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VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025: Golden Opportunity For Indian Scientists Abroad

Pragya Pathak

Author

Updated: 24-11-2025 at 3:30 PM

The government of India developed a fellowship program called the Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik, which is famously known as the VAIBHAV fellowship. It has been initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The VAIBHAV fellowship aims to connect Indian scientists working in various countries with academic and research organisations in India. The government program encourages strengthening ties to enhance innovations, advancement of science and technology, and international relations in key domains of research.

Read the article to learn more about the fellowship, ranging from its meaning and objectives to eligibility criteria and application process.

Overview

The table below summarises some key details about the fellowship that one should know.

Details	Information
Name of the Scheme	VAIBHAV Fellowship
Year of Launch	2024
Ministry	Ministry of Science and Technology
Eligibility	NRI/PIO/OCI with PhD, M.D, M.S, or M.Tech
Application Mode	Online

What Is The VAIBHAV Scheme?

The VAIBHAV fellowship comes under the supervision of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). To consolidate research collaborations with the Indian diaspora, the Sarkari scheme encourages Indian institutions to build long-term partnerships with overseas Indians. Such Indian-origin scientists visiting the country as IPG would ideally promote joint research activities in India and prepare for no more than 3 years.

What Are The Key Features Of The VAIBHAV Scheme?

This govt scheme is unique in strengthening academic collaborations and tackling large-scale research problems.

The scheme facilitates Indian-origin scientists to work with the Indian institutions.
The yojana fosters sustained research collaboration in the selected key fields.
Substantial financial and logistical support is provided to the fellows.

Research Areas Covered

The fellowship encourages remarkable research activities in key areas crucial for future development trends. It opens up frontiers for new and practical problem-solving. The areas of concern include the following:

Quantum Technologies: Quantum communication, computing, and sensing.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: AI foundations, robotics and AI for mankind
Energy: Renewable fuels, mobility technologies, and cleaner fossil fuels.
Health and Medical Sciences: Personalised medicine, integrative healthcare and medical electronics.

What Are The Benefits of The VAIBHAV Fellowship?

The scheme provides generous financial support for fellows and host institutions.

Category	Details
Monthly Fellowship	₹4,00,000 (approx. USD 5000)
Duration	1-2 months annually for up to 3 years
International Travel	Business class travel once a year
Accommodation	₹7,500 per day
Contingency Grant	₹1,00,000 per year
Domestic Travel	Two academic visits within India annually
Institutional Support	₹5 Lakhs per year for consumables, accessories, and overheads

Additional Benefits

The fellowship also comes with additional touches that will add value to your research experience. These benefits include the following:

Opportunities to work with eminent scientists of India.
Facilities to carry out advanced research work in India.
Willingness to guide a young Indian research scholar/student.

What Are The Eligibility Criteria Of The VAIBHAV Scheme?

To apply for the fellowship, both the applicant and the host institution must meet certain conditions. These requirements ensure high standards of research and collaboration. Here are the main eligibility criteria:

For Applicants:

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be an NRI, PIO, or OCI working abroad.
Hold a PhD, M.D., M.S., or M.Tech degree from a recognised institution.
Have at least 5 years of regular/tenure employment in a top-200 QS World Ranking university or reputed research lab/industry.

For Host Indian Institutions:

Eligible host institutions include:

Higher Education Institutions ranked in the top 200 of NIRF rankings or NAAC 'A+' grade or above.
Publicly funded research institutions and national laboratories.

Expectations from Applicants and Host Institutions

Both applicants and host institutions have specific responsibilities during the fellowship. These expectations ensure effective collaboration and meaningful outcomes. Here’s what is required from each:

From Applicants:

Share global best practices in research and mentoring.
Build long-term connections with Indian institutions.
Submit progress reports detailing research outcomes.

From Host Institutions:

Provide office space, lab facilities, and other infrastructure.
Facilitate collaborative research and translation projects.
Submit regular progress and financial reports to DST.

What Are The Documents Needed To Apply For The VAIBHAV Scheme?

To apply for the fellowship, you need to submit important documents. These help verify your qualifications and research plans. Here is the list of required documents:

Statement of Purpose (1 page).
CV (2 pages) and recent publication list.
A valid passport and highest degree certificate.
NOC from the parent institute and consent letter from the host institute.

What Is The Application Process For The VAIBHAV Yojana?

The application process for the VAIBHAV Fellowship is simple and online. You need to fill out details, upload documents, and get a consent letter from the host institute. Follow these steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Visit the official DST portal and download the proposal format.

Step 2: Register on the portal with a valid email ID to create an application account.

Step 3: Fill in the required details and upload all necessary documents.

Step 4: Apply online and note the auto-generated Temporary Project Number (TPN).

Step 5: Ensure that the host institute submits the consent letter before the deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

The fellowship applications are carefully reviewed to select the best projects. The focus is on innovative ideas and their impact. Here are the key points used for evaluation:

Originality and significance of the research proposal is one of the primary evaluative criteria.
After which the potential societal and scientific impact of the project is checked.
Moving forward to the project's collaborative potential with Indian institutions.
And, finally, the appropriateness of budget strategy.

How to Check Application Status?

After applying, you can easily check the status of your application. Use your login details and the project number provided. Follow these steps to track your progress:

Log in to the DST portal using their credentials.
Use the Temporary Project Number (TPN) to track their application status.

Conclusion

The VAIBHAV Fellowship is a transformative initiative fostering global scientific partnerships and promoting innovation in India. With strong financial support and opportunities for collaboration, this programme strengthens India’s position in advanced research and development. Hence, we urge you to apply for this fellowship if eligible and reap its benefits to the fullest.

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