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DBT Research Associateship 2025-26
The DBT Research Associateship 2025-26 is a postdoctoral research fellowship offered by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, open exclusively to Indian citizens holding a Ph.D., M.D., or M.S. degree in Science, Engineering, or Medicine with research interests in Biotechnology and Life Sciences. Tenable at premier research institutions and universities across India, the fellowship runs for two years with potential extension up to four years. Applications open on 13 April 2026 and close on 12 May 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Postdoctoral Research Fellowship |
| Organising Body | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India |
| Mode | Offline (Full-time, Residential Research) |
| Duration | 2 Years (extendable up to 4 years) |
| Location | Premier Research Institutions and Universities across India |
| Last Date to Apply | 12 May 2026 |
About the Program
The DBT Research Associateship 2025-26 is a flagship postdoctoral programme administered by the Department of Biotechnology to train and nurture young researchers and scientists in modern areas of biology and biotechnology. The programme is designed to build a robust postdoctoral research base in India by enabling high-calibre graduates to pursue globally competitive research at premier institutions, national laboratories, and recognised non-profit R&D organisations across the country. Consequently, selected associates are expected to pursue research with the potential for novel discoveries, patent generation, and meaningful societal outcomes. Furthermore, applicants with strong motivation for translational research that bridges scientific innovation and real-world impact are particularly encouraged to apply, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to advancing India’s biotechnology ecosystem at a national level.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must hold a Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering, or an M.D./M.S. degree in any area of medicine
- Research interests must be in Biotechnology and Life Sciences with a good academic record
- Applicants who have already submitted their Ph.D./M.D./M.S. thesis are also eligible; however, if selected, they will receive a lower fellowship amount until they formally qualify the eligible degree
- Open exclusively to Indian citizens
Experience & Other Conditions
- Upper age limit is 40 years for male candidates and 45 years for female candidates as on the last date of application
- Currently employed candidates — whether in permanent or contractual positions — are eligible to apply but must relinquish their employment upon accepting the fellowship
- Applicants cannot work with their own Ph.D. guides or co-guides
- Fellows cannot avail the associateship at the institution where they earned their Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree
- The DBT-RA fellowship can be availed only once in a candidate’s career
- Applicants from the North East Region with permanent residence in NER may work at any university or institution across India
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Amount | official notification for current stipend figures |
| Tenure | 2 years with annual renewal based on research progress review |
| Extension | Extendable up to 4 years in exceptional cases based on research progress |
| Host Institution | Administrative and infrastructural support provided by the host institution |
| Research Environment | Access to premier research institutions, national laboratories, and recognised R&D organisations |
Topics / Themes Covered
- Frontier areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Modern areas of Biology, Molecular Sciences, and Translational Research
- Novel discovery-oriented research with potential for patent generation
- Research with measurable societal outcomes and real-world application
- Postdoctoral research contributing to India’s national biotechnology growth
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the Common Fellowship Portal at https://fellowships.gov.in before 12 May 2026
- Applications evaluated on academic qualifications, research contributions, proposed research work, and referee recommendations
- Referees must upload their letters of recommendation on the portal by 12 May 2026; late submissions are not accepted
- Only one application per candidate is permitted; multiple submissions result in automatic disqualification
- A mentor consent letter must be submitted along with the application; mentors must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognised Indian institution
How to Apply
- Visit the Common Fellowship Portal at https://fellowships.gov.in and register a new account or log in with an existing one.
- Fill in the complete online application form covering Personal Information, Academic Qualifications, Research Contribution, Referee Details, Proposed Research Work, Proposed Mentor Details, and Proposed Host Institution.
- Upload self-attested PDF copies of your Date of Birth certificate, degree certificates, and a Consent Letter from your proposed mentor (format available on the portal).
- Enter the names and contact details of your referees within the application form; the portal will automatically send them an email link to submit their recommendation letters.
- Ensure your referees upload their recommendation letters on the portal by 12 May 2026 — late submissions will not be accepted.
- Submit your completed application online before the 12 May 2026 closing date; applications submitted outside the portal will not be accepted.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | official notification |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 13 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 12 May 2026 |
| Referee Recommendation Deadline | 12 May 2026 |
| Fellowship Tenure | 2 years from joining date |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
Contact
For all queries related to the DBT Research Associateship 2025-26, contact: DBT-HRD Project and Management Unit Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana Email: ra.dbt@rcb.res.in Phone: 0129-2848537 / 0129-2848533
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the DBT Research Associateship 2025-26?
Indian citizens holding a Ph.D. in Science or Engineering, or an M.D./M.S. in Medicine with research interests in Biotechnology and Life Sciences are eligible; the upper age limit is 40 years for male candidates and 45 years for female candidates as on the closing date.
Can I apply for the DBT Research Associateship if I have already submitted my thesis but not yet received my degree?
Yes – candidates who have submitted their Ph.D./M.D./M.S. thesis are eligible to apply; however, if selected, they will receive a lower fellowship amount until they formally qualify the eligible degree.
How long is the DBT Research Associateship 2025-26 tenure?
The fellowship is tenable for two years with annual renewal based on research progress; in exceptional cases, it may be extended up to four years.
Can I conduct research at the institution where I completed my Ph.D.?
No – the fellowship explicitly prohibits availing the associateship at the same institution where the candidate earned their Ph.D., M.D., or M.S. degree, nor can fellows work with their Ph.D. guides or co-guides.
Is the DBT Research Associateship available more than once?
No – the DBT-RA fellowship can be availed only once in a candidate’s career, making it essential that applicants identify a strong research proposal and suitable host institution before applying.