Scholarship
Research Associates (RA)(RA)
Overview
About RA
The DBT-Research Associateship is a postdoctoral fellowship run by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), which sits under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Its day-to-day administration is handled by the DBT-HRD Project Management Unit at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad.
The scheme's stated aim is to train and nurture young researchers and scientists and to build a larger base of trained people working in modern biology and biotechnology. Awardees take up research in biotechnology and life sciences at research institutions and universities across India. The benefit is a cash associateship, paid as a consolidated monthly remuneration alongside research support, and held for a fixed, temporary term.
It is meant for individual researchers who hold a Ph.D. in science or engineering, or an M.D./M.S. in medicine, and who have research interests in biotechnology and life sciences. Upper age limits and other eligibility conditions apply to applicants.
Sources: Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – DBT Research Associateship · Biotecnika – DBT-Research Associateship 2026 · Buddy4Study – DBT-Research Associateship in Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Who runs it
Provider
Ministry Of Science And Technology
Central Government
Department Of Biotechnology
At a glance
Key details
| Level | Central |
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Category | Education & Learning, Skills & Employment |
| Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Benefit type | Cash |
| Application mode | Online |
Calendar
Important dates
Across all open application cycles.
| Cycle | Stage | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Applications open | 1999-01-01 |
Who can apply
Eligibility criteria
| Applicant must have Ph.D./ M.D./ M.S. degree in a relevant field. | |
| Applicant must have good academic record. | |
| Age limit is 40 years for male candidates and 45 years for female candidates. | |
| Applicants who are employed can apply, but must relinquish their employment to accept the fellowship. | |
| The DBT-RA fellowship can be availed only once in a career. |
What you get
Award & benefits
- Fellowship amount: The Research Associateship is tenable for a period of 2 yrs. In exceptional cases, depending upon the progress of the research and overall importance of the project, it may be extended upto 5 yrs. Each fellow is entitled to a monthly stipend in the range of ₹36,000-40,000/- (₹ 28,000/- for those who are yet to be awarded the Ph.D/M.D./M.S. degree) plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per norms. A research contingency grant of ₹50,000/- per annum is also provided.
What to prepare
Documents required
Step by step
How to apply
- 1Apply online
See the official links below for the application portal.
Source
Official links
Questions
RA – FAQ
Disclaimer
Scheme details are compiled from myScheme, the Government of India’s official scheme-discovery platform, and are reproduced without alteration. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility change between cycles — always confirm on the official links above before applying. Expertie does not process applications or charge fees.