The Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship is a prestigious research collaboration programme implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The programme aims to connect outstanding scientists and researchers of Indian origin working abroad with Indian universities, higher educational institutions and publicly funded research organisations.
Under the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme, eligible Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can collaborate with Indian scientists on advanced research projects in priority areas of science, technology and innovation.
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Selected fellows may receive a fellowship of approximately ₹4,00,000 per month, international travel support, accommodation, research contingency assistance and other benefits according to the programme guidelines.
The fellowship allows selected researchers to spend up to two months per year at an Indian host institution for a maximum period of three years.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship |
| Implementing Department | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India |
| Programme Type | International Research Collaboration Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | NRI, PIO and OCI Researchers Working Abroad |
| Educational Qualification | Ph.D., MD, MS or M.Tech |
| Required Experience | Generally 5 Years in Eligible Research Employment |
| Fellowship Amount | Approximately ₹4,00,000 per Month |
| Visit Duration | 1–2 Months per Year |
| Maximum Programme Duration | 3 Years |
| International Travel | Business-Class Travel Support |
| Accommodation | Up to ₹7,500 per Day |
| Research Contingency | ₹1,00,000 per Year |
| Host Institution Support | Up to ₹5 Lakh per Year |
| Application Mode | Online through DST e-PMS Portal |
| 2026 Application Dates | Not Yet Confirmed |
| Official Website | https://dst.gov.in/ |
What Is the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
The VAIBHAV Fellowship is a Government of India initiative designed to strengthen scientific cooperation between the Indian research community and experienced scientists of Indian origin working overseas.
The programme was launched in June 2023, following the VAIBHAV Summit held in October 2020.
Its primary objective is to develop long-term research partnerships between Indian institutions and the global Indian scientific community.
Through this fellowship, researchers working abroad can collaborate with Indian scientists, share advanced knowledge, introduce new research practices and support innovation in important technological sectors.
Unlike regular recruitment, the VAIBHAV Fellowship does not offer permanent government employment. It provides financial assistance and institutional support for collaborative research.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen collaboration between Indian and overseas research institutions.
- Connect Indian-origin scientists working abroad with Indian universities and laboratories.
- Encourage joint research in advanced scientific and technological fields.
- Promote knowledge transfer and sharing of international best practices.
- Support innovation, technology development and research commercialisation.
- Improve research infrastructure and scientific capabilities in India.
- Encourage mentorship and training opportunities for Indian students and researchers.
- Establish sustainable international research partnerships.
- Support research aligned with India’s scientific and technological priorities.
- Facilitate new research projects, technology translation and innovation.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfil the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Department of Science and Technology.
1. Nationality and Overseas Status
The fellowship is intended for scientists and researchers of Indian origin who are currently working abroad.
Eligible categories include:
- Non-Resident Indians (NRI).
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
Applicants must meet the programme’s overseas employment requirements.
2. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess at least one of the following qualifications from a recognised university:
| Qualification | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Eligible |
| MD | Eligible |
| MS | Eligible |
| M.Tech | Eligible |
The applicant must also be actively engaged in research.
3. Professional Experience
Applicants must satisfy one of the following employment conditions:
University or Academic Research Experience
The applicant should have worked for at least five years in regular or tenure employment at an institution or university ranked among the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings by subject.
Industry or Research Laboratory Experience
Alternatively, the applicant should have at least five years of experience in a reputed industry or research laboratory abroad.
Ph.D. scholars and postdoctoral fellows are not eligible under the industry/research laboratory experience route specified in the programme guidelines.
4. Research Experience
Applicants should demonstrate an active research profile, relevant scientific contributions and the ability to undertake collaborative research with an Indian host institution.
Research publications, professional achievements and the proposed project’s scientific relevance may be considered during evaluation.
Eligibility of Indian Host Institutions
The fellowship requires collaboration with an eligible Indian institution.
The host institution should meet at least one of the following criteria:
| Institution Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Higher Educational Institution / University | Ranked among the top 200 in NIRF Overall Rankings |
| Higher Educational Institution / University | NAAC A+ Grade or Above |
| Publicly Funded Scientific Institution | Eligible |
| National Research Laboratory | Eligible |
The Indian host institution must provide the necessary research infrastructure and support for the proposed project.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Amount and Financial Benefits
The VAIBHAV Fellowship provides financial assistance to support collaborative research visits to India.
Fellowship Amount
<escape>Selected fellows may receive approximately ₹4,00,000 per month during their approved fellowship visits.</escape>
The fellowship is available for a minimum of one month and a maximum of two months per year, for up to three years.
