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Education & Learning; Women and Child

Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme

To facilitate the re-entry of women having a career break to Science research, the Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) launched the “Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme” in 2010.

Authority

State

Region

Kerala

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Monthly Research Fellowship of ₹22,000/- + 10 % HRA in the first two years and ₹25,000/- + 10 % HRA per month in the third year, along with an annual contingent grant of ₹20,000/-. | - Duration of the Fellowship is 3 years or till the date of submission of Ph.D Thesis, whichever is earlier.

Who can apply

Only women candidates are eligible to apply.; Applicant should be of Kerala origin and unemployed.; Age limit: 45 years; Applicant should have qualified post-graduation with a minimum of 60% marks.; Applicant should have a valid Ph.D registration in an institution of academic/ research excellence in Kerala including R&D institutions, University Departments, Govt. Aided colleges, in any of the streams; Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture or Medicine (STEAM).; Applicant should have completed Ph.D coursework.; Only those research scholars who are under (undergone) a career break spanning a minimum period of 6 months during the course of their Ph.D. programme due to maternity or other valid reasons are eligible to apply.; Applicant should not have completed 4 years as on the date of Ph.D registration.; Applicant should not be receiving any fellowship or grant from any other source for the Ph.D. programme.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the aim of this programme?

The Scheme aims to support Women Research Scholars having a career break, to come back to research and complete the Ph.D programme.

Which is the implementing agency of this programme?

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

When was this programme launched?

The programme was launched in the year 2010.

Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?

Only those research scholars who are under (undergone) career break spanning for a minimum period of 6 months during the course of their Ph.D. programme due to maternity or other valid reasons are eligible to apply.

What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the programme?

The age of the candidate should be below 45 years.

What is the qualification required to apply for the programme?

Applicants should have qualified Post-Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks and should have a valid Ph.D. registration in a recognised and reputed University or Institution in Kerala.

Can an employed candidate be eligible to apply?

No, the applicant should not be employed either on permanent or temporary basis and should not be receiving any sort of emoluments at the time of application.

Can a candidate who has completed PhD be eligible to apply?

No

How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible fellow?

Monthly Research Fellowship of [?]22,000/- + 10 % HRA in the first two years and [?]25,000/- + 10 % HRA per month in the third year.

How much will the contingency grant to be paid under the programme?

An annual contingent grants of [?]20,000/- will also be paid under the programme.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

Duration of the Fellowship is 3 years or till the date of submission of Ph.D Thesis, whichever is earlier.

How can an applicant apply for the programme?

Eligible applicants may apply in the prescribed format and the format for the application can be downloaded from the Official Website of KSCSTE. https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/back-to-lab/

Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?

The Head, Women Scientists Division, Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom (P.O), Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004, Ph: 0471 2548208, Fax: 0471 2540085, 2534605, E-mail: womenscientistkerala@gmail.com