The Central Government’s SERB-POWER Research Grants give major support to women researchers in science and engineering for their research projects. The scheme was launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board in October 2020 and is now run under ANRF, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. Its aim is to give women researchers a chance to grow in the field of research. This scheme is different from the SERB-POWER Fellowship — in the fellowship, the individual fellow gets a monthly amount, while in this grant, money is given for the research project.
How much money is given
The grant is given at two levels. In Level I, women researchers of IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities and Central Government National Laboratories get up to ₹60 lakh for 3 years. In Level II, women researchers of State Universities, Colleges and Private Academic Institutions get up to ₹30 lakh for 3 years.
- Level I: up to ₹60 lakh, for 3 years (IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, National Laboratories)
- Level II: up to ₹30 lakh, for 3 years (State Universities, Colleges, Private Academic Institutions)
- Equipment cap of ₹14 lakh in Level II
- The grant can be used for equipment, research material, travel and research assistants
- Duration: 3 years
The grant amount is given for the research project, not as a personal fellowship.
Who can apply
The eligibility conditions are as follows.
- Women researchers, Indian citizens, in a regular academic or research position
- PhD in Science or Engineering
- Female Co-Principal Investigator mandatory, from the same institute
- Maximum of 2 Co-Principal Investigators allowed, a male Co-Principal Investigator is not allowed
- The PhD guide cannot be a Co-Principal Investigator
- Women holding a POWER Fellowship are not eligible for this grant
Some researchers are not eligible for this grant. Women who are JC Bose Fellows, who have completed 2 CRG projects, or who have an ongoing project under CRG, SRG, SURE or SUPRA, cannot apply for this grant.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the ANRF portal. The applicant has to register on the portal and fill in the research proposal, academic details and Co-Principal Investigator information. This grant is given in cycles and there is no fixed last date. Applicants should check the ANRF portal for information on the current cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the SERB-POWER Research Grants? A: Up to ₹60 lakh in Level I and up to ₹30 lakh in Level II, both for 3 years. There is a cap of ₹14 lakh for equipment in Level II. Q2: Who can apply for this grant? A: Women researchers with a PhD in Science or Engineering, working in a regular position at a recognised institute. A female Co-Principal Investigator is mandatory. Q3: Can a woman holding a POWER Fellowship apply for this grant? A: No, a woman holding a POWER Fellowship cannot hold the POWER Research Grant at the same time. Only one of the two can be chosen. Q4: What is the last date to apply? A: This grant is given in cycles and there is no fixed last date. Information on the current cycle should be checked on the ANRF portal.
Useful links
- Scheme details on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/serbpowerrg
- ANRF portal: https://anrfonline.in
- Also see — SERB-POWER Fellowship for women scientists: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-serb-power-fellowship-haryana/
- Complete list of all 726 Central Government schemes: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
