DBT BioCARe 2026: ₹60 Lakh Grant for Women Scientists – Apply Now!

Unlock your independent research career with DBT’s BioCARe programme. Up to ₹60 Lakhs funding & ₹75,000/month fellowship for Indian Women Researchers. No permanent job required.

Your Independent Research Journey Starts Here

The DBT BioCARe Programme is looking for passionate Women Researchers ready to lead their own project.

If you are an unemployed Indian female scientist with a Ph.D., M.Tech., or M.Pharma, this is your golden ticket to step into the mainstream of Biotechnology research. No prior extramural funding as PI? No problem. This is designed to be your first sanctioned independent project.

Why You Should Apply

The BioCARe programme is not just a grant; it is a career launchpad. Here is why thousands of women researchers are eyeing this opportunity:

• Substantial Research Grant: Get up to ₹60 Lakhs (Category I) to bring your research ideas to life.
• Attractive Monthly Fellowship: Receive a consolidated fellowship of ₹75,000/month (Ph.D./MD) or ₹58,000/month (M.Tech/M.Pharma) for 3 years.
• Long-Term Stability: A fixed 3-year project duration gives you the time to do deep, impactful science.
• Broad Subject Areas: From Medical Biotech and Bioengineering to Environmental and Plant Sciences—we cover it all.
• Career Re-Entry: Specifically designed for women looking to break a career gap or transition back into active research.

Eligibility at a Glance

Check if you fit the criteria before you prepare your proposal:

Citizenship	Indian Female Researchers only.
Age Limit	Up to 55 years as on the application deadline.
Employment Status	NOT in regular/permanent employment. (Temp/Ad-hoc workers can apply, but must resign if selected).
Category I	Ph.D. / MD / MDS / M.V.Sc. in Life Sciences or allied areas.
Category II	M.Tech (Biotech) / M.Pharma / Equivalent degree.
Crucial Rule	Must be your FIRST extramural research grant as a Principal Investigator from any Govt. agency.

Category I (Ph.D./MD/MDS/MVSc)

• Total Grant: Up to ₹60 Lakhs
• Monthly Fellowship: ₹75,000 (Consolidated)

No funds for hiring JRF/SRF/RA are provided; the grant is strictly for the PI’s fellowship, consumables, travel, and contingencies.

Category II (M.Tech/M.Pharma)

• Total Grant: Up to ₹40 Lakhs
• Monthly Fellowship: ₹58,000 (Consolidated)

Critical Requirements (Must-Know Rules)

• The Mentor System: You must select a Mentor at a host institute (Govt./Non-profit). The mentor must be a permanent employee with 5+ years of service left, cannot be a relative, and must provide lab space.
• 100% Research Time: You are required to devote full-time to this project. No concurrent PhD enrollment or other fellowships.
• No Major Equipment: The budget does not allow purchasing expensive heavy equipment; choose a host lab with existing infrastructure.

How to Apply

Ready to take the leap?

1. Prepare your Research Proposal aligned with DBT's priority areas.
2. Secure a Mentor and get an endorsement letter on the Host Institute's letterhead.
3. Visit the official DBT website and look for the BioCARe Programme advertisement link.
4. Submit the online application before the deadline (Check DBT portal for current dates).

Note: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a presentation before the Expert Committee.

Contact & Support

For queries, reach out to the DBT-HRD Project Management Unit:

📧 Email: biocare.dbt@rcb.res.in

📍 Address: Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad.