach them via phone at 0471 2548208 or email at [email protected].