For women researchers in science and engineering, the SERB-POWER Fellowship is a mark of great honour. It is a scheme of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), now run by ANRF. A selected woman researcher gets a fellowship of ₹15,000 a month, plus a research grant of ₹10 lakh a year. The fellowship is given for 3 years and up to 25 fellowships are awarded every year. The scheme was launched in October 2020 so that women in science get an equal chance in research. Its aim is that talented women scientists should not have to leave research because of financial pressure.
How much money is given
The SERB-POWER Fellowship pays as follows.
- Fellowship: ₹15,000 a month — in addition to regular income.
- Research grant: ₹10 lakh a year — for research expenses.
- Overheads: ₹90,000 a year — for the host institute.
- Duration: 3 years — it cannot be extended.
- Number: up to 25 fellowships a year — with a maximum of 75 active fellowships at any time.
- Once in a career — this fellowship is given only once in a lifetime.
The research grant can be used for minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, contingencies and travel within the country.
Who can apply
This fellowship is for established women researchers.
- The applicant must be an Indian woman researcher.
- Age between 35 and 55 years.
- The applicant must hold a PhD in science or engineering.
- The applicant must be an active researcher at an Indian academic institution or research laboratory.
- The applicant must have a strong record of independent research.
- The applicant must not be receiving any other government fellowship during the tenure.
- The POWER Fellowship and POWER Grant cannot be held at the same time.
Difference from the POWER Grant
The SERB-POWER scheme has two parts — the fellowship and the grant. Both cannot be taken together.
- POWER Fellowship — ₹15,000 a month + ₹10 lakh yearly grant, for established researchers.
- POWER Grant Level I — up to ₹60 lakh, for 3 years, for researchers from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, central universities and national laboratories.
- POWER Grant Level II — up to ₹30 lakh, for 3 years, for researchers from state universities, colleges and private institutions.
How to apply
Applications are made on the ANRF/SERB online portal. First check the new notice on the portal, then fill the application and upload the research proposal, list of publications and academic certificates. Applications open in cycles, so keep checking the portal for the new notice. Selection is based on the quality of the research proposal and the research record. Never pay anyone for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the SERB-POWER Fellowship? A: ₹15,000 a month, plus a ₹10 lakh yearly research grant and ₹90,000 yearly overheads. Q2: Who can apply? A: Indian women researchers aged 35 to 55 years with a PhD in science or engineering, actively researching at an Indian institution. Q3: For how many years is the fellowship given? A: For 3 years; it cannot be extended and is given only once in a career. Q4: What is the difference between the POWER Fellowship and the POWER Grant? A: The fellowship gives ₹15,000 a month + ₹10 lakh yearly grant; the grant gives up to ₹60 lakh (Level I) or ₹30 lakh (Level II). Both cannot be held together.
Useful links
- SERB/ANRF official website: https://anrf.gov.in/
- SERB-POWER Fellowship on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/serbpowerf
- Also see the WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-wise-post-doctoral-fellowship-haryana/
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
