SERB N PDF – A Gateway to Independent Scientific Research
Get a complete guide to the Science & Engineering Research Board – National Post Doctoral Fellowship (SERB–N-PDF)—objectives, eligibility, financial support, and how to apply for this prestigious opportunity
- What is the SERB–N-PDF?
- Objectives of the Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
- How to Apply
- Selection Process
- Importance of the Fellowship
- FAQs
What is the SERB–N-PDF?
The Science & Engineering Research Board – National Post Doctoral Fellowship (SERB–N-PDF) is a distinguished program of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. This program is designed to help extraordinary young researchers who possess a PhD (or equivalent degree) and who wish to elevate their careers into the direction of an independent scientist.
The program, as a flagship program, provides financial support, mentoring, and research support to scholars engaged in frontier areas of science and engineering. As Fellowships are placed under senior mentors at top Indian institutions, the researchers receive an environment and training needed to develop their scientific career.
Objectives of the Fellowship
- To empower early-career researchers with the ability to conduct impactful scientific research.
- To provide organised mentorship, placing fellows with seasoned scientists in India.
- To help early-career researchers transition to independent researchers to prepare them for faculty and research roles in India’s leading universities and institutes.
Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must possess a PhD/MD/MS degree from a recognised university. Those who have submitted their thesis can also apply, but will receive a lower stipend until the completion of the PhD.
- Upper age limit of 35 years on the date of application. Relaxations: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Women
- Fellowship can be taken only once in a lifetime.
- The mentor cannot be the PhD supervisor, and the mentor cannot be affiliated with a third party: Each mentor can take at most two N-PDF fellows at one time.
Financial Support
- ₹55,000/month stipend (for holders of a PhD degree).
- ₹35,000/month stipend (for applicants who have submitted a thesis but have not yet received the degree).
- Annual Research Grant: ₹2,00,000 for expenses related to projects, field work, consumables, etc.
- Institutional Overhead: ₹1,00,000 per year to the host institution.
- Duration of the awards: 2 years (can be extended for 1 year in exceptional circumstances).
How to Apply
- Applications can be made via the SERB e-Portal (ANRF interface) online.
Candidates must, before applying:
- Choose a host institution in India.
- Have a mentor consent to supervise their research.
- Proposals and endorsements must be submitted via the online portal before the deadline.
Documents Required
- PhD degree award certificate or proof of submission of thesis related to PhD degree.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume of the applicant and the mentor.
- Detailed research proposal (aims, methods, expected results).
- Letter of endorsement (advice) from mentor and hosting institution.
- Proof of age and identity, proof of current validity.
- Category certificate (if applicable).
- Signed undertaking from applicant.
Selection Process
Eligibility and Completeness Screening: The First step in determining whether your proposal is eligible and complete.
Expert Evaluation: Discipline-specific committee evaluates applications based on:
- Quality of research proposal.
- Track record observations of the applicant.
- Mentor and Institutional Support.
- Final selection: Offers will be issued to shortlisted candidates, followed by onboarding activities at the host institute.
Importance of the SERB–N-PDF
The SERB–National Post-Doctoral Fellowship provides an excellent way to establish independent scientific careers in India. This fellowship provision is an ideal transition point between performing research for a PhD and landing long-term faculty or research positions.
By coupling financial support with mentorship and career advancement components, this fellowship fuels innovative research and develops a strong pipeline of scientists who contribute to increasing India’s prominence in the fields of science and technology.
FAQs
Q: What if I only submitted my thesis? Can I apply?
Ans: Yes, but until your degree is conferred, your stipend will be ₹35,000/month.
Q: Is there an option for fellowship renewal?
Ans: The fellowship will be awarded for 2 years; a 1-year extension may be permitted in certain exceptional situations.
Q: Can my PhD supervisor be my mentor?
Ans: No. You will need to choose a different mentor.
Q: Can I hold another employment while on N-PDF?
Ans. No. There shall be no government or non-government fellowships or permanent employment to be held together with N-PDF.
Q: Can I change my mentor or host institution after I have been selected?
Ans: Changes are not favoured, and must be approved formally by SERB/ANRF.
Conclusion
The SERB–National Post Doctoral Fellowship is one of the most popular postdoctoral options available in India, providing young researchers with the resources, mentoring, and independence to further pursue their careers.
If you seek to establish your mark as a researcher in science and engineering, this fellowship is the predominant path to achieving research independence and contributing to the country’s scientific progress.
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