- Details
- Benefits
- Eligibility
- Application Process
- Documents Required
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources And References
- Feedback
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Ministry Of Science And Technology
National Post Doctoral Fellowship
Fellow
Fellowship
National
Post Doctoral
Research
Science
Details
The “National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)” was launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India to identify motivated young researchers and provide them support for doing research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The fellows will work under a mentor, and it is hoped that this training will provide them with a platform to develop as independent researchers.
Duration of fellowship:
- The fellowship is purely a temporary assignment and is tenable for a period of 2 years.
Benefits
The fellows will be entitled to receive the grants as given below:
| Sl. No. | Budget Head | Amount |
| 1 | Fellowship | ₹55,000/- per month (consolidated) and ₹35,000/- per month for candidates who have submitted the thesis but degree not awarded |
| 2 | Research Grant | ₹2,00,000/- per annum |
| 3 | Overheads | ₹1,00,000/- per annum |
Note 01: Research grants can be used for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, and domestic travel. There is no provision for providing research personnel support under this scheme. The Fellow is expected to undertake the research objectives by himself/herself during the entire duration of the fellowship.
Note 02: The fellows are not eligible to receive any other fellowship from any Government or Non-Governmental source during the tenure of the fellowship.
Note 03: The fellows must seek the consent of SERB if he/she intends to be away from the implementing institute (except for field work related to the project) continuously for a period of more than eight weeks.
Leave:
SERB PDFs are entitled to leave as per the rules of the host institution. Participation in scientific workshops held in India or abroad will be treated as on duty. Maternity leave as per the Govt. of India instructions issued from time to time would be available to female candidates in all categories.
Eligibility
- The applicant should be an Indian citizen.
- The applicant must have obtained PhD/M.D/M.S degree from a recognized University. Those who have submitted their PhD/M.D/M.S. thesis and are awaiting the award of the degree are also eligible to apply. However, such candidates, if selected, will be offered a lower fellowship amount till they qualify for the eligible degree.
- The upper age limit for the fellowship is 35 years at the time of the submission of the application, age will be calculated by taking the date of closure of the respective call. Age relaxation of 5 (five) years will be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged & Women candidates.
- NPDF can be availed only once by a candidate in his/her career.
- The mentor must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized institution in India. Should hold a Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering.
- A mentor shall not have more than two SERB NPDF fellows at any given time.
Note 01: The fellowship is tenable only in India and can be implemented in any of the recognized academic institutions, national laboratories, and other recognized R&D institutions. The host institution should provide the necessary administrative and infrastructural support.
Note 02: The fellows will not be allowed to work with the Ph.D. guide/co-guide. It is also normally not availed at the same Department/institution where the candidates have earned their PhD/M.S./M.D degree.
Application Process
Online
Application Process:
Step 01: The call for applications for SERB-N PDF will be notified through the website www.serbonline.in and https://serb.gov.in/
Step 02: The application form along with a research proposal highlighting the objectives of the research work to be undertaken should be submitted online through the website www.serbonline.in
Step 04: After login, applicants are required to fill all the mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section under User Profile. which includes Bio-data, Photos, Institute Address, etc.
Step 05: Please ensure that your proposed Mentor is registered into the system by following the same procedure. After login, the Mentor is required to fill all the mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section under User Profile. which includes Bio-data, Photo, Institute Address, etc.
Step 06: Details including Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of the project (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters) should be provided online at the time of submission of the application.
Step 07: Work Methodology and Research plan has to be uploaded in a single PDF file not more than 3 pages (max 10 MB).
Note 01: Please ensure that your proposed Mentor is registered into the system by following the same procedure as PI. After login, the Mentor is required to fill all the mandatory fields in the Profile Detail section under User Profile which includes Bio-data, Photo, Institute Address, etc.
Note 02: Applicants of NPDF can submit their proposal only once in a calendar year in any of these schemes.
Selection Process:
The selection will be based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee that will be constituted by the Board. If required, the applicants may be called for personal interviews.
