Apply SERB Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship for PhD Students

To encourage exemplary talent and build national capacity in the field of Science and Technology, SERB is launching the Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship. The aim of the scheme is to the enhancement of national capital in the trending areas of Science. To utilize the expertise of the young scientists to strengthen or initiate national programs.

Successful aspirants will be awarded a postdoctoral fellowship for a period of one year extendable to one more year subject to good performance. The aspirants are not only sent to top universities across the globe (except the USA) but also to institutions enjoying the services of internationally acclaimed scientists.

Correspondence with the proposed host institution is to be made by the applicant and moreover, evidence in the form of a letter of acceptance along with the merits or uniqueness of the institute must be furnished.

Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship Details:

Organization: Science and Engineering Research Board

Scholarship Name: SERB Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship

Website: www.serb.gov.in

Email Address: opdf@serb.gov.in

Duration: Maximum 02 years

Eligibility Criteria for OPDF:

The aspirants have to meet the following criteria to be eligible for the same.

• Should be an Indian National
• Completion of a Ph.D. degree in the immediate past two years from a recognized institution in India. However, a relaxation of two years may be provided for researchers who are in regular employment.
• Should hold an overseas offer letter from well-respected institutes (other than the USA).

Selection Process:

The following criterion needs to be met for selection under the SERB – OPDF:

• Admission must be gained to postdoctoral programs in overseas institutions.
• The following disciplines will be considered for research.
• Submission of research proposal in the area of choice is to be made by the candidate.
• The Constitution of a selection committee shall be undertaken by the Board for the purpose.

Fellowship Amount:

• The fellowship amount is equivalent to $3000 US dollars and will be provided monthly.
• A one-time Contingency allowance of Rs.60000 to cover visa application fees, airport transportation fees, insurance, etc will also be provided.
• The fellowship shall also cover the travel expenses of the candidate comprising economy class air tickets from India to the host institution and back.

Terms and Conditions:

The conditions stated in the bond to be executed by the selected candidates are as follows. Fellowship to be treated as a grant-in-aid if the fellow returns to India after successful completion.

Fellowship is to be treated as a loan in two circumstances (i) the fellow does not come back to India. (II) The course is discontinued at midway. Moreover, such candidates shall also be subjected to penal interests.

Lack of satisfaction in progress and a candidate’s misconduct can lead to the cancellation of a fellowship at any point in time.

In any case, when candidates are found to be ineligible or deemed to have provided fake or incorrect information, they will have to face strict actions, and the fellowship will be canceled forever.

Mandatory Guidelines:

• The application form for consideration is to be made only after the call for such action.

• Preparation and submission of the application are to be done strictly according to the format provided.

• Application for extension should not only reach the SERB office in advance but should also be backed by the reports from the host for the justification for such a request.

• Commencement of the research must be undertaken within 03 months from the date of the fellowship offer letter failing which it shall stand withdrawn with no scope for further correspondence.

• The following documents have to be furnished by the candidate. Approved letter of research plan from the host and the letter of acceptance from the host institute.

• The scientists in regular employment will be subject to the rules of the home institution or organization with no liability of SERB in this regard. The application must be forwarded through the head of the department or organization where the applicant is employed.

• The registration no. or letter number (provided by SERB) must be quoted in all future communications.

How to Apply for SERB Overseas Fellowship:

The applicants must submit three copies of the application form to OPDF Program Coordinator, Science, and Engineering Research Board, 5 & 5A, Lower Ground Floor, Vasant Square Mall, Sector B, Pocket 5, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070. A softcopy of the application form should also be emailed to opdf@serb.gov.in.