Fellowship Benefits
| Benefit | Amount / Facility |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | Approximately ₹4,00,000 |
| Fellowship Visit | 1–2 Months per Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| International Travel | Business Class, Once Per Year |
| Accommodation | Up to ₹7,500 per Day |
| Research Contingency | ₹1,00,000 per Year |
| Domestic Academic Travel | Economy-Class Travel to Up to 2 Indian Institutions Per Year |
| Host Institution Research Support | Up to ₹5,00,000 per Year |
International Travel Support
Selected fellows are eligible for international travel from their overseas parent institution to the Indian host institution.
The programme provides business-class international travel support once per year, according to the approved fellowship conditions.
Accommodation Support
The programme provides fully furnished accommodation in a guest house or hotel, subject to a limit of ₹7,500 per day.
Research Contingency Grant
An annual contingency grant of ₹1,00,000 is available for eligible research expenditure in India.
Domestic Travel Support
Fellows may receive economy-class domestic travel support for academic visits to up to two Indian scientific or academic institutions per year.
Institutional Financial Support
The Indian host institution may receive up to ₹5 lakh annually for three years.
This support can be used for eligible project expenses, including:
- Research consumables.
- Accessories and materials.
- Contingency expenses.
- Institutional overheads.
Important: Fellowship and project grants are governed by DST rules. The fellowship amount is not a regular monthly government salary, and the institutional grant is not personal income of the fellow.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Duration
The programme provides opportunities for collaboration over a maximum period of three years.
| Particulars | Duration |
|---|---|
| Minimum Visit | 1 Month |
| Maximum Visit Per Year | 2 Months |
| Maximum Fellowship Period | 3 Years |
| Maximum Physical Visit Duration | Up to 6 Months Across 3 Years |
Fellows are expected to maintain collaboration with their Indian research partners beyond their physical visits through online meetings, joint research and other academic activities.
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VAIBHAV Fellowship Research Areas
The programme supports collaborative research across 18 identified thematic areas.
| Sl. No. | Research Area |
|---|---|
| 1 | Quantum Technologies |
| 2 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
| 3 | Computational Sciences |
| 4 | Data Sciences |
| 5 | Photonics |
| 6 | Energy |
| 7 | Electronics and Semiconductor Technologies |
| 8 | Communication Technologies |
| 9 | Aerospace Technologies |
| 10 | Materials and Processing Technologies |
| 11 | Earth Sciences |
| 12 | Environmental Sciences |
| 13 | Advanced Manufacturing Technologies |
| 14 | Health, Medical Sciences and Biomedical Devices |
| 15 | Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
| 16 | Agricultural Sciences |
| 17 | Social Sciences for Sustainable Development Goals |
| 18 | Management |
Important Research Topics
The programme includes advanced research subjects such as:
- Quantum computing and quantum communication.
- Artificial intelligence and robotics.
- Machine learning and data science.
- Semiconductor materials and devices.
- Renewable and sustainable energy technologies.
- Aerospace systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Advanced manufacturing and industrial automation.
- Biomedical devices and precision healthcare.
- Drug discovery and biotechnology.
- Climate change and environmental sustainability.
- Precision agriculture and food security.
- Advanced communication technologies.
- Research management and innovation.
Applicants must submit proposals aligned with the thematic areas specified in the relevant application call.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Selection Process
Selection is based on the scientific merit of the proposed research and the applicant’s professional credentials.
Stage 1: Online Application
The Indian host scientist submits the research proposal through the DST e-PMS portal on behalf of the overseas applicant.
Stage 2: Eligibility Verification
Applications are examined for compliance with the prescribed eligibility requirements.
Stage 3: Scientific Review
A committee of experts evaluates the proposals based on research quality, scientific relevance and expected outcomes.
Stage 4: Research Presentation
DST may invite shortlisted applicants to present their proposed research work online.
Stage 5: Final Recommendation
The VAIBHAV Apex Committee considers the proposals and makes recommendations.
Stage 6: Final Approval
The Government takes the final decision on fellowship support based on the applicable evaluation and approval process.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications may be evaluated on:
- Scientific quality and originality.
- Relevance to national priorities.
- Expected research outcomes.
- Applicant’s scientific contributions.
- Strength of the proposed international collaboration.
- Knowledge transfer and mentoring opportunities.
- Social and technological benefits.
- Suitability of the proposed research budget.
Documents Required for VAIBHAV Fellowship
Applicants should prepare the following documents according to the prescribed formats:
- Statement of Purpose, maximum one page.
- Applicant’s bio-data, maximum two pages.
- List of research publications from the previous three years, including impact factors where applicable.
- Copy of a valid passport.
- Certificate of the highest academic qualification.
- Professional experience certificate.
