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Education & Learning; Women and Child

Biotechnology Career Advancement And Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme For Women Scientists

Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme, a special scheme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, the government of India aims to enhance the participation of women scientists in India towards research in Biotechnology.

Authority

Central

Region

None

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Date of Commencement of Project & its Duration | - The duration of the project is of three (3) years and is specified in the sanction order. | - The project starting date will be effective from the date on which the candidate joins the Institution but within 45 days from the date of issuance of the sanction order. The date of receipt of the grant should be intimated by the Institution authorities/Mentor and Nodal officer to this Department. It will, in no case be later than 15 days after the receipt of the grant by the Institute. | - The successful candidates have to join their host institution within 45 days from the date of issuance of the sanction order, or else it would be withdrawn. | Project Cost & Fellowship to Project Investigator | Project Cost & Fellowship: Based on the applicant's qualifying degree, the budget support is provided in the following two categories: | Category: Category-I | Qualifying Degree: Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences or allied areas or interdisciplinary sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc. | Research Grant: Restricted up to ₹ 60,00,000 (includes consolidated Fellowship of ₹ 68,000/month). | Category: Category-II | Qualifying Degree: M.Tech. in Biotechnology or allied areas / MPharma/ equivalent degree. | Research Grant: Restricted up to ₹ 40,00,000 (Includes consolidated Fellowship of ₹ 50,000/month).

Who can apply

Animal and Marine Biotechnology or allied areas.; Bioengineering and Biomaterials or allied areas.; Medical Biotechnology or allied areas.; Environmental Biotechnology and Bioenergy or allied areas.; Plant and Agriculture Biotechnology or allied areas.; She/he should be a permanent employee at the Host Institute and should not be a spouse or relative of the applicant.; He/She will be the person in whose laboratory & under whose supervision the applicant intends to carry out the project under the BioCARe program.; The proposal submitted under the BioCARe scheme should be the applicant’s initiative and should not be an extension of the Mentor’s research.; The proposed research is expected to complement and benefit from the Mentor’s research interests and expertise.; The Mentor must have at least 5 years of service remaining.; The Mentor must guarantee the applicant access to laboratory space and resources required for the project, and provide relevant scientific guidance and career advice for the tenure of the project.; The Mentor must have at least three ongoing and/or four successfully completed extramural research projects in the last five years, funded by government/government-supported agencies as PI.; An applicant can submit his application for a research grant from a government-supported/government funded (such as central universities, state universities, autonomous institutions, Private Universities/Institutes etc.) or an Indian “non-profit” Institution.; The Institution will be required to adhere to the guidelines & conditions outlined by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.

Required Paperwork

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

Common Questions

What Is The Full Name Of The "BioCARe" Scheme?

The full name of "BioCARe" Scheme is "Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation".

Who Is The Implementing Agency?

On the behalf of Department of Biotechnology, this program is being managed by the Processing and Management Unit (PMU) established at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.

What Are The Objectives Of This Scheme?

Through this endeavor of the Department, a concerted effort would be made to give women scientists a strong foothold into the scientific profession, to help them re-enter the mainstream, and to provide a launch pad for further forays into the field of science and technology.

What Shall Be The Duration Of The Project?

The duration of the project is of three (3) years and is specified in the sanction order.

Within What Timeframe Is The Candidate Required To Join Their Host Institution?

The successful candidates have to join their host institution within 45 days from the date of issuance of the sanction order, or else it would be withdrawn.

How Much Shall Be The Research Grant In Case The Candidate Has A Ph.D. In Any Discipline Of Life Sciences Or Allied Areas Or Interdisciplinary Sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc.?

In case the candidate has a Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences or allied areas or interdisciplinary sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc., the Research Grant shall be up to [?] 60,00,000 (includes consolidated Fellowship of [?] 68,000/month).

How Much Shall Be The Research Grant In Case The Candidate Has A M.Tech. In Biotechnology Or Allied Areas / MPharma/ Equivalent Degree?

In case the candidate has a Ph.D. in any discipline of Life Sciences or allied areas or interdisciplinary sciences /MD/MDS/M.V.Sc., the Research Grant shall be up to [?] 40,00,000 (Includes consolidated Fellowship of [?] 50,000/month).

Which Research Areas Are Eligible For Financial Support?

Eligible Areas for Financial Support: | - Animal and Marine Biotechnology or allied areas. | - Bioengineering and Biomaterials or allied areas. | - Medical Biotechnology or allied areas. | - Environmental Biotechnology and Bioenergy or allied areas. | - Plant and Agriculture Biotechnology or allied areas.

Are The Candidates In Regular Or Permanent Employment Eligible?

No, the candidates in regular or permanent employment are not eligible to apply for BioCARe.

Is There Any Age-Related Criterion For This Scheme?

Yes, the woman scientist should be upto/below 55 years, as of the last date of the submission of the application.

Can The Candidates Who Are Registered In Ph.D. And Receiving Any Fellowships Apply?

No, the candidates who are registered in Ph.D. and receiving any fellowships are not eligible to apply.

Can The Mentor Be The Spouse Or Relative Of The Applicant?

No, the Mentor cannot be a permanent employee at the Host Institute and should not be a spouse or relative of the applicant.

How Many Remaining Years Of Service Should The Mentor Have?

The Mentor must have at least 5 years of service remaining.

What Types Of Institutions Are Eligible For This Scheme?

An applicant can submit his application for a research grant from a government-supported/government funded (such as central universities, state universities, autonomous institutions, Private Universities/Institutes etc.) or an Indian "non-profit" Institution.