Termination of the Fellowship:
- If any fellow wishes to terminate the fellowship, he/she shall inform the SERB through the mentor and host institute immediately. The implementing institute should not incur any expenditure from the date of termination of the project or the date of resignation of the PI. The institute will also arrange for the submission of the documents mentioned above.
- SERB reserves the right to terminate the Fellowship at any stage if it is convinced that appropriate progress is not being made or the grant has not been utilized properly.
Documents Required
- Bio-data (under user profile section)
- Age Proof Certificate
- Qualification Certificate
- Category Certificate (in case of Age Relaxation)
- Undertaking Certificate by the applicant
- Endorsement Certificate from the Mentor & Host Institute
- Short CV of the mentor (see online portal for its format)
- CV of Mentor
- Plagiarism undertaking
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for NPDF? What are the eligibility criteria for availing the post-doctoral fellowship?
The applicant should hold Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering or M.D or M.S degree in any area of medicine. Those who have submitted their PhD/M. D/M. S thesis and are awaiting award of the degree are also eligible to apply. Applicants should have an outstanding track record as evident from the quality of the research outputs and publications. The selection will be based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee.
What is the age limit for availing NPDF?
The upper age limit for the fellowship is 35 years at the time of the submission of application. Age relaxation of 5 (five) years will be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged & Women candidates.
What is the amount of fellowship?Is my fellowship taxable? Is the fellowship tenable outside India?
The Fellowship amount for NPDF is ₹55,000/- per month. For those who have submitted their Ph.D. degree, ₹35,000/- per month will be offered till they are awarded the eligible degree. The fellowship is taxable under the Income Tax rules of India. The fellowship is tenable only in India and can be implemented in any of the recognized academic institutions, national laboratories and other recognized R&D institutions. The host institution should provide necessary administrative and infrastructural support.
What is the tenure of the NPDF? Can it be extended?
The fellowship is purely a temporary assignment, and is tenable initially for a period of 2 years. In exceptional cases, depending on the progress of research, the fellowship can be extended for one more year. There is no provision to extend the tenure beyond three years in any case.
What is the upper age limit up to which the J C Bose fellowship can be availed?Can I avail the NPDF from the same institution from where I have obtained the Ph. D. degree? Can I avail other fellowship grants?
The fellowship is generally not availed at the same institution where one has obtained or worked for the PhD/M.S./M.D degree. Also, the fellowship cannot be availed with the doctoral thesis supervisor or co-supervisor as a mentor. The fellows are not eligible to receive fellowship/salary from any other Government or Non-Governmental source during the tenure of the SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
What is the nature of support in NPDF scheme?
National Post-Doctoral Fellow will be entitled to receive grants under the following budget heads.
The fellows will be entitled to receive the grants given below:
Fellowship
(₹55,000/- per month (consolidated))
(₹35,000/ p.m. for candidates who have submitted the thesis but the degree has not yet been awarded)
Research Grant (₹2,00,000/- per annum)
Overheads (₹1,00,000/- per annum)
When should I apply for NPDF? Can I apply for the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N- PDF) projects throughout the year?
The applicant must first identify the host institution and a suitable Mentor in the host institution under which the proposed research objectives will be pursued. The call for applications for SERB- NPDF will be notified through the website www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in Usually one month window will be provided to submit the application along with other documents. All applications should be submitted through the SERB online portal www.serbonline.in.
Who is eligible to be a Mentor? Can my Ph.D. supervisor or co-supervisor act as a mentor?
The Mentor should hold a regular academic or research position in the host institution. The fellowship cannot be availed with the doctoral thesis supervisor or co-supervisor as a mentor.
How should I apply for NPDF? What documents should I submit?
All applications should be submitted through the SERB online portal www.serbonline.in. Usually, a month window is provided to submit the application along with other documents. The following documents are mandatory.
Research proposal (see www.serbonline.in for the correct format).
Proof of Date of Birth (Class X certificate or Date of Birth Certificate).
Proof of Caste (only for cases seeking age relaxation).
Proof of Ph.D. Degree or proof of Ph.D. thesis submission certificate.
Endorsement Certificate signed by Mentor and Head of the Host Institution (format can be downloaded from www.serbonline.in).