- Applicant undertaking in the prescribed format.
- No Objection Certificate from the overseas parent institution.
- Consent letter from the Indian host institution.
- Curriculum Vitae of the Indian host scientist, maximum two pages.
- List of the host scientist’s recent research publications from the previous three years.
Additional documents may be required under a future application call.
How to Apply for VAIBHAV Fellowship
Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Science and Technology’s e-PMS portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Open the DST e-PMS website at https://onlinedst.gov.in/.
Step 2: Check the Fellowship Call
Locate the latest VAIBHAV Fellowship call under the available research funding opportunities.
Step 3: Download the Guidelines
Read the official guidelines and download the prescribed research proposal formats.
Step 4: Identify an Indian Host Institution
The overseas researcher must establish collaboration with an eligible Indian university, research laboratory or scientific institution.
Step 5: Register on the e-PMS Portal
The Indian host scientist should register using an active email address.
Step 6: Prepare the Research Proposal
The proposal should describe the research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, collaboration arrangements and budget requirements.
Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload the required academic, professional, institutional and research documents.
Step 8: Submit the Application
The host scientist submits the completed application through the e-PMS portal.
Step 9: Save the Application Reference
After successful submission, the portal generates a Temporary Project Number (TPN).
Applicants should preserve this reference for future communication.
Important: Applications submitted physically or by email are not accepted under the published programme guidelines.
Responsibilities of VAIBHAV Fellows
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Collaborate with researchers at the Indian host institution.
- Share advanced scientific knowledge and research practices.
- Contribute to joint research projects.
- Support the training and mentoring of students and researchers.
- Facilitate technology transfer and innovation.
- Build long-term international scientific partnerships.
- Participate in academic and research activities during approved visits.
- Maintain collaboration through online meetings.
- Submit the required research visit reports.
The published programme guidelines require fellows to submit a report to DST within 21 days after completing a visit.
Responsibilities of Indian Host Institutions
The host institution must provide the necessary facilities and support for successful research collaboration.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing access to laboratories and research infrastructure.
- Facilitating collaborative research.
- Supporting research consumables and other approved expenses.
- Organising interactions with faculty members and students.
- Maintaining research collaboration beyond the fellowship visit.
- Submitting annual progress and financial reports.
- Preparing the final project completion report.
- Supporting research outcomes aligned with national priorities.
The host institution and fellow are expected to work together throughout the approved project period.
Is VAIBHAV Fellowship a Government Job?
No. The VAIBHAV Fellowship is a government-supported research collaboration programme.
It does not provide a permanent government appointment or regular monthly salary.
Selected researchers generally continue their association with their overseas parent institutions while undertaking approved research visits to India.
The fellowship provides financial and institutional support for collaborative scientific work.
VAIBHAV Fellowship Important Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Department of Science and Technology | https://dst.gov.in/ |
| DST e-PMS Application Portal | https://onlinedst.gov.in/ |
VAIBHAV Fellowship FAQs
1. What is the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
It is a Government of India research collaboration programme that connects Indian-origin scientists working abroad with Indian universities and research institutions.
2. Who implements the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
The Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, implements the programme.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible NRI, PIO and OCI scientists and researchers currently working abroad can apply if they satisfy the prescribed qualifications and experience requirements.
4. What is the educational qualification?
Applicants must possess a recognised Ph.D., MD, MS or M.Tech degree.
5. What is the monthly fellowship amount?
The programme provides approximately ₹4,00,000 per month during the approved fellowship period.
6. What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship allows approved visits of one to two months per year for a maximum of three years.
7. Is international travel provided?
Yes. Eligible fellows may receive business-class international travel support once per year.
8. Is accommodation provided?
Yes. Accommodation support is available up to ₹7,500 per day, subject to the programme guidelines.
9. Is there any research contingency grant?
Yes. The programme provides ₹1,00,000 per year for eligible research contingency expenditure.
10. How much funding can the host institution receive?
The host institution may receive up to ₹5 lakh per year for three years.
11. Can Indian students directly apply for the fellowship?
The programme is intended for eligible experienced Indian-origin scientists and researchers working abroad. It is not a general student fellowship.
12. Can a fresh postgraduate apply?
A postgraduate qualification alone is not sufficient. Applicants must satisfy the prescribed research and professional experience conditions.
13. How are candidates selected?
Selection is based on eligibility screening, expert evaluation of research proposals and the final approval process.
14. How can applicants submit proposals?
Applications must be submitted online through the DST e-PMS portal by the Indian host scientist.
15. What is the last date to apply for VAIBHAV Fellowship 2026?
A new 2026 application deadline has not been confirmed. Applicants should monitor the official DST website for announcements.
