The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India has launched the MK Bhan Fellowship program under the Department of Biotechnology. The program aims to encourage young bright researchers to continue their research in the country after their Ph.D. The young researchers will receive independent research grants to young post-doctoral fellows. This will help them to emerge as future leaders and can work on the research which will be solely focused on the issues of national relevance. The Fellowship will be awarded for research work which will be carried out at the Department of Biotechnology-Autonomous institutes only. Interested candidates can visit the official website to apply to this program. In this article, we will provide you with all the Important and relevant information about this program.

Motive of MK Bhan Fellowship
The main motive of the MK Bhan Fellowship program is to provide research grants to young post-doctoral fellows. The program will work to provide attractive opportunities for young researchers to develop as independent investigators. The program’s main focus will be on enabling young researchers to pursue their research interests within the country and also develop a critical mass of trained scientists for the country’s research institutions, universities, and major new initiatives. The program will encourage these young and bright researchers to carry out their research within the country.
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Key Highlights Of MK Bhan Fellowship
Name of the program | MK Bhan Fellowship |
Announced by | The Ministry of Science and Technology |
Beneficiaries | The young and bright researchers of our country |
Benefits | They will get a chance to carry out their research after Ph.D in the country |
Year | 2025 |
Application mode | Online |
Official website | https://fellowships.gov.in/ |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for applying to this program are given below:-
- The candidate must be an Indian national with a Ph.D. in any field related to biotechnology, life sciences, or related fields.
- Only research projects to be conducted in DBT-Autonomous Institutes will be eligible for this fellowship.
- The applicant shouldn’t be employed permanently by any organization or university.
- An outstanding record should be demonstrated by the applicant’s peer-reviewed publications, created technology, and (if applicable) patents.
- Ph.D. candidates are also welcome to apply, however, fellowships cannot be used until the degree has been awarded.
- The applicant shouldn’t accept a fellowship at the same institution where they completed their doctoral studies.
- Every applicant needs to choose a mentor and a host institution.
- As of the application submission deadline, the maximum age will be 35 years old.
- Candidates are not permitted to hold multiple fellowships concurrently.
- The mentor and the institution’s head must sign the application, which must be sent through the host institute (DBT Autonomous Institute) that the candidate has selected to accept the fellowship.
Fellowship Stipend
- The program offers a combined monthly salary of rupees 90,000/-p.m.
- MKB-YRFP fellows will also receive a research/contingency grant of Rupees 20.00 lakh annually to help with hiring staff, purchasing consumables, minor equipment, domestic travel, and other contingent expenses to be incurred for the implementation of the research proposal selected for the fellowship. They can hire one staff member (JRF/SRF/Project Assistant/Project Associate) under them.
- Capital equipment will be purchased in the name of the institute where the fellow plans to work, and the total value of the equipment should not exceed rupees 10.00 lakh.
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Important Dates
- Start date of application:- 15 January 2025
- Last date of application:- 16 March 2025
Duration and No of Fellowship
Up to 50 Fellowships will be provided each year. The duration of the fellowship will bea maximum period of three years and in exceptional cases, the duration could be extended by another two years on a fresh appraisal.
Salient Features
The salient features of this program are given below:-
- In order to help young Post-Doctoral Fellows become future leaders and pursue innovative research on topics of national importance, the program will provide them with an independent research grant.
- The only research projects eligible for this fellowship will be conducted in DBT-Autonomous Institutes.
Selection Process
The applicants will be selected under this program by the below procedure:-
- A national level Selection committee constituted by the Department of Bio-Technology for the Purpose will select the final candidates for MKB-YRFP.
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How to Apply for MK Bhan Fellowship 2025?
To apply for this program the applicant should follow the below procedure:-
- Step 1:- first of all visit the MK Bhan website to initiate the application process.

- Step 2:- on the home page of the official website you need to click on the apply now button.
- Step 3:- After this, you will be redirected to a new page, there you need to provide all important information and attach relevant documents.
- Step 4:- Now you need to click on the submit button to complete the application process.
Important Downloads
Helpline Number
- 011-24361035
FAQs
What is the MK Bhan Fellowship program?
It’s a program launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology for the benefit of Young and bright researchers.
What are the benefits of this program?
The applicants will receive a monthly Stipend under this program.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying under this program?
The applicant should have received his or her PhD for applying under this program.
Can I apply online for this program?
Yes, you can visit the official website to apply online for this program.