Undertaking Certificate by the applicant (see online portal for its format).
Reprints of your two best publications.
CV of the Mentor (see online portal for its format).
The applicants are advised to follow detailed instructions provided in the SERB online portal www.serbonline.in.
When will I be informed of my selection?
The selection process on an average takes at least two months from the last date of submission of the applications. All selected candidates shall receive an Email notification through the SERB online portal, who are then required to download the offer letter.
Is there any break up available for the NPDF research grant?
Flexibility is provided to the Fellow and the Mentor for utilising the Research Grant as per the needs of the research work. Generally, the Research grant can be used for purchasing minor equipment, consumables and contingencies. The grant can also be utilised for travel in India to attend workshops/conferences and other research-related activities. In this regard, the host institution's norms shall apply for TA/DA.
Can I recruit a manpower under this scheme?
There is no provision for providing manpower under this scheme. The Fellow is expected to undertake research himself/herself during the entire duration of the fellowship.
I have received my fellowship for the first year. What documents should I send to receive my scholarship for the second year?
The Fellows should upload annual Progress Report and financial statements at the end of each financial year. The release of the next instalment of the grant will be considered only after submission of (a) Proper Utilization Certificate and Statement of Expenditure, financial year wise and (b) Annual Progress Report through the SERB online portal.
I intend to change my Mentor/Host Institution? What procedure should I follow?
Change of Mentor/Host Institution is generally discouraged and can be allowed only in exceptional cases. Change of Host Institution shall be undertaken only after obtaining due approval from SERB. The new host institute in any case should not be the institution from which the applicant has worked for his Ph.D. or obtained his Ph.D. degree. The transfer of the fellowship along with balance grant and the assets to the new institute is allowed, provided the administrative authority of both institutes agree in writing. NOC from the previous host institute and Endorsement Form from the new host Institute &new Mentor must be sent to SERB through the online portal.
I wish to resign as NPDF? What documents must I send to SERB?
If the one wishes to terminate the fellowship and leave the institute, he/she shall inform the SERB through the host institution immediately. The implementing institute should not incur any expenditure from the date of termination of the project or the date of resignation of fellow.
What are the rules for availing leave?
The NPDF is entitled to leave as per the norms of the host institution. Participation in scientific workshops held in India or abroad will be treated as on duty. Maternity leave, as per the Govt. of India instructions issued from time to time, would be available to female candidates in all categories.
Is SERB terminate NPDF fellowship?
SERB reserves the right to terminate the Fellowship at any stage if it is convinced that appropriate progress is not being made or the grant has not been utilized properly.
Can I be away from the implementing Institute when I am working as National Post-Doctoral Fellow?
The fellows must seek the consent of SERB if he/she intends to be away from the implementing institute (except for field work related to the project) continuously for a period more than eight weeks.
What should be done for the unspent grant under National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N- PDF) after the completion of the tenure of the fellowship?
The following documents should be sent to the SERB after the duration of the Fellowship is completed:
Final Consolidated Statement of Expenditure (in duplicate), giving expenditure financial year wise (FY) from date of start till date of completion.
Utilization Certificates (FY wise) for all FYs (in duplicate) matching with Statement of Expenditure figures in that FY.
Project Completion Report (PCR) with list of publications, and patents filed.
DD/ cheque for the unspent grant, drawn in favor of 'Fund for Science & Engineering Research'
Mentor and PDF candidate are responsible for the timely submission of progress report, utilization certificate, project closure report (PCR), refund of unspent balance amount etc. at the end or early closure of the project.
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Ministry Of Science And Technology
National Post Doctoral Fellowship
Fellow
Fellowship
National
Post Doctoral
Research
Science
Details
Benefits
Eligibility
Application Process
Documents Required
Frequently Asked Questions
The “National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF)” was launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India to identify motivated young researchers and provide them support for doing research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The fellows will work under a mentor, and it is hoped that this training will provide them with a platform to develop as independent researchers.
Duration of fellowship:
- The fellowship is purely a temporary assignment and is tenable for a period of 2 years.
Was this helpful?
Share
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