Summary
The Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology has invited online applications for the DBT-Research Associateship (DBT-RA) 2025-26 program. The fellowship aims to support young researchers pursuing advanced research in frontier areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences at premier research institutions and universities across India.
The associateship is designed to build a strong postdoctoral research ecosystem and encourage globally competitive research leading to innovation, patents, and societal impact.
Summary Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | DBT-Research Associateship (DBT-RA) 2025-26 |
| Conducting Organization | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India |
| Designation | Research Associate (Postdoctoral Fellowship) |
| Research Area | Biotechnology & Life Sciences |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 2 Years (extendable up to 4 Years in exceptional cases) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date to Apply | 13 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 12 May 2026 |
| Eligibility | Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree holders or thesis submitted candidates |
| Location | Recognized Research Institutions/Universities across India |
| Official Portal | Common Fellowship Portal |
Designation
DBT Research Associate (DBT-RA)
Research Area
- Biotechnology
- Life Sciences
- Modern Biology
- Translational Research
- Frontier Areas of Biomedical and Biotechnological Research
Location
The fellowship is tenable at recognized:
- Universities
- Academic Institutions
- National Laboratories
- Non-profit R&D Institutions
across India.
Eligibility / Qualification
Academic Qualification
Applicants must possess:
- Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering, OR
- M.D./M.S. degree in any area of Medicine
with research interests in Biotechnology and Life Sciences.
Candidates who have already submitted their thesis are also eligible to apply. However, selected candidates without the final eligible degree will receive a lower fellowship amount until qualification completion.
Age Limit
- Maximum 40 years for male candidates
- Maximum 45 years for female candidates
(as on the last date of application)
Employment Status
Candidates currently employed (permanent or contractual) may apply. However, they must resign from their current employment if selected for the fellowship.
Job Description
Selected fellows will:
- Conduct advanced postdoctoral research in Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Work under the guidance of approved mentors at recognized institutions
- Contribute to innovative and translational research
- Participate in research leading to publications, patents, and societal outcomes
- Strengthen India’s biotechnology research ecosystem
Fellowship Tenure
- Initial duration: 2 years
- Annual renewal based on research progress
- Extendable up to 4 years in exceptional cases
Important Guidelines
- Fellowship can be availed only once in a career
- Fellows cannot work with their Ph.D. guide/co-guide
- Fellowship cannot be pursued at the institution where the candidate obtained the qualifying degree
- Mentors can supervise a maximum of two DBT-RA fellows simultaneously
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through ONLINE mode only.
Application Steps
- Visit the official portal:
Common Fellowship Portal - Register on the portal
- Fill out the online application form with:
- Personal details
- Academic qualifications
- Research contributions
- Proposed research work
- Mentor and host institution details
- Referee information
- Upload required documents:
- Self-attested DOB certificate
- Degree certificates
- Mentor consent letter
- Ensure referees upload recommendation letters before the deadline.
Important Note
Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.
Contact Information
DBT-HRD Project & Management Unit
Regional Centre for Biotechnology
Email:
Phone: 0129-2848537 / 533
Last Date to Apply
27 May 2026
