Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be an Indian national.
- Be below 35 years of age as of the application submission deadline.
- Hold a Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or allied disciplines.
- Have a strong academic and research record, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, technological advancements, and patents (if applicable).
- Not hold a permanent position in any institute or university.
Additional Notes:
- Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis are eligible to apply, but the fellowship will commence only after the degree is awarded.
- Fellows cannot hold multiple fellowships simultaneously.
Fellowship Benefits
Non-Recurring Grant:
| Category |
Amount (₹) |
| Equipment & Accessories |
Up to ₹10,00,000 (primarily in the first year) |
Recurring Grant:
| Category |
Amount (₹) |
| Fellowship |
₹90,000 per month (for 3 years) |
| Research-related expenses (Manpower, Consumables, Contingencies, Travel) |
₹10,00,000 (Year 1) ₹20,00,000 (subsequent years) |
| Travel Allowance |
Up to ₹50,000 per year |
Important Notes:
- Fellows may apply for additional research grants from government agencies but can receive a salary from only one funding source.
- The Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) must be a regular faculty member at the host institution to provide necessary guidance and supervision.
Required Documents:
Applicants must submit the following:
- Proof of date of birth
- Master’s degree and Ph.D. certificate
- Copies of publications
- Proof of awards/recognition (if any)
- Consent form from the host institute and mentor (as applicable)
Application Deadline:
Follow these steps to apply for the MKB-YRFP 2024-25:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria, including age, qualifications, and research experience.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gather and scan the necessary documents, including:
- Proof of date of birth (e.g., birth certificate, Aadhaar, passport)
- Master’s degree and Ph.D. certificate
- Copies of publications
- Details of awards/recognition (if any)
- Consent form from the mentor and host institute
Step 3: Choose a Host Institution & Mentor
- Identify a recognized institution where you wish to conduct research.
- Get approval from a regular faculty member at the institution who will act as the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
- Visit the official Department of Biotechnology (DBT) website.
- Look for the MKB-YRFP 2024-25 application portal.
- Register and fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and research details.
- Upload all required documents in the specified format.
Step 5: Submit the Application
- Carefully review your application for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the application before the deadline: March 16, 2025.
- Save a copy of the submitted application for reference.
Step 6: Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed based on academic merit, research potential, and relevance to national priorities.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview or presentation.
- Final selection results will be announced on the DBT website.
After selection, fellows will receive funding and must begin their research within the stipulated time frame.