Overview

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) programme of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) aims to support Ph.D. holders in Science and Engineering with a strong research background. This initiative is designed to promote advanced research and foster the development of young scientists in their early career.

Fellowships are awarded to candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their doctoral work and have published high-quality research in peer-reviewed SCI journals. The fellowship must be availed at a research institution other than the one where the candidate completed their Ph.D., and only institutions within India are eligible.

Selection is based on merit and is carried out through a rigorous screening process by a selection committee. Evaluation parameters include the quality of the research proposal, academic credentials, publication record, recognitions, presentation, and discussions during the interview.

How to Apply
Eligible candidates can submit applications online for the 2024–25 cycle through the KSCSTE online portal.

Fellowship Details

• Monthly Fellowship: ₹60,000/-
• Annual Contingency Grant: ₹75,000/-
• Duration: Up to 2 years (non-extendable)

Eligibility Criteria

• Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• Educational Qualification: Ph.D. in Science or Engineering (completed at the time of application) with a minimum of 60% marks in Post-Graduation.
• Research Centre Requirements:
  • Should not be the same as the candidate’s Ph.D. institution.
  • Should preferably be located in Kerala. However, exceptional institutions outside Kerala such as IISc, IITs, IISERs will also be considered.
  • Must be a Government Institution (R&D institutions (State/National level) or University Departments)/ Private R&D Institution*

* Private organizations wishing to host KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellows should meet ANY 02/ 04 basic requirements and should furnish the details listed from (a) to (c) during online submission of application.

• Publications: At least one research paper published in an SCI journal or a secured patent.
• Restrictions: Candidates who have previously availed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or any other agency are not eligible to apply.

Contact Information

Scientist-in-Charge (KSCSTE-PDF)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695004, Kerala
📞 Tel: +91-471-2548402
📧 Email: jaya.kscste@kerala.gov.in

Downloads

NEW APPLICANTS: 2023-24

New Applicants

• Revised Guidelines (Applicable for new selections after 28.10.2024)
• Guidelines
• Format for File uploads
• Declaration by the Applicant
• Consent from Scientist Mentor
• Endorsement from Head of Institution
• Proposal Technical Details
• Details of publications

On Tentative sanction of Project

• Revised Terms & Conditions (Applicable for new selections after 28.10.2024)
• Terms & Conditions
• E-payment form

Upon Joining the institute

• Date of start 

ONGOING RESEARCHERS

Documents to be submitted for release of subsequent year grant

• Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate
• Annual Progress Report (Project year)

Documents to be Submitted on Completion of Project 

• Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate, Consolidated Statement of Expenditure
• Annual Progress Report for the 2nd year
• Project Completion Report
• Final Technical Report (FTR)
• Asset Transfer Certificate(if any)

Proof on participation in Kerala Science Congress

Introduction
Scientists / Academicians from the Kerala State in the field of Science/ Engineering who have retired from service or completed their assignments from reputed institutions with research publications in reputed journals are eligible to apply. The programme helps to provide opportunity to superannuated outstanding scientists to pursue research in their respective field of specialization and to harness their knowledge and erudition for the development of State. Selection through review/evaluation by an expert committee.

Procedure for Application

• Eligible applicants may apply online in the KSCSTE web portal for New applications 2023 in the following link https://submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in/

Features

• Monthly fellowship of Rs.31,000/- and annual contingent grant of Rs.1,00,000/-.
• A Project Fellow can be appointed to support research activity.
• Fellowship will be given for a period not exceeding three years.

Eligibility

• Candidates should be retired scientists / academicians in Kerala by birth or domicile and should have worked as a  scientist/academician in reputed institutions with commendable scientific achievements.
• Candidate should apply within 5 years of superannuation.
• Candidate should have published a minimum of 3 peer reviewed research papers with SCI indexed journals with impact factor greater than 2.0 or should have filed at least one patent in the last 3 years of application.
• Those who have availed Emeritus Scientist Fellowship earlier (from KSCSTE or elsewhere) are not eligible to apply.
• Research centre selected for the proposed work should be the R&D Centres of KSCSTE.

Contact

Scientist-in-charge (KSCSTE-ESS)
Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
Tel: +91 471 2548218.

Downloads

NEW APPLICANTS: 2023

New Applicants

• Notification            Malayalam      English
• Guidelines

Format for File uploads

• Declaration by the Applicant
• Endorsement from Head of Institution
• Proposal Technical Details
• Details of publications

On Tentative sanction of Project

• Terms & Conditions
• E-payment form

Upon Joining the institute

• Date of start

ONGOING RESEARCHERS

Documents to be submitted for release of subsequent year grant

• Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate
• Annual Progress Report (Project year)

Documents to be Submitted on Completion of Project

• Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate, Consolidated Statement of Expenditure
• Annual Progress Report for the Third Year
• Project Completion Report
• Final Technical Report (FTR)
• Asset Transfer Certificate(if any)

Introduction
This scheme is for encouraging enthusiastic and passionate post-graduate science/ engineering students by supporting financially in their Ph.D. studies. There are seven science streams which the students can opt for fellowship. They are Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Earth-Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.

The KSCSTE fellows are selected based on a rigorous online examination among bright post-graduate students.

