This prestigious Government of India initiative was launched in 1997 to mark the 50th anniversary of India's independence, with the objective of encouraging excellence in science and technology. This fellowship scheme provides support to young scientists with an outstanding research record to be able to undertake advanced research in frontier areas of science.
Objective of the Fellowship
The main goal of the fellowship is to provide unrestricted support and academic freedom for scientists selected for the fellowship to pursue research that is innovative and can provide high impact. In selecting scientists, originality, creativity, and breakthrough potential with respect to the Indian R&D ecosystem will be taken into consideration and encouraged through the fellowship.
Key Features of the Scheme
Scientist specific, not institution specific. The award follows the individual researcher to allow them autonomy no matter where their institution may be.
- High academic selectivity - only some of the top young scientists will be selected.
- Flexible funding - approved funding can be used flexibly subject to the proposed research plan.
- Focus on frontier areas - funding will be for cutting-edge research with potential.
Duration of the Swarnajayanti Fellowship
The maximum duration of the Swarnajayanti Fellowship is five years. This time frame will give young scientists enough time to plan, execute and complete an extensive research project in a cutting-edge field of science or technology.
During the five-year period, the fellow is expected to create their research autonomously and make major scientific contributions, and likely transformative impacts in their field of study, on behalf of the Indian sub-continent nation. Such a long duration also allows for longer range planning for research initiatives and for fellows to develop the aspects of infrastructure and a concentrated research team if they so desire.
This five-year timeframe is appropriate for what it means to conduct cutting-edge research, as it typically requires sustained effort, deliberate experimentation, and a strong re-cycling of ideas, even for the best intended science or technology projects. The nature of the fellowship is designed to allow fellows to focus exclusive time wholly on actualizing their project objectives without the potential financial or institutional obligations.
Merits of Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme
Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme provides extensive funding and research support to strengthen the capacity of young scientists working in path-breaking research areas. The scheme increases the scientist’s income while providing project-based funding from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). We summarize below the main benefits provided under the fellowship:
Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme Eligibility Criteria
The Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme has carefully established eligibility conditions that candidates must meet. These conditions will help to ensure that those selected will be the most motivated and imaginative young scientists. The eligibility criteria's critical components include:
- Nationality: When applying, the applicant must be an Indian national, working as a regular academic or researcher at a recognized Indian institution or research organization.
- Education: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Science, Engineering or Medicine. If someone is in receipt of any other fellowship from the Government of India at the time of application, they are not eligible.
- Research Background: Research Experience in frontier areas of science and engineering. Candidates should have demonstrated excellence through impactful publications, patents, awards or attainment of peer recognition in their field.
- Institutional Commitment: Host organization must have the willingness to administer the fellowship money through `the duration of the project (5 Years)`.
- Age limit: Applicant age should be between 30 - 40 years of age at the time of application.
How to Apply for Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme
- The Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme application process is entirely online and done through the official DST e-PMS Portal.
- Below is a stepwise procedure for eligible scientists to submit the application without hassle:
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Step 1: Go to the official DST portal and find the fellowship section.
- The URL: https:/onlinedst.gov.in/: This is the DST e-PMS (Electronic Project Management System) Portal.
- Search and find the current call for applications under the “Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme."
Step 2: Complete the online application form.
- Fill in and submit all the required details and documents in the required format as mentioned in the portal directions.
Important notes
- No Hard Copy is Required: There is no need for sending a hard/physical copy of the application to DST.
- Additional Requirement: Shortlisted candidates may also have to give additional information or have to present research proposals as part of the assessment procedure.
- Yearly notifications: There is a yearly advertisement as both the guidelines and deadline on the Department of Science and Technology (DST) website.
Documents to Applicable for Swarnajayanti Fellowships
An applicant should provide a series of authenticated documents at the time of application for Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme, through the DST e-PMS Portal. The documents that will be used to ascertain eligibility, qualifications, and professional accomplishments.
A detailed checklist of essential documents is given below:
Mandatory Documents Checklist
Valid Identity Proof (Government)
- Aadhaar Card or other valid photo ID as issued by the Government of India.
A Current Photograph
- A clear photograph in color must be uploaded in the specified format
Proof of Age
- Such proof can be a birth certificate, Class 10 certificate, or any officially accepted proof of age by the government.
Academics Qualification Certificates
- self-attested scanned copies of all required degrees including Ph.D., Master’s and Bachelor’s certificates.
Current Employment Proof
- An appointment/confirmation letter or a relevant official certificate from your current institute stating that you are working regularly.
Professional Recognition & Achievements
- Documents describing fellowships, national/international awards or recognitions, etc.
List of Scientific Publications
- A list of publications in (i) SCI indexed journals; (ii) peer reviewed journals; (iii) conference proceedings, etc.
Any Additional supporting documents (if applicable)
- Any other documents may be asked by DST during either selection or the review process.
The Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme represents a premier opportunity for India's leading young scientists for independent, high-impact research in frontier areas of science and technology. With financial independence, institutional flexibility and national recognition, the fellowship allows researchers to break through the bureaucratic barrier and drive innovation.
