The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Government of India has established the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship scheme, aiming to provide opportunities for Indian nationals working abroad in various fields of biotechnology and life sciences to return and contribute to scientific research in India.
This fellowship not only seeks to reverse the brain drain but also to leverage the expertise of these scientists for the advancement of science and technology in the country.
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Highlights of Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship 2025
The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship is designed to attract highly skilled Indian scientists working overseas to take up research positions in India. This initiative allows these scientists to work in any scientific institution or university in India, thereby enhancing the research capabilities of these institutions with their international experience and expertise.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship |
| Purpose | To attract Indian nationals working abroad in biotechnology and life sciences to take up research positions in India |
| Eligible Fields | Life sciences, biotechnology, bio-engineering, healthcare, agriculture, veterinary biotechnology, bio-energy, allied areas |
| Educational Qualifications | Ph.D./M.D. degree or equivalent, or M.Tech. in relevant fields with at least three years of post-doctoral research experience |
| Recent Returnees | Eligible if returned to India within one year (two years for women) prior to closing date of the advertisement |
| Track Record | Proven and outstanding track record in research publications and recognitions |
| Age Limit | 45 years as of the closing date of the application |
| Advisory Committee | Two-member committee required for mentoring research work |
| Fellowship Duration | Three years, extendable by two years based on performance |
| Number of Fellowships | Up to 75 fellowships awarded annually |
| Monthly Fellowship | Rs. 1,00,000 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Rs. 18,500 per month (if applicable) |
| Research Support Grant | Rs. 13,00,000 per annum |
| Institutional Overhead | Rs. 50,000 per annum |
| Additional Grant Eligibility | Eligible for regular research grants through various S&T agencies, with conditions |
| Work Environment | Any S&T institution, university department, academic institution, or national laboratory in India |
| Application Process | Periodic advertisement by DBT; applications reviewed by a selection committee |
| Key Benefits | Skill repatriation, enhanced research, networking and collaboration, career advancement |
| Selection Process | Recommended by a committee constituted by the Department of Biotechnology |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 February 2024. |
| Website | DBT Website |
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Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality and Field of Work: The applicant must be an Indian national working in any area of life sciences and biotechnology, including bio-engineering, healthcare (both human and animal), agriculture, veterinary biotechnology, bio-energy, and allied fields.
- Educational Qualifications: The candidate should hold a Ph.D./M.D. degree or equivalent in life sciences/agriculture, bioinformatics, or allied areas, or an M.Tech. in biotechnology or related fields. Additionally, they must have at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in overseas laboratories.
- Recent Returnees: Those who have returned to India within one year prior to the closing date of the fellowship advertisement (two years for women candidates) are also eligible, provided they do not hold a permanent position in India.
- Track Record: Applicants must have a proven and outstanding track record, as evidenced by research publications and recognitions.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit for applicants is 45 years as of the closing date of the application.
- Advisory Committee: Selected candidates must submit a two-member Advisory Committee from their host institute and another relevant institute. This committee will mentor the research work and provide guidance throughout the fellowship.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality and Field of Work | Indian nationals in life sciences, biotechnology, bio-engineering, healthcare, agriculture, veterinary biotechnology, bio-energy, and allied fields. |
| Educational Qualifications | Ph.D./M.D. degree or equivalent, or M.Tech. in relevant fields with at least three years of post-doctoral research experience overseas. |
| Recent Returnees | Returned to India within one year (two years for women) prior to the closing date of the fellowship advertisement, without holding a permanent position in India. |
| Track Record | Proven and outstanding track record in research publications and recognitions. |
| Age Limit | Under 45 years of age as of the closing date of the application. |
| Advisory Committee | Selected candidates must submit a two-member Advisory Committee from their host institute and another relevant institute for mentoring their research work. |
Fellowship Duration and Number
The fellowship is awarded for a period of three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension based on a fresh appraisal of the fellow’s performance. Each year, up to 75 fellowships are awarded, making it a highly competitive and prestigious program.
Financial Support
The fellowship provides a comprehensive financial package to support the fellows:
- Monthly Fellowship: Each fellow receives Rs. 1,00,000 per month.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): An HRA of Rs. 18,500 per month is provided, if applicable.
- Research Support Grant: An annual research support grant of Rs. 13,00,000 is provided for consumables, minor equipment, domestic travel, engaging project staff, and other contingent expenses related to the project.
- Institutional Overhead: An annual amount of Rs. 50,000 is paid to the host institute.
- Eligibility for Regular Grants: Awardees are also eligible for regular research grants through extramural and other schemes of various S&T agencies of the Government of India, provided a Co-PI is a regular faculty member and the funding agency permits it.
| Financial Support | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | Rs. 1,00,000 per month. |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Rs. 18,500 per month (if applicable). |
| Research Support Grant | Rs. 13,00,000 per annum for consumables, minor equipment, domestic travel, engaging project staff, and other contingent expenses. |
| Institutional Overhead | Rs. 50,000 per annum to the host institute. |
| Additional Grant Eligibility | Eligible for regular research grants through various S&T agencies, with conditions. |
Work Environment
Fellows can choose to work at any S&T institution, including university departments, academic institutions, and national laboratories across India. It is mandatory for the host institution to provide the necessary R&D, administrative, and infrastructural support to facilitate the fellow’s research.
Application Process and Selection
The DBT periodically advertises the fellowship on its website and in national newspapers and scientific journals. Interested candidates must apply through these advertisements. A selection committee constituted by the DBT reviews the applications and recommends the candidates for the fellowship.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship offers numerous benefits to both the fellows and the Indian scientific community:
- Skill Repatriation: It helps in bringing back highly skilled Indian scientists who have gained valuable experience abroad, thereby reversing the brain drain.
- Enhanced Research: Fellows bring fresh perspectives and advanced knowledge to Indian institutions, which can significantly enhance the quality and scope of research.
- Networking and Collaboration: The fellowship encourages collaboration between Indian institutions and international research bodies, fostering a global exchange of ideas and technologies.
- Career Advancement: For the fellows, this opportunity provides a platform to establish and advance their research careers in India, with substantial financial and infrastructural support.
Conclusion
The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship is a commendable initiative by the Department of Biotechnology to reintegrate Indian scientists working abroad into the national research framework. By providing substantial financial support and a conducive research environment, the fellowship aims to harness the expertise of these scientists for the advancement of biotechnology and life sciences in India.
This not only strengthens India’s scientific research capabilities but also contributes to the global scientific community by fostering international collaborations and knowledge exchange.
The fellowship is a testament to India’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, ensuring that Indian scientists worldwide have the opportunity to contribute to their home country’s growth and development in the field of biotechnology.
FAQs on Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship
1. What is the salary of the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship?
The salary for the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship is Rs. 1,00,000 per month. Additionally, House Rent Allowance (HRA) of Rs. 18,500 per month is provided if applicable.
2. What is the Ramalingaswami Fellowship?
The Ramalingaswami Fellowship, officially known as the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, is a scheme instituted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Government of India. It aims to attract Indian nationals working overseas in various fields of biotechnology and life sciences to return to India and take up research positions. The fellowship provides financial support, research grants, and facilitates their reintegration into Indian scientific institutions.
3. What is the scholarship of Ramalingaswami?
The scholarship aspect of the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship includes a monthly fellowship of Rs. 1,00,000 and an annual research support grant of Rs. 13,00,000. Additionally, a House Rent Allowance (HRA) of Rs. 18,500 per month (if applicable) and an institutional overhead of Rs. 50,000 per annum are provided to the host institute.
4. What is the Return to India Fellowship?
The Return to India Fellowship, exemplified by the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, is a program designed to encourage Indian scientists and researchers working abroad to return to India. It offers financial incentives, research grants, and support to facilitate their reintegration into Indian research institutions. The goal is to leverage their international experience and expertise for the advancement of science and technology in India.
5. Who is eligible for the fellowship?
Eligibility criteria for the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship include:
- Nationality and Field of Work: The applicant must be an Indian national working in life sciences, biotechnology, bio-engineering, healthcare, agriculture, veterinary biotechnology, bio-energy, or allied fields.
- Educational Qualifications: A Ph.D./M.D. degree or equivalent, or M.Tech. in relevant fields with at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in overseas laboratories.
- Recent Returnees: Those who have returned to India within one year (two years for women candidates) prior to the closing date of the fellowship advertisement, provided they do not hold a permanent position in India.
- Track Record: A proven and outstanding track record in research publications and recognitions.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit for applicants is 45 years as of the closing date of the application.
- Advisory Committee: Selected candidates must submit a two-member Advisory Committee from their host institute and another relevant institute for mentoring their research work.
