Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme 2026

The VAJRA Faculty Scheme aims to bring top international scientists and researchers, including NRIs and OCIs, to Read More... Indian academic and research institutions for collaborative research. Read less

Details

India is looking to boost its research and development (R&D) landscape by inviting distinguished international scientists to work alongside Indian researchers. The Department of Science and Technology has launched the Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme to forge strong global links in science and technology.

This scheme is designed to host overseas scientists, faculty members, and R&D professionals. It also extends a warm welcome to Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). They can serve as adjunct or visiting faculty, contributing their expertise to high-quality collaborative research projects.

What Is This Scheme?

The VAJRA Faculty Scheme facilitates collaborative research in cutting-edge fields of science and technology. It encourages work in critical areas like energy, water, health, security, nutrition, materials, and manufacturing. These collaborations are to take place at publicly funded academic and research institutions across India.

Selected VAJRA Faculty members are expected to co-guide research students. They may also contribute to technology development, innovation, and even the creation of startups, further enriching India's scientific ecosystem.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is primarily for overseas scientists and academics. This includes active researchers working in leading academic, research, or industrial organisations with a strong history of R&D. It also specifically welcomes Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

Indian collaborators must be regular faculty members or researchers in academic or research institutions. Importantly, faculty from the Top 10 private institutions in India, as ranked by NIRF, are also eligible, provided their institute contributes 50% of the scheme's costs.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The VAJRA scheme is crucial for fostering international scientific cooperation. It brings global expertise to Indian research labs, leading to breakthrough innovations and advancements. By encouraging collaborative research and knowledge sharing, it aims to enhance India's R&D capabilities and address global challenges through science and technology.

Objective

The VAJRA Faculty Scheme aims to bring top international scientists and researchers, including NRIs and OCIs, to Indian academic and research institutions for collaborative research.

Benefits

The residency period of VAJRA Faculty in India would be for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months.
VAJRA Faculty will be provided US$ 15000 in the first month of engagement and US$ 10000 p.m. in the subsequent two months. While no separate support is provided for travel, accommodation, medical/personal insurance, etc. the host institute may consider providing additional support.
Return visit of Indian faculty to the Institute of VAJRA Faculty:One research visit by the Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a period not less than a week and not exceeding 30 days will be supported. The board will provide return economy airfare, not exceeding ₹1.5 lakhs per diem, and accommodation as per the norms of the Board.
Student mobility (Doctoral & Postdoctoral Level: Across labs):Collaborative research visit of not more than 2 students, doctoral, preferably co-advised / post-doctoral level after 2 years of engagement from the research group of Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a duration of three to six months will be supported. The board will provide a return economy airfare, a one-time contingency grant of ₹60,000/- and fellowship equivalent to the norms of the Board.
Research Contingency Grant to the hosting Indian Collaborator:₹5.0 lakhs per year of research visit per VAJRA Faculty to the Indian host to meet expenses related to the collaborative research will also be provided.
Support to engage VAJRA Faculty to give lectures in his/her area of expertise in the host Institute:Support to VAJRA Faculty to the tune of ₹1.0 lakh per year for this activity will be provided.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

The scheme is open to overseas scientists, faculty members, and R&D professionals, including NRIs and OCIs.
Applicants must be active researchers with a strong track record in R&D, working in a recognised academic, research, or industrial organisation.
Indian collaborators should be regular faculty or researchers in academic or research institutions.
Faculty from the top 10 private institutions as per NIRF rankings are eligible if their institution covers 50% of the cost.

How To Apply

Applications are to be submitted through the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). Specific application links and detailed procedures can be found on the official SERB website.

The scheme is implemented by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Documents Required

A recent passport-size photograph.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the VAJRA Faculty, detailing academic qualifications, research experience, awards, and up to ten significant publications.
A detailed outline of the proposed research work.
A certificate from the Lead Indian Collaborator.
An endorsement letter from the collaborating Indian Institution.
A letter from the Institution where the VAJRA Faculty is currently employed.
Any other documents as may be required by the implementing authority.

FAQ’s

Can an Indian faculty member invite more than one overseas researcher for the VAJRA scheme?

While there isn't a limit on the number of VAJRA Faculty an institute can host, an Indian Lead Collaborator can receive only one VAJRA Faculty award at a time.

What is the duration of the VAJRA Fellowship and can it be extended?

The VAJRA Fellowship is typically for one year, requiring three months of the faculty's physical presence annually. It can be renewed based on collaborative interest and recommendations from a designated committee.

Are there any specific scientific or technological fields that are prioritised for the VAJRA Scheme?

The VAJRA Scheme does not restrict applications to specific areas. Collaborations are encouraged in any frontier area of science and technology.

What kind of support is provided for Indian faculty members visiting the VAJRA Faculty's institution?

The scheme supports one research visit by the Indian host to the VAJRA Faculty's institute, lasting from a week up to 30 days. This includes economy airfare (up to ₹1.5 lakh), daily allowances, and accommodation as per the Board's norms.

Can a foreign faculty member apply to be a VAJRA Fellow at two different Indian host institutions simultaneously?

Yes, a person can be part of multiple applications. However, if selected for more than one, only one application can be pursued at a time.

What are the financial provisions for doctoral and post-doctoral students visiting the VAJRA Faculty's institute?

The scheme allows up to 2 doctoral or post-doctoral students from the Indian host's research group to visit the VAJRA Faculty's institute for 3 to 6 months. Support includes economy airfare, a ₹60,000 one-time contingency grant, and a fellowship amount aligned with standard norms.

What is the role of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in this scheme?

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology, is responsible for implementing the VAJRA Faculty Scheme.

Are there any tax implications on the honorarium provided to VAJRA Faculty?

Yes, the honorarium paid to VAJRA Faculty is subject to taxation according to the prevailing Government of India norms for such collaborative research visits.

Are private educational institutions eligible to host VAJRA Faculty?

Indian collaborators from private institutions are eligible only if they are among the Top 10 ranked private institutions by NIRF, and their institution agrees to cover 50% of the scheme's cost.

Besides the monthly payment to the VAJRA Faculty, are there any other financial benefits or overheads?

Yes, a Research Contingency Grant of ₹5.0 lakh per year is provided to the Indian host for collaborative research expenses. Additionally, ₹1.0 lakh per year is available for the VAJRA Faculty to conduct lectures. No other components like overheads or equipment funding are provided.

Is it possible for an Indian collaborator to have co-collaborators from different institutions?

Collaborations involving multiple Indian institutions are welcomed. However, it is essential to ensure that the VAJRA Faculty's physical presence is primarily at the designated host institute.