Central scheme Education

National Science Chair- Science Leadership

The National Science Chair scheme offers monthly fellowships to distinguished Indian scientists for their contributions to STEM and Medicine.

Key facts

Benefit₹1.5 lakh/month
WhoScientists, Academics
How paidMonthly fellowship
Implemented byScience and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
Official portalserbonline.in
Application windowAnnual window — confirm dates on the official portal

Benefits

Awardees receive a monthly fellowship of ₹1.5 lakhs, along with an annual research grant of ₹5 lakhs and ₹1 lakh for overhead expenses at the host institution.

Who can apply

  • For: scientist, academic
  • not income tax payer
  • no government employee in family

Eligible candidates include distinguished resident Indian scientists or academicians with significant contributions in STEM and Medicine over the last decade. Applicants must not be current government employees or income tax payers, and should not hold any administrative roles or receive other fellowships at the time of application.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through the SERB portal when calls for nominations are announced.

  1. Register on the SERB online portal.
  2. Log in and complete the Nominee Details section with required information.
  3. Select the National Science Chair scheme and fill out the nomination form.
  4. Provide details on qualifications, employment, and professional recognition.
  5. Upload necessary documents as specified in the application guidelines.
  6. Submit the completed nomination form through the head of the host institution.
Apply on the official website ↗

Documents required

  • Recent Passport Size Photograph
  • Educational Certificates
  • Bio-data of candidate
  • Publications, award, patent details
  • Endorsement Letter by the head of the Host Institute
  • Certificate from the Nominee
  • Any other document, as required

Common problems and how to fix them

ProblemWhat to do
Application not submittedEnsure that the nomination form is completed in all respects and routed through the Head of the Institution before submission.
Nominee not recognizedThe nominee must have recognition from national/international scientific bodies, such as fellowships in prestigious academies.

Frequently asked questions

Who can nominate candidates for the National Science Chair?

Nominations can be made by current and former Presidents of national science academies, Directors of premier institutes, Vice-Chancellors of universities, and members of various scientific councils.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must provide a recent photograph, educational certificates, a bio-data, details of publications and awards, an endorsement letter from the host institute, and any other required documents.

Is there a limit on the number of awards given?

Yes, the maximum number of National Science Chair positions is limited to five at any given time.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship is initially awarded for three years, with a possibility of extension for an additional two years based on recommendations.

Can the awardee hold other fellowships simultaneously?

No, the nominee must not be receiving any other honorarium, fellowship, or salary from another institute at the time of the NSC award.

Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.

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