India’s scientific future is gearing up for a major leap — and this time, it’s calling back its own diaspora to lead the way.
Through the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is building a bridge between world-class Indian-origin researchers working abroad and premier Indian research institutions. The aim is clear — fuel innovation, foster meaningful collaboration, and accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a global research powerhouse.
But what exactly is this fellowship all about? Who can apply? And what kind of funding is involved?
Here’s everything you need to know about the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025, including eligibility, benefits, application process, and key dates.
What Is the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025?
The VAIshwik BHArtiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship is a flagship initiative designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) who are currently engaged in scientific research abroad.
This scheme invites them to return to India — not permanently, but periodically — and contribute their expertise to Indian higher education and public research institutions. Through this, the government is promoting long-term, high-impact research collaborations between India’s top institutions and globally placed Indian researchers.
Why it Matters:
India loses thousands of highly skilled researchers every year to brain drain. The VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 is an ambitious attempt to reverse that flow — bringing the global Indian scientific community back into the fold and giving them resources to lead critical innovation here at home.
VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 – Key Benefits and Grant Details
The VAIBHAV Fellowship isn’t symbolic — it comes with substantial financial support and institutional backing. Selected fellows will receive:
- Monthly Fellowship Amount: ₹4,00,000 (up to 2 months per year, for 3 years)
- International Travel Grant: Annual business class airfare (to and from country of residence)
- Accommodation Allowance: Up to ₹7,500 per day for hotel or guest house stay in India
- Contingency Grant: ₹1,00,000 per year for research-related expenses within India
- Domestic Travel Support: Economy class travel for academic visits to up to 2 Indian institutions every year
Institutional Funding Support:
In addition to fellowships for the individual, the host Indian institution will receive up to ₹5 lakh per year (for a maximum of 3 years), which can be used for:
- Research consumables
- Lab accessories
- Institutional overheads
- Other relevant contingencies
This grant is routed through the host institution, which must be registered on PFMS (and on DARPAN, if it’s a private institution).
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria for VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025
For Applicants (Diaspora Researchers):
- Must be an NRI, PIO, or OCI currently working abroad
- Must hold a PhD/M.D./M.S./M.Tech in a relevant field
- Must have at least 5 years of faculty or research experience abroad (post-PhD)
- Preference is given to candidates working in globally reputed institutions (QS Top-200 or leading R&D labs)
For Host Institutions (in India):
- Must be a top-ranking Indian HEI, either:
- Within the top 200 NIRF ranking, or
- Accredited with NAAC grade A+ or higher
- Public-funded scientific institutions are also eligible
Research Areas Covered Under VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025
The fellowship focuses on research that aligns with national priority sectors and emerging technology domains. Applications are welcome in fields like:
- Quantum Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace and Photonics
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Energy, Climate, and Environmental Sciences
- Computational and Data Sciences
- Health, Biomedical Devices & Diagnostics
- Social Sciences aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Electronics and Semiconductors
Timeline – Important Dates for VAIBHAV Fellowship Application
- Application Start Date: April 15, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: May 30, 2025 (5:00 PM IST)
Applicants are advised to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.
Documents Required for VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025
Applicants need to ensure they prepare the following documents for submission:
- Bio-data/CV (max 7 pages)
- List of recent publications (last 3 years)
- Academic qualifications and experience proof
- Passport copy and OCI/PIO/Visa document
- Consent letters from applicant and host institution
- Host scientist’s bio-data and publication list
- Declaration of originality and plagiarism
- Conflict of interest declaration
How to Apply for VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025?
Applications must be submitted online only through the DST’s e-PMS portal.
- Applications sent via email or post will not be accepted
- The host scientist in India must submit the proposal on behalf of the diaspora fellow
- A Temporary Project Number (TPN) will be generated upon submission. Keep this for future reference
Selection Process: What Happens After You Apply?
All applications go through a rigorous multi-stage review:
- Peer Review by experts in relevant domains
- Evaluation Criteria include:
- Scientific merit and innovation potential
- Track record of the applicant
- Past collaborations with Indian institutions
- Research infrastructure of the host institution
- Alignment with national research priorities
- Final Shortlist: Selected candidates may be invited for an online presentation
- Approval by the VAIBHAV Apex Committee
Only the most impactful and relevant research proposals will make it to the final list.
Conclusion: A Golden Chance to Give Back and Move Forward
The VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 isn’t just a funding scheme — it’s an opportunity. For Indian-origin scientists working abroad, it’s a chance to reconnect with the country, influence policy-level innovation, mentor future researchers, and become a driving force in India’s research ecosystem.
With financial backing, institutional support, and access to India’s top research facilities — this is the government’s clearest invitation yet for its diaspora to be part of something bigger.
If you’re an eligible candidate or know someone who is — now is the time.