Procedure for Application

• Applications are invited through online mode.
• A non – refundable fee of Rs. 750 /- for general candidates and free for SC/ST and Differently abled.

Features

• The Fellowship carries a monthly stipend of Rs 31,000/- for the first two years (JRF)  and Rs. 35,000/-  per month in the third year (SRF). Additionally, there is an annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000/-. (With effect from January 2020).
• All Research Fellows shall be allowed hostel accomodation wherever available and those residing in hostel provided by University/Institute shall not be eligible for HRA.  Reimbursement of hostel fee shall not permissible,  Where hostel facility is not possible.  House Rent Allowance shall be allowed maximum of 10% of their fellowship.
• The fellowship is for a period not exceeding three years.

Eligibility

• Candidates who have qualified the post-graduate degree, shall have three consecutive chances to apply for the Fellowship programme. Thus, a candidate who has passed the examination in the current year can apply in this year, the next year, and year after next.
• The candidates (General and OBC candidates) should have minimum 70.00% marks or equivalent CGPA in their PG examination and 65.00% for SC/ST and differently-abled candidates.
• Only candidates who have their qualifying degree (PG) from any of the Universities in Kerala are eligible to apply.

Contact

The Head
Basic Science Division
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
SasthraBhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Tel: +91 471 2548360/314
E-mail: bsd.kscste@kerala.gov.in

Downloads

• Guidelines
• Terms and Conditions
• Revised Fellowship Hike Order
• Format for Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate

Introduction
Partnering Academic Industrial Research (PAIR) scheme is intended to promote translational research through academia – industry linkage. The scheme envisages to identify a researcher, who works towards Ph.D. or Post-Doctoral programme with the partnering institute concerned. Based on the advertisements, KSCSTE will select the research fellows. The research fellow will conduct the research working jointly in the R&D institute/ academic institute/ industry, with research advisors being drawn from each of these institutions. The term of research programme is normally 3 years for Ph.D. and 2 years for post-doctoral research.

Procedure for Application

• Applications are invited through advertisement

Features

• After completing the Ph.D. / post-doctoral research, the candidate will be appointed as an intern at the sponsoring industry.
• There is possibility of subsequently being absorbed as permanent staff in the industry.
• KSCSTE will help the industry to identify the R&D institution and academia to partner with the industry for conducting the joint research.
• The sponsoring industry will define the research area of the Ph.D./ post- doctoral research fellow

Eligibility

• Post-graduate degree /Professional degree/Ph.D. as required by each PAIR programme

Contact

Scientist-in-charge (PAIR)
Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment
SasthraBhavan, Pattom,Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
Tel No. 0471-2548218
E-mail: pair.kscste@gmail.com

Downloads

• Application Form
• Statement of Expenditure and Utilization certificate

Overview

The Back-to-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme, offered by KSCSTE, is designed to support women scientists who have experienced a career break of at least 01 year post PhD, due to family or personal commitments. This initiative provides a platform for qualified women with a Ph.D. in Science or Engineering to re-enter active research and contribute to the scientific community.

The fellowship is intended for unemployed women who are permanent residents of Kerala and is typically awarded for a maximum duration of 2 years.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may reach out for application guidance or queries via:

📧 Email: wsd1kscste@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 0471-2548402

(Online application details will be updated on the KSCSTE portal when the call is active.)

Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly Fellowship: ₹60,000/– per month consolidated
• Annual Contingency Grant: ₹75,000/-
• Tenure: Up to 2 years

Eligibility Criteria

• Gender: Only women candidates are eligible.
• Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• Employment Status: Applicants must be unemployed and on a career break at the time of application.
• Financial Support: Should not be receiving any salary, stipend, or financial assistance from any other source.
• Educational Qualification:
  • Ph.D. in Science or Engineering (completed at the time of application).
  • Minimum 60% marks in Post-Graduation.
• Age Limit:
  • Maximum age: 40 years as on the date of application.
  • Relaxation: 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidate

• Research Centre Requirements:
  • Should not be the same as the candidate’s Ph.D. institution.
  • Should preferably be located in Kerala. However, exceptional institutions outside Kerala such as IISc, IITs, IISERs will also be considered.
  • Must be a Government Institution (R&D institutions (State/National level) or University Departments)/ Private R&D Institution*

* Private organizations wishing to host KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellows should meet ANY 02/ 04 basic requirements and should furnish the details listed from (a) to (c) during online submission of application.

• Publications: At least one research paper published in an SCI journal or a secured patent.
• Restrictions: Candidates who have previously availed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or any other agency are not eligible to apply.

Contact Information

Dr. Jaya Jacob
Scientist-in-Charge (KSCSTE-BLP)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695004, Kerala
📞 Tel: +91-471-2548402
📧 Email: jaya.kscste@kerala.gov.in

Downloads

• Asset Transfer Certificate
• Format for Final Technical Report
• Consolidated Utilization Certificate
• Project Completion Report
• Bi-3 Reporting publications format
• BLP Progress Report format
• BLP Utilisation Certificate
• Start Intimation form
• E-payment form
• BLP Terms & Condition 2024
• Endorsement
• Consent from Scientist Mentor
• Declaration by the Applicant
• Certificate on break in career
• BLP Guidelines 2024
• BLP Notification 2